This year, owing to the pandemic, the Chisinau International Marathon was held in a virtual format. The competition started at 9am on September 27 and was kicked off by the president of Sporter organization Dmitri Voloshin in Valea Morilor Park, where professional and amateur athletes came together, IPN reports.

Competitor Vitalie Clopot made a call to those who like running and lead a healthy lifestyle. “We like running and I thus call on all those who can: run at home, in the yard, in the park, everywhere you are, in Moldova or in another part of the world. Put on a T-shirt from the previous editions of the Chisinau Marathon or any other Sporter event. Choose any distance, depending on your strength and physical training. Make a video, distribute it to friends. Let’s make this year’s marathon history,” said the participant.

“Run as this brings happiness. Each step brings a portion of happiness. The weather is great and I’m sure that all those who will compete will be the happiest ones after the race!” said another participant.

The Chisinau Marathon is the biggest running event in Moldova. Owing to the pandemic, the organizer of the marathon Sporter called on the residents of Moldova and the Moldovans from the diaspora to support the competition by running where they are.

To take part in the virtual race, the competitors put on a T-shirt from the previous editions of the Chisinau Marathon or any other Sporter event, chose any of the competing distances - 1,5 km, 5 km, 10 km, 21 km or 42 km – and set off at 9am in any place in the city, in the country or abroad.

During the competition, the participants took pictures, made short videos and posted them on the event’s website. Later these will be used for the final video of the sixth edition of the marathon.

The Chisinau International Marathon is a race for professional and amateur athletes that has been staged in Moldova since 2015.