Over 10,000 runners from 59 nations join Chisinau Marathon
Over 10,000 international runners braved rain and cold in Chisinau on Sunday to compete in the capital’s annual marathon, welcoming participants from more than 59 countries.
Celebrating endurance and heritage
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan greeted competitors gathered at the starting line, praising their endurance and communal solidarity.
“It is a source of great pride to see so many people who, despite the rain and the cold, decided to run today through the streets of Chisinau,” said Tofan. “Beyond participants from the Republic of Moldova, we have competitors representing 59 countries.”
Tofan wished the athletes success and urged foreign visitors to explore Moldova beyond the sports tracks, highlighting the country's culinary traditions and local wines.
Inclusivity and multi-distance events
The 2026 edition featured several competitive disciplines, including the standard 42.195-kilometer marathon and the 21-kilometer half-marathon. Participants also competed in 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer courses, alongside a 1.5-kilometer Fun Run.
The competition maintained full accessibility for wheelchair athletes across the 5, 10, and 21-kilometer distances. The main event followed the Kids Run Day held on Sept. 12 for children aged 5 to 14.
Staged in its current international format since 2015, the Chisinau Marathon has evolved into Moldova’s flagship mass athletic fixture, fostering active lifestyles while raising the capital’s global profile.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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