Join Estonian Wilderness Marathon
This trail marathon takes you through the breathtaking native forests and bogs of Estonia, combining the thrill of a running race with the adventure of a point-to-point expedition through the country’s uninhabited wilderness.
The 2024 edition of the race will feature a new course layout, approaching Aegviidu from the south. The course begins in the Albu municipality, a location made famous by Estonian national writer Tammsaare’s classic novel, “Truth and Justice,” and concludes in the heart of the Kõrvemaa Landscape Conservation Area in Aegviidu. This marathon is not for the faint-hearted. Once you start, there is no turning back. Participants must rely on their own strength to reach the finish line, but the reward is an unforgettable experience and a deep connection with Estonia's natural beauty.
The marathon course primarily follows narrow forest trails and dirt roads, but also includes challenging sections without any defined paths, designed to test your endurance and spirit. The easier—and often considered most beautiful—parts of the trail are the boardwalks that meander through the Kodru and Kakerdaja bogs. While Estonia's terrain doesn’t have significant elevation changes, the course does cross some hills formed during the Ice Age. The route is marked with ribbons, arrows, and hiking trail signs, and participants can download GPS data to help navigate. With a time limit of 7.5 hours, the course is also suitable for fast hikers.
For those not ready to take on the full 42+ km marathon, there are shorter options available: a 27.5 km trail that runs from Mõnuvere through Kakerdaja bog and forests to Aegviidu, and a 15 km route starting from Valgehobusemäe, also finishing in Aegviidu. These shorter routes provide a chance to experience the beauty of the trail without committing to the entire marathon distance.
Course details
Trail marathon course runs mostly on narrow forest paths and dirt roads, but there are also rough sections without trail that really challenge the spirit. The easiest and some think most beautiful sections of the trail are the boardwalks through Kodru bog and Kakerdaja bog. The height differences are not large in Estonia and they are mainly formed by crossing some hills from Ice Age. The course is marked with ribbons, arrows and hiking trail signs.
Start address: Järva-Madise, Järva County, Estonia
Finish address: Pärna 1, Aegviidu, Harju County, Estonia
What’s included
-
done Finisher medal
-
done E-certificate/e-diploma
-
done Timing chip (single use)
-
done Photo Service
-
done Post-race meal info
-
done Parking
-
done Shuttle to Start Line info
-
done Drink Stations
-
done Nutrition Stations
-
done Bag drop info
-
done Toilets
-
done Shower info
-
done Aid Stations info
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the distance after I purchase a ticket?
Changing the participant’s name and distance to a shorter one is free of charge. Registration for a shorter or longer distance costs €5.
What is the cancellation/refund policy for this event?
If you notify your non-participation until October 1, 50% of the participation fee will be returned. After this date, the participation fee is non-refundable.
Mandatory equipment?
Each competitor must carry the following equipment during the race: Mobile phone Track map The race number must be worn in a visible place attached to the front of the chest or front of the thigh. Drinking bottle or drinking bag or drinking cup. Energy-rich food. In case of bad weather conditions (temperature below 10c, wind, rain, snow, etc.) wind/waterproof film/jacket . A headlamp for slow runners who doubt they'll make it by the time the finish closes at 6:45 p.m.
Support points?
7.5 km – sausage shop at the Suur Kalajärvi campfire 15.5 km - reference point in Mägede küla 23.5 km - reference point in Nelijärvi At the first reference point, drinking water, tea, bread, salt and sausages grilled on the fire are available. Water, sports drink, bananas, raisins, chocolate and gummies, bread & salt, pickles are available at the second base. There are no disposable drinking cups at the drink and support points. The water containers have taps or you can lift the water into your bottle or drink bag with a sippy cup. Please do not drink directly from the pouch.
Emergencies and first aid?
A difficult course and uneven ground can lead to the risk of injury. A large part of the trail is in the wilderness, where the nearest major road is several kilometers away, so the arrival of first aid is limited. If a fellow competitor needs help, the competitor is obliged to do his best to offer help. In case of serious injuries, first call the emergency number 112 and then inform the organizer.
Starting group for 42k &27?
Waves: 11.00 Jänesed - you are an experienced long-distance runner who covers kilometers in a running competition at a pace of less than 5 min/km. You run on time and place. The record time for a normal marathon is approx. 3h45min and below. approx. 11.02 Wolves - you are an experienced long-distance runner who covers kilometers in a running competition at a pace of less than 5.30 min/km. The time and place are not very important, although catching a few rabbits would add spice to the run... approx. 11.04 Foxes - you are a cunning and tactical runner who starts at a smart, calm pace of approx. 6 min/km and has in mind, above all, to complete the course with a pleasant feeling. approx. 11.06 Bears - damms enjoy running in the forest at a pace between a run and a hike, are not afraid to walk uphill, but always go all the way out.
The race information has been found on the official website of the event or through publicly available sources. Always refer to the official website the latest race information. Please let us know if any data is wrong or missing, by emailing us.
