“Apkārt Cēsīm” Race 2026 – Race Regulations
Purpose
To promote running as a healthy and meaningful way of spending time among children, youth and adults.
Objectives
- Determine the fastest runners in the 5 km and 10 km races in different age groups.
- Determine the best teams in the 10 km race.
- Provide an opportunity for the youngest runners to participate in the children’s race.
- Promote a healthy lifestyle and present the Cēsis region as a centre for sports and active living.
Place and Time
Competition centre: Cēsis Castle Park stage area.
Start: Palasta Street near Castle Park.
Finish: Cēsis Castle Park.
Race day – May 3, 2026
11:00 – Children’s race
11:30 – 5 km race
12:15 – 10 km race
Organisation
The competition is organised by the Municipality of Cēsis Region in cooperation with Sports Club “Ašais”.
Chief referee
Austris Āboliņš
klubs@sk-ašais.lv
+371 26180160
Participants
Runners from Latvia and other countries may participate in the following age groups.
Children’s race
Approx. 500 m course in the park – children born 2017 and later.
5 km
- U12 – born 2015–2016
- U14 – born 2013–2014
- U16 – born 2011–2012
- U18 – born 2009–2010
- Open – recreational group (only fastest man and woman are awarded)
10 km
- Elite – born 2010 and older
- 40+ – born 1977–1986
- 50+ – born 1967–1976
- 60+ – born 1966 and earlier
Children born in 2015–2016 may participate in the 5 km race in the OPEN group. Responsibility for their ability to complete the distance lies with parents or the organisation registering the participant.
Competition Rules
Participants must follow the marked race course. Shortcutting the course results in disqualification (DQ).
If a participant misses the start, the time will still be counted from the official start signal.
Race numbers must be attached to the front of the shirt using four safety pins.
Time limits:
5 km – 40 minutes
10 km – 1 hour 30 minutes
Within these limits organisers ensure electronic timing, race management, finisher medals and safety on the course.
Race Course
The 10 km course is officially certified.
Results
In each age group and gender the winner is the runner with the fastest finishing time.
Team Competition (10 km)
Team composition: 2 men + 1 woman.
The winning team is determined by the lowest combined placing score.
Registration
Online registration at:
www.apkartcesim.lv
Registration deadline:
May 1, 2026 – 12:00
Race number pickup:
May 2 (16:00–18:00) – Cēsis City Stadium
or race day at the race centre.
Entry Fees
- Children’s race – 5 €
- 5 km – 10 €
- 10 km – 15 €
Each finisher receives a commemorative medal.
Awards
Children’s race
The fastest boy and girl receive sponsor prizes.
5 km
Top 3 in each age group receive medals, sponsor prizes and cash prizes.
10 km
Top 3 in each age group receive medals and sponsor prizes. TOP6 men and women receive cash prizes.
Prize Money (10 km Elite)
- 1st – 250 €
- 2nd – 200 €
- 3rd – 150 €
- 4th – 80 €
- 5th – 50 €
- 6th – 30 €
Course Record Bonus
Bonus for breaking the 10 km course record – 100 €.
Current records:
Women – 33:10
Men – 31:19
Publicity
By registering, participants agree that photos and videos taken during the event may be used for promotional purposes on the race website and social media.