---
title: "Chisinau Marathon draws 10,000 runners despite autumn rain "
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/84984/chisinau-marathon-draws-10-000-runners-despite-autumn-rain
published: 2026-09-13T11:46:45Z
language: en
author: "Redacția  TRM"
section: "Sport"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Chisinau Marathon draws 10,000 runners despite autumn rain 

> Over 10,000 international runners braved rain and cold in Chisinau on Sunday to compete in the capital’s annual marathon, welcoming participants from more than 59 countries.

![gov.md](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/07827257-423c-43b1-adfb-a307101afce6.jpg)

*Sursa: gov.md*

Over 10,000 international runners braved rain and cold in Chisinau on Sunday to compete in the capital’s annual marathon, welcoming participants from more than 59 countries.

![gov.md](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/5be700f7-6d33-4c14-b667-19972653e841.jpg)

*Sursa: gov.md*

**Celebrating endurance and heritage**

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan greeted competitors gathered at the starting line, praising their endurance and communal solidarity.

*“It is a source of great pride to see so many people who, despite the rain and the cold, decided to run today through the streets of Chisinau,”* said Tofan. *“Beyond participants from the Republic of Moldova, we have competitors representing 59 countries.”*

Tofan wished the athletes success and urged foreign visitors to explore Moldova beyond the sports tracks, highlighting the country's culinary traditions and local wines.

![gov.md](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/4c46eeac-5b98-41d8-bed3-555d26c7587f.jpg)

*Sursa: gov.md*

**Inclusivity and multi-distance events**

The 2026 edition featured several competitive disciplines, including the standard 42.195-kilometer marathon and the 21-kilometer half-marathon. Participants also competed in 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer courses, alongside a 1.5-kilometer Fun Run.

![gov.md](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/d725a600-3528-42a2-b17f-f48322da5b94.jpg)

*Sursa: gov.md*

![gov.md](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/f91b96f3-fbec-4cc2-a6c6-ec75df271f19.jpg)

*Sursa: gov.md*

The competition maintained full accessibility for wheelchair athletes across the 5, 10, and 21-kilometer distances. The main event followed the Kids Run Day held on Sept. 12 for children aged 5 to 14.

Staged in its current international format since 2015, the Chisinau Marathon has evolved into Moldova’s flagship mass athletic fixture, fostering active lifestyles while raising the capital’s global profile.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**

![gov.md](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/cbcb389d-1725-4e37-b573-18a79a062b83.jpg)

*Sursa: gov.md*

**RELATED COVERAGE**

* [Chisinau Half Marathon 2026 | Over 4,000 athletes competed in several events](https://moldova1.md/u/fc8ff37a-3e18-4b23-aeec-853f2ab6a87b)
* [11 thousands runners fill Chisinau’s streets with sport and joy](https://moldova1.md/u/c470baad-766c-4f3f-856f-fcd78e008773)
* [Over 3,000 amateur and professional athletes joined a major competition in Chisinau](https://moldova1.md/u/a7e280c5-dce9-48cd-981b-21be1552ecc0)
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* [Family fun and charity at 8th annual Christmas Marathon in Moldova](https://moldova1.md/u/631de67f-5e20-4ded-b32a-ddeabab4307d)