Chișinău Marathon

The first Chisinau International Marathon was held on April 26, 2015; it became the first Chisinau Marathon race since 1986. It was organized by the public sports organization Sporter.md with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Moldova and the sponsorship of the oil and gas company - Petrom. The organizer and the sponsor provided in equal parts the competition budget: 1 billion MDL. The marathon preparation took about a year, and 300 volunteers participated in this process. Marathon competitions included 4 distanced: marathon (participation fee 200 MDL), half-marathon, 10 km (participation fee 100 MDL each) and 3 km (so-called Fun Run, free of charge). One day before the competition, a sports fair was organized in the center of Chișinău, as well as a 400 meters running competition for children, who were divided into three age categories: 5-6 years, 7-9 years and 10-12 years. In 2015, about 10,000 people participated, of whom almost 1,400 took the main three distances and 140 - the marathon. Citizens of Moldova and other countries - Austria, Belarus, Germany, India, USA, Russia, Ukraine and Sweden - could be seen among the runners. Journalists noticed among the participants the Mayor of Chișinău - Dorin Chirtoacă, the Head of Economic Department of EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova - Wicher Slagter and the British Ambassador - Philip Batson.

The second Chișinău International Marathon was held on April 17, 2016. It was organized by the public sports organization Sporter.md with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Moldova and the sponsorship of the oil and gas company - Petrom. Over 15,000 people gathered in the central square in Chisinau to run the marathon (42 km 195 m), half-marathon (21 km 0975 m), 10 km and the Fun Run (3 km). In the framework of the event, a sports fair was organized, which was attended by over 30 companies. The day before the official start of the Chisinau Marathon, a 200-meter children’s race was organized for three age categories: 5-6 years, 7-9 years and 10-12 years. About 400 volunteers helped the organizers in the preparation process and on the very day of the marathon. Guests from over 50 countries, politicians, professional athletes of various sports, as well as various commercial companies and charity organizations participated in the Chisinau Marathon.

The third Chișinău International Marathon was held on October 1, 2017. On this day, the Moldovan capital became the center of attraction for all running enthusiasts and active lifestyle practitioners. The Chisinau Marathon became a new experience in the running career for both local and foreign athletes, who came from over 50 countries. The marathon was organized by the public sports organization Sporter.md with the sponsorship of Kaufland supermarket chain. This year, 17,000 people participated in the Chisinau Marathon. Participants were offered 5 distances to choose from: marathon (42 km 195 m), half-marathon (21 km 0975 m), 5 km, 10 km and the Fun Run (1.5 km). A day before, on September 30, as a part of Chisinau Marathon, was organized a 200-meter children’s race for three age categories: 5-6 years, 7-9 years and 10-12 years. 400 children participated. For three days, a sports fair was opened in the center of Chisinau. Various sport brands, charity organizations and commercial companies took part in the fair. In the center of the fair, a Food Zone was arranged, where they had a free Pasta Party and victory celebration.

The fourth Chisinau International Marathon was held on September 30, 2018. According to established tradition, both professional sportsmen and beginners who had their first marathon challenge could participate in the event. The event was attended by the representatives of more than 50 countries. By organizers account, more than 2,000 foreign athletes took part in the Chisinau Marathon. This year, 18,000 people attended the Marathon. Participants were offered 5 distances to choose from: marathon (42 km 195 m), half-marathon (21 km 0975 m), 5 km, 10 km and the Fun Run (1.5 km). For the first time in the Chisinau Marathon history, a category for wheelchair athletes was open - “Marathon for All”. Kenyan runner, Benjamin Kiprop Serem, set the track record: he ran 42 km in 2 hours 16 minutes 38 seconds. Also, half-marathon records were set. A day earlier, on September 29, as a part of Chisinau Marathon, children’s races were organized: 400 m, 800 m, 1 200 m, 2 000 m. 500 children participated in the event. Also on this day, famous travelers - Olga Rumyantseva and Vladimir Kotlyar, as well as marathon athletes - Yaroslav Mushinsky and Leonid Shvetsov, gave public lectures.

The 2020 edition of the race was postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, with all registrants given the option of transferring their entry fee to 2021.[1][2]