Estonia's biggest sporting events in 2025

Calling all competitive athletes and weekend warriors!

There are sporting events in Estonia for all skill levels. 

Along with the ever-popular cross-country skiing and running events, you can get your adrenaline fix at the annual auto rally in South Estonia or this spring's Simple Session, where some of the world's top skateboarders and BMX riders will come to compete.

Grab your friends and your gear and test your limits at one of these exciting events.

Estonia's largest sporting events

Bike, ski, or run in one of Tartu's five marathons

Participants come from far and wide to join one of these popular athletic events in South Estonia. The original marathon, the Tartu Ski Marathon, is often called Estonia's "Winter Song Festival" for its sheer number of participants and widespread popularity. 

You can enjoy the beauty of the region's wilderness by running in the Forest Marathon or riding in the Mountain Bike Marathon. If you prefer a smoother route, then you can partake in the Tartu City Marathon and run through Tartu's charming streets or cycle rural South Estonian roads in the Tartu Rattaralli.

Snowy athletic events this winter

Cold weather is no obstacle for Estonian athletes. The love of winter sports starts early, as even primary schools teach skiing and ice skating. 

Otepää is considered Estonia's unofficial "winter capital" as the city often hosts international winter sports competitions. This year, a stage of the FIS Nordic Combined World Cup will take place in Otepää. Biathlon fans should note that Otepää will host the BMW IBU World Cup again in March 2026 and the BMW IBU World Championships in February 2027.

Extreme events this spring

Watching extreme sports is nearly as fun as participating, especially at Simple Session. In addition to the competitions, there are street events around Tallinn and after-parties — everyone can get in on the action!

If you don't mind getting a little wet, then try the Võhandu Marathon, which covers 100km of the Võhandu River in South Estonia. It begins in Võru and finishes in Võõpsu in Põlva County. Seven mills once stood along the river, and the spring's high water levels make navigating their ruins extra challenging. 

Sporty summer holidays 

One of the best disc golf players in the world, Kristin Tattar, is Estonian. Her success has led to a disc golf boom in Estonia. This summer, Tallinn will host a PDGA Major event, the disc golf equivalent of Wimbledon or the French Open.

Is running a marathon or competing in an Ironman on your bucket list? You can do both in Tallinn. The Ironman takes place in August — swim in Harku Lake, bike through the countryside of Harju County, and run through Tallinn's Old Town. 

Tallinn's Old Town is also the starting and end point for the marathon in September. There are races for runners who prefer a 10k or half marathon. All skill levels are welcome; even children can participate in the special kids' races.