Petition in Vilnius calls for fewer marathons due to traffic disruptions
A Vilnius resident has launched a petition urging the city to reduce the number of events that cause traffic closures, particularly running races.
Petition against marathons
Edvinas, a resident of Vilnius's Žvėrynas district for 20 years, has started a petition calling on city authorities to limit events that lead to street closures. He is especially frustrated with running events, which he believes primarily benefit sponsors and advertisers rather than the city.
Vilnius hosts several major running events, including the International Vilnius Marathon (this year branded as the Swedbank Marathon), the spring half-marathon, and the Christmas Run.
Residents' complaints
Edvinas says the marathons have "clearly gone too far" and that communication with residents is very poor. He has no objection to events like the Pink Soup Festival but argues that sporting events should be reconsidered.
The petition states that commercial events "regularly paralyse the daily lives, logistics and fundamental freedom of movement of thousands of Vilnius residents." Supporters specifically demand moving running routes away from densely populated districts and streets.
Edvinas's proposals include relocating races to parks, adjusting schedules (e.g., holding events at night), and ensuring residents can always drive out of private courtyards.
Other residents have mixed opinions. Some have grown accustomed to the inconvenience and welcome city activity, while others support restrictions. Paulė Čyžaitė, the neighbourhood representative for the Tauro area of Naujamiestis, says complaints are ignored and the city feels paralyzed. Some residents have been unable to cross streets.
Organisers' argument
City officials and event organisers say marathons are important for Vilnius and cannot simply be moved to parks due to course requirements. Gediminas Pajėda, head of International Marathon, which organizes the three largest running events, says participant numbers are growing by double-digit percentages each year, and running is at record popularity.
The municipality estimates the Vilnius Marathon generated approximately €5 million in added value for the city in 2024. Officials argue that all major international marathons take place on main streets to meet certification standards for hard-surfaced routes and to manage large crowds.
