Prime Minister Vasile Tofan welcomed today the participants of Chișinău Marathon 2026, an event that brings together in the capital over 10,000 participants from more than 59 countries, TRIBUNA reports. The Prime Minister appreciated the energy and spirit of unity created by the event and wished success and courage to all those present at the starting line:

“It is a great pride to see so many people who, despite the rain, despite the cold, decided to run today through the streets of Chișinău. Moreover, besides the participants from the Republic of Moldova, we have participants from 59 countries.”

The Prime Minister also addressed a message to the participants from abroad, encouraging them to discover our country beyond the sporting event — to taste Moldovan wines, traditional dishes, and enjoy their time spent in the Republic of Moldova.

Within Chișinău Marathon, the following races are organized:

• the marathon — 42.195 km,
• the half marathon — 21 km,
• the 10 km, 5 km, and Fun Run — 1.5 km races.

The program also includes races for athletes in wheelchairs, at distances of 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km.

A day earlier, on 12 September, the Kids Run Day took place, dedicated to children aged between 5 and 14.

Organized in its current format since 2015, Chișinău Marathon has become one of the most important mass sporting events in the Republic of Moldova, bringing together professionals, amateurs, and families. The event encourages sports practice and an active lifestyle, contributes to increasing the visibility of the Republic of Moldova on the map of international sporting competitions, and has a direct impact on the local economy.

According to organizers’ estimates, this year’s edition generated over 3,000 overnight stays in Chișinău.