Estonia's biggest sporting events

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 Võhandu Marathon, a 100-km race down one of South Estonia's most challenging rivers.

Annual sporting events are always guaranteed to attract a crowd, as outdoor activities are an important part of Estonian culture.

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 sporting events in winter

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

Otepää is considered Estonia's unofficial "winter capital" as the city often hosts international winter sports competitions. Biathlon fans should note that Otepää will host the BMW IBU World Cup in March 2026 and the BMW IBU World Championships in February 2027.

This March is also when Tallinn will host the ISU Junior World Figure Skating Championships, bringing the world's most talented young figure skaters to Estonia.

Extreme events in spring

When the snow starts melting, the rivers get wild.

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 Lätt, is Estonian, and her success has led to a disc golf boom in Estonia.

This summer, Tallinn hosts the only PDGA Major in Europe, the disc golf equivalent of Wimbledon or the French Open.

Is competing in an Ironman on your bucket list? You can do it in Tallinn! The Ironman takes place in August — swim in Harku Lake or the Baltic Sea, bike through the countryside of Harju County, and run through Tallinn's picturesque city streets. 

If you'd rather focus on biking and fun, then sign up for Grävely Fest in Tartu. This cycling event in Estonia features live music, an afterparty, and a delicious pancake breakfast to finish off the weekend.

Autumn's athletic events

Autumn is a perfect season for running and biking, as the weather isn't too warm, and the colors are bright.

Tallinn's Old Town serves as the starting and finishing 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. Or enjoy Tallinn's biggest equestrian event – ​​the Tallinn International Horse Show.

It's also a good season for exploring elsewhere in Estonia. Head to Narva for a fun night run, or Tartu for the Mountain Bike Marathon or City Marathon.