Vilnius Marathon, as a relatively new race has its share of problems. Probably the biggest one is public's indifference to what's going on.

However, having lived in Vilnius for almost 40 years, I can see the attitude changing. Running hasn't reached its tipping point here, yet. But it's quickly getting there. Running events, including flagship one - Vilnius Marathon - are growing fast. Any year, can be the year, when this race and overall running scene reaches its critical mass which will bring cheering crowds out to the streets.

The course is improving constantly. The team is working hard to make it interesting. Personally, I found 2012's race fascinating. It goes right through city's Old Town, which is absolutely spectacular. It touches Cathedral, financial district, goes along the river and even good part of the main city street. If you like sightseeing when you run, it's better than most marathons across Europe I have pleasure attending in.

I'm pretty sure, minor problems, like having water stations every 2.5K instead of 5K, or showers at finish will be resolved as well. Besides there are a lot of conveniences, found in other prestigious racing events. Like free massage for participants, really good running t-shirts (in 2012 it was Adidas ClimaLite) in the swag bag, etc.

Bottom line, if you're not a professional runner looking for a PB, Vilnius Marathon is a great value for your time and money as well as a very nice travel destination in general.

See you there!

I have run Vilnius Marathon on my visit to Lithuania. I enjoyed nice route through small street of old town. Weather was just great. Organization was cozy and friendly. Volunteers did their best. I believe Vilnius Marathon has a great future.

Sorry to say but this Marathon was well below my expectations.

The course was very boring. We had to run 4 loops, each one about 10.5 km long. Each loop had only two water stations. For someone doing one loop in one hour for the 4-hour Marathon, it means running without water for approximately 25 minutes and 35 minutes. That is way too much. The volunteers at these two water stations were excellent. Their energy drink was delicious (especially when you are so thirsty after running without water for 35 minutes). At the same time, there were two sponge stations on the course that had sponges but didn't give water. Why?!? No one was offering any water or bananas outside of the water stations, with a single exception - a local approached me and offered me& a pack of cigarettes.

About 3 km of the loop go through the Old City. There were people on the streets, walking, in the cafes, but no one was cheering or paying any attention to the runners. The rest of the course was on an empty road along the river. You couldn't see the river most of the time but rather bleak Soviet-style residential buildings and garbage dumps.

There was absolutely no entertainment on the course. Actually, the biggest entertainment was the young guys and girls in military uniform every 1 km or so. Some of them were lying on the grass and sleeping. To my amazement, one creature in uniform skillfully climbed a tree and sat on the branch. His body was covered by the uniform but his face certainly belonged to a human.

And there was also a cameraman who was speeding on his ATV on very narrow bike paths full of runners. He actually did it a few times during the race. How did we all manage to jump aside at the last moment and not to be killed by his vehicle, I don't know.

The finisher medal: it is embarrassing even to show it. The Marathon fee is only 35 euro. I wish they charged another euro or two and gave a better one.

The bottom line: the Vilnius Marathon has a potential to be a very good event. They can put water cups at the sponge stations, to change the course to make it not as boring, to advertise it in the local media to get at least some local attention and interest. But as of now, I would not recommend it.

Small marathon that is just getting on its feet. No payment online, and my emails were never responded to regarding the fee; just sign up and pay at registration venue to save hassle. No expo or pasta party, but as it's so cheap, that's no matter. Great start and finish by the cathedral, but the course - once it leaves the river - is a bit boring; there is a section in the city center (twice, as it is two laps) but this is narrow, hilly, and has pedestrians. I`d rather have run a bit more along the river, leaving that bit out. You can be on your own near the end with such a small field. The course undulates. Water/energy drinks were served in cups, not bottles, but there were bananas aplenty. Crowds were minimal, apart from at the end. Very well marshaled, with loads of police (looking rather miserable to be honest!!). Fantastic city to visit. Churches galore, a castle with fabulous views, and museums. Very safe city and not expensive.

Totally agree with the previous runner. Very good value for your money. The only "problem" was the same they have in NYC - no showers in the finish.

The biggest race in the post-Soviet Baltics. Friendly crowd - mainly locals and Poles. T-shirt, refreshments, medal for $10 - definitely good value. Spectacular course of 2 laps - chance to run half distance.