An archive photo

MINSK, 27 August (BelTA) - Organizers of the 2026 Minsk Half Marathon discussed the details of the upcoming event at a press conference at the National Olympic Stadium Dinamo on 27 August, BelTA has learned.

Belarus’ largest running event will take place on 6 September. Last year, more than 25,000 sports enthusiasts from 15 countries took part. This year, both numbers have grown: 30,000 participants from 39 countries have already registered, with organizers expecting representatives from 42 countries by race day, according to head of the Belarusian Athletics Federation Ivan Tsikhan.

“We traditionally offer participants five distances. The main one, the half marathon, is 21.097 km. The 10.5 km distance has been replaced by a 10 km race, as participants want to know their results on a ‘flat’ 10 km. There will also be 5 km and 3 km races, and a 1.2 km family run for the youngest participants and their parents. This year, the routes have been slightly modified and will be certified soon so that we can record records,” said the chairman of the Belarusian Athletics Federation.

For the comfort and safety of participants, all distances will have separate starts. The races will begin at 9:00 (10 km), 10:00 (half marathon), 13:00 (5 km), 14:00 (3 km), and 15:00 (family run). Time limits have also been set: three hours for the 21 km, 1.5 hours for the 10 km, and one hour for the 3 km and 5 km. The prize pool for the 2026 Minsk Half Marathon is approximately $20,000, with winners in the main distance receiving $3,000 each for men and women.

“Every finisher will receive a medal, with the concept we call Minsk Inside. The medal features all the architectural landmarks along the route. It can also be used as a photo frame. At the finish, an engraving area will be set up where participants can have their name and time engraved,” Ivan Tsikhan added.

A lecture series will be organized as part of the Minsk Half Marathon, where famous Belarusian athletes will share their experience and knowledge about running. Speakers include Olympic biathlon champion Dzinara Alimbekava and world 800m champion Maryna Arzamasava.

“The Minsk Half Marathon kicks off a series of events for City Day. Traditionally, the country’s largest mass sports event starts and finishes at Belarus’ main stadium. We are glad that participants and spectators enjoy this format, and all sports fans can relax on the grass after the races and take great photos,” said Dinamo Stadium Director General Aleksandr But-Gusaim.

The event’s partners will set up areas with photo zones, contests, and creative spaces. The DVIZH FEST festival, organized by the President’s Sports Club Sport for All project, will take place in the square near the stadium. “The venues will be divided into three zones with different vibes. Visitors can expect workouts to DJ sets, nostalgic games, more relaxed activities, phygital zones, gaming spaces, and a relaxation area. A car and sports prizes will be raffled off at the end of the festival,” said Deputy Head of the Belarusian Athletics Federation Dmitry Demidik.