Our HapoRunners have officially entered the 12-week marathon preparation block toward the Riga Marathon on May 17, and the focus has clearly shifted toward spring. This is the phase where intention turns into action. Endurance is built patiently, marathon pace settles in, and strength work is a regular part of the weekly rhythm, along with stretching, mobility exercises, and other recovery routines that keep us moving smoothly.
The goal is ambitious, but the approach is balanced. We believe in training hard, yet wisely, combining long aerobic efforts with structured quality sessions and proper recovery. Instead of chasing numbers, we concentrate on consistency, smart progression, and listening to the body. Over the coming weeks, long runs will gradually extend, race pace will feel more familiar, and the mental resilience required for 42.2 kilometers will quietly strengthen alongside physical fitness.
This season, the majority of HapoRunners are taking on the full marathon, while some are focusing on the half marathon in Riga, and others are joining the 10 km distance. Whatever the goal, the training plan supports every runner in building endurance, speed, and confidence for race day.
All-round workouts at Kauppi Sport Center
A key part of our preparation takes place at Kauppi Sport Center, bringing together strength sessions, complementary training, and countless treadmill kilometres to build durability and performance. Having access to quality facilities plays an important role in staying healthy throughout a marathon build. Gym memberships for HapoRunners are provided in collaboration with Kauppi Sport Center. For all fellow Hapo people, there is a discounted monthly gym membership available at Kauppi Sport Center (valid for 12-month contracts), providing an opportunity to incorporate structured training into your long-term routine. Access to the Kauppi Sport Center supports year-round training, offering treadmills to keep running consistent in any weather, while also enabling strength development, mobility work, and recovery exercises, giving your training a well-rounded boost throughout the season. Check out Hapoclub’s special price at the link below: Kauppi membership for Hapo.
Training camp mode
Adding to the excitement, next week the HapoRunners will travel to Spain for our very first training camp. This milestone moment for our community brings together focused mileage, purposeful workouts, recovery, and time to strengthen the team dynamic that carries us through demanding training blocks. Training in a new environment, with uninterrupted time to focus on running, creates momentum that will echo through the entire preparation period.
With twelve weeks to go, the direction is clear. The work we put in now will define how we stand on the start line in Riga. Each session builds toward May 17, and while the marathon still feels distant, the preparation has already begun to shape the outcome.
Riga is ahead and we are moving toward it, strong, steady, and together!!
