Valmiera, Latvia

The Valmiera route showcases the city center, the Gauja River valley and the surrounding countryside, while staying friendly for different levels of runners.

• Start at the Vidzeme Olympic Center (Valmiera Olympic Sports Center)
• Run through the center of Valmiera, then out along the Gauja and into Valmiera County
• Mostly flat to gently rolling terrain on asphalt and hard-packed roads
• The Catcher Car follows the same route behind the field

From the start at the Vidzeme Olympic Center, the route leads straight into the heart of Valmiera. During this city stage, runners will see some of Valmiera’s most iconic places – Dzirnavu Lake and its promenade, Valmiera’s new stadium, the memorial park, and then, approaching the 10 km mark, participants will pass Valmiera Theater, Town Hall Square and the church. The course then continues over the central bridge, crossing the Gauja River. On the other side of the Gauja, the route passes through residential areas and the renovated industrial district. Upon reaching roughly the 20 km mark, the course heads into the rural parts of Valmiera County, passing through the small villages of Brenguļi – legendary for its historic brewery – and Trikāta, known for the Livonian Order castle ruins on the ancient Beverīna castle mound. From Trikāta, the route continues towards Strenči, where runners will have the opportunity to cross the Gauja River once again. From Strenči (around the 45 km mark), the route takes participants back in the direction of Valmiera, where the Catcher Car will eventually reach even the strongest runners.