Race Guide

1. The 97th Great Race around Lake Viljandi is the oldest continuously organized traditional running event in Estonia and also one of the oldest folk races in Europe The race began in 1928 and will now be held for the 97th time.

2. The event (hereafter: The 97th Great Race) is organized by the City of Viljandi.

3. The race is conducted in accordance with this Guide 2026.

4. The start and finish of the race are both located at Viljandi City Stadium.

5. Route selection on the course is largely free, however there are two mandatory control points at opposite ends of Lake Viljandi: Control Point I – Orika hiking trail bridge (4.8 km) Control Point II – Viiratsi hiking trail bridge (10.2 km) Passing both control points is mandatory for ALL participants!

To ensure runner safety, all participants will be redirected to the official lakeside health trail approx. 600 m before the first control point.
Completing this section strictly according to organizer instructions is mandatory for ALL participants!

The race also includes two intermediate finish points: Huntaugu Hill (1.7 km) Orika Bridge (4.8 km)

6. The course runs mainly on gravel and forest roads, and partly on asphalt roads. All roads remain OPEN to traffic. For safety reasons, all participants must follow traffic regulations, road signs, and traffic coordinator signals.

Note: The route is not suitable for wheelchairs.

7. Participation in The 97th Great Race is at the participant’s own risk and responsibility.
The race is open to all movement enthusiasts born in 2013 or earlier, who are adequately trained to complete the distance.

Younger participants (born 2014–2015) may join the course only under parent or guardian responsibility.

Age Categories

Women

W14 (2012–2013)

W16 (2010–2011)

W18 (2008–2009)

W21 (1992–2007)

W35 (1987–1991)

W40 (1982–1986)

W45 (1977–1981)

W50 (1972–1976)

W55 (1967–1971)

W60 (1962–1966)

W65 (1957–1961)

W70 (1956 & earlier)

Men

M14 (2012–2013)

M16 (2010–2011)

M18 (2008–2009)

M21 (1992–2007)

M35 (1987–1991)

M40 (1982–1986)

M45 (1977–1981)

M50 (1972–1976)

M55 (1967–1971)

M60 (1962–1966)

M65 (1957–1961)

M70 (1952–1956)

M75 (1947–1951)

M80 (1946 & earlier)

9. Start Groups & Bib Numbers

Elite Group          1–100
Group I                101–300
Group II               301–500
Group III              501–1000
Group IV             1001–1500
Group V              1501–2000
Group VI             2001–3000
Group VII            3001–…
Nordic Walking   Group All participants using walking poles (regardless of starting number)

Start groups will be formed based on race placements from 2025 and, if needed, 2024, for registrations submitted no later than 15 April 2026.

Later registrants will receive start groups in order of registration — same bib numbers or group placement are not guaranteed.

Participants using Nordic walking poles must start AFTER all runners, in a separate corridor, regardless of bib number!

The Elite Group includes participants placing 1st–100th in 2025, and athletes invited by the organizer.

Participants must enter and start from the start corridor matching their bib number.

Organizers reserve the right to modify start groups if necessary.

Re-registration / bib transfer is open until 15.04.2026 (end of Round IV). No changes allowed after this date.
 

10. Race Kit Pick-Up Viljandi Sports Hall: 22–29 April 2026 (business days), 10:00–19:00 Race Center (stadium parking, Aasa Street): 30 April 2026, 16:00–19:00 1 May 2026, 9:00–11:45

Payments for late registration at the Race Center are CASH ONLY.

Whenever possible, participants are asked to collect their materials from Viljandi Sports Hall before race day!

11. Timing: System All participants receive an electronic timing chip with the race kit. The participant is responsible for the chip from the moment it is received. Not using the timing chip means no split or finish time will be recorded in the official results.

12. Results: Preliminary (unofficial) live results will be published on the race website. Final results will be confirmed and published after merging all start lists on the:

The 97th Great Race around Lake Viljandi website Official timing partner website.

13. Award Ceremony: Held at 14:00 at the stadium finish area. Awards for: Top 6 Women, Top 6 Men, Age category winners and Top local participants from Viljandi.

Diplomas will NOT be printed on site.
Diplomas can be downloaded for print after results confirmation starting 06.05.2026 from the race website.

14. Medical Support: Qualified medical staff and an ambulance will be present at Start/Finish. If you see someone in distress on the course, notify race medical staff or call 112.

15. Showers & Sauna after the Race (12:45–16:00) Viljandi City Stadium, Viljandi Sports Hall, Vaksali 4 (Women’s sauna), Viljandi Public Sauna, Kaalu 9 (Men’s sauna)

16. Protests: Must be submitted: Top 100 finishers → within 1 hour after the 100th finisher Others → until course closing Protest fee (except result protests): 100 EUR Refundable only if the protest is approved. All written protests will be resolved by the race organizing team.

17. Lost & Found: Items must be brought to the Finish Area Information Desk. Retrieval possible from:

race headquarters (event day) or Viljandi Sports Hall (up to 1 month after race)

18. Any situations not listed in this guide will be resolved by the organizing team.

19. By registering and paying the start fee, the participant: confirms they have read the guide confirms they are healthy and sufficiently trained agrees to all race terms and conditions accepts full personal responsibility for participation in The 97th Great Race around Lake Viljandi.