Mass participation and matchmaking: 2025 Minsk Half Marathon kicks off

The event drew over 25,000 athletes from 15 countries. The organizers had to close registration early. The first runners to tackle the course were those competing in the 10.5 km race. They were followed by events spanning the program: the prestigious 21 km half-marathon, a corporate relay, 5 km and 3 km individual races, and a 1.5 km family run. The route showcases the best of Minsk, taking participants on a tour past the city’s main attractions before a stadium track finish at Dinamo Stadium.

“We intentionally limited participation based on last year’s data to ensure comfort for every runner,” said Ivan Tikhon, Head of the Belarusian Athletics Federation. “Our participants range from infants under one to a vibrant 95-year-old. This year, we have added a 3-kilometer fan run specifically for beginners. All finishers will be awarded a commemorative medal, and special prizes will be given to the runners with the most creative and colorful outfits. Our most exciting new feature is a matching project, where single men and women can opt to wear a blue or pink bracelet. We hope that our event will evolve into a platform for making meaningful connections, and maybe even a starting point for love and family,” he said.

The event will also incorporate the Open Belarusian Half-Marathon Championship. This competition will determine the selection of the national team for the CIS Marathon Championship. Participants include Belarus’ elite long-distance athletes, notably last year’s champions, Marina Domantsevich and Vladislav Pryamov.