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As part of the official cultural programme of the Latvian EU Council Presidency, on 17 May Lattelecom Riga marathon athletes and supporters will have the opportunity to enjoy the ”Kilometre of Culture of Latvian Presidency“ which is a special culture, music, and chanting programme on Brīvības iela. For the second year in a row the main street of the capital city will be revealed from a different perspective – one with entertainment and heritage values entertaining the athletes, guests and locals in the section covering Brīvības iela, i.e. from the Freedom Monument till Stabu iela.
“Since we wish to promote Lattelecom Riga marathon more and more among European and global marathons, we would like the athletes and fans to feel such emotions during the run which they cannot experience in any other marathon. It may be slightly harder to compete with New York, London, or Paris as regards recognition and world-famous landmarks; however, here we can showcase our ability in cheering up the athletes,” says Aigars Nords, Race Director of the Lattelecom Riga marathon.
“With the ”Culture Guard of Honour“ at the Freedom Monument, with the „Rainis and Aspazija“ Presidency choir at the Cabinet of Ministers, with the smiles of volunteers, with loud applause of locals and the closest relatives standing right next to the route, with beautiful medals and music, and the Latvian culture on the track. This is how we will cheer for the athletes coming from over 60 countries and running along the streets of Riga,“ explains Aigars Nords.
Locals, fans, and guests are welcome to cheer for the athletes and enjoy the music programme not only at the “Latvian Presidency Kilometre of Culture“, but also at other sites along the route.
”Culture guard of honour“
At the Freedom Monument
Time: 9:00 – 14:00
Photo: F64
A symbolic ”Culture guard of honour” of several hundred folk dancers will await the athletes and visitors at the Freedom Monument and, being surrounded by the national flags of all athletes and under the lead of DJ Artūrs Krūzkops, will support and cheer for all the participants with a repertoire from the Latvian Song and Dance Celebration and trejdekšņi – unique and traditional Latvian musical instruments. The fans standing by the Freedom Monument are welcome to sing together while the athletes, just like in previous years, should not forget about the dancers in the guard of honour, and send air kisses, greet them, and take selfies with them.
“Rainis and Aspazija“ stage of the Latvian Presidency
Junction of Elizabetes and Brīvības iela
Time: 9:00 – 14:15
Considering that 2015 has been announced the year of Rainis and Aspazija, the main stage or the „Stage of the Latvian Presidency“ features elements characteristic to these great Latvian poets. Conducted by Juris Vaivods, the leading Latvian choir singers – men and women representing „Rainis“ and „Aspazija“ will perform on the main stage, chant and tease others by singing popular music with lyrics composed by Rainis and Aspazija.The programme will also feature songs from all 28 Member States in Latvian and foreign languages.
The programme consists of three concerts with the same repertoire:
09:00 – 10:15 First concert
11:30 – 12:45 Second concert
13:00 – 14:15 Third concert
Stage of large-sized instruments
Junction of Brīvības and Stabu iela
Time: 9:00 – 14:15
On the corner of Brīvības and Stabu iela expect a massive musical doping coming from large-sized instruments made in Latvia and played by Vairis Nartišs, Mikus Čavarts and DJ Monsta – these guys are preparing a particularly energising list to cheer for the athletes on the particular junction, where the route makes a turn. Have you ever heard the subcontrabass trumpet playing? Or the Celma drums? The subcontrabass trumpet, for instance, is six times larger than the regular trumpet – the instrument is more than two metres long, and it weighs more than 20 kg.
Music at the start line and on the track
Photo: F64
Expect to hear music not only on Krastmala, where DJ Toms Grēviņš will once again play his lists, but also at 15 more sites which will be moderated by Uģis Joksts, Valters Frīdenbergs, Lelde Lietaviete and other local celebrities. Although each of the sites will play a different style of music (from rock to house), it will be energysing and bring positive vibes. At the Ministry of Defence on the corner of K.Valdemāra and Elizabetes iela, the athletes will be cheered by the Staff Orchestra of the Latvian National Armed Forces.
Virtual cheers by the fans from uzmundrini.lv
At the Town Hall Square opposite the Riga City Council
With the www.uzmundrini.lv digital solution by the main partner Lattelecom, the athletes will be able to see greetings and cheers from their fans on the large screen at Rātslaukums (Town Hall Square) during the marathon. Thanks to the chip technology these cheers and greetings will appear on the screen when the athlete will approach the site. Have you already sent cheerful wishes to your closest ones?
- About Lattelecom Riga marathon
The Lattelecom Riga marathon will take place on 17 May 2015. This year is very special for the marathon – the most important event in the Baltics that promote healthy lifestyle. It has been included in the Latvian EU Council Presidency cultural programme. It still remains as the only marathon in Northern Europe that has been awarded the IAAF Road Race Bronze Label. It will celebrate its 25th anniversary since the first marathon in Riga in 1991. Since 2007, the marathon is organised by NECom in cooperation with Riga City Council. In 2014, the event brought together 23 000 participants from 60 countries. Its main partner is Lattelecom, official bank – Nordea Bank, sponsors – adidas, Rimi and WESS Motors Toyota, partners – the Secretariat of the Latvian Presidency of the EU Council, LNT, DELFI, JCDecaux, Veselība magazine, F64, StarGM, Capital Clinic Riga, Vichy, LIVE RIGA, Sports Federation Council of Latvia, Latvian Athletic Federation, Sony, Isostar, Radisson Blu Latvija, 1188, LIDO, Latvia Tours, Hansgrohe, Klotiņi & Serģis, Sports Laboratory and others.
