SECTION 0. TERMS AND DEFINITIONSParticipant — individual registered and confirmed, who paid the entry fee and signed the liability waiver.
Pacemaker — runner assigned by the organizer to maintain a steady pace.
Gun Time — time measured from the official start signal to the finish line crossing; used for
Absolut ranking.
Net/Chip Time — personal time between timing mats; used for
Age Group ranking.
DNS — Did Not Start
DNF — Did Not Finish
DSQ — Disqualified
Course Record — best certified result on a course.
SECTION 1. ORGANIZER & OFFICIAL RULESThe
CHISINAU INTERNATIONAL MARATHON is organized by
A.O. Clubul Sportiv “Sporter” in partnership with
SIMPALS and
999.md.
By participating, athletes fully accept the current regulations.
The full rulebook is available on
www.marathon.md.
SECTION 2. EVENT DATE & VENUEDate: Sunday,
13 September 2026, 09:00
Venue: Chișinău,
Great National Assembly Square (PMAN)Certification: All routes are measured and certified under
AIMS / World Athletics regulations.
3.1. Eligibility & Age Limits
Children, youth and adults may participate depending on their age and the selected distance:
- Marathon (42.195 km): strictly from the age of 18.
- Half Marathon (21.097 km): from the age of 18.
- 10.5 km: from the age of 18; from the age of 16 only with written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
- 5 km: from the age of 18; from the age of 14 with written consent from a parent or legal guardian or under supervision.
Race-day registration for competitive distances is not available.
- 3.2. Competitive Races – 13 September 2026
- Marathon — 42.195 km
- Half Marathon — 21.097 km
- 10.5 km
- 5 km
3.3. Kids’ Races – 12 September 2026A separate program and regulation will be published.
3.4. CoursesAll courses are marked with barriers and marking tape and are supervised by officials and police.
Courses:
5 km: PMAN – Ștefan cel Mare Blvd – Ismail St – Toma Ciorbă St – PMAN;
10.5 km: PMAN – Ștefan cel Mare Blvd – Ciuflea St – Dacia Blvd, up to Roz St – PMAN;
21 km: 2 laps of the 10.5 km course;
42 km: 4 laps of the 10.5 km course.
The Organizer may change the course, time limits or postpone the event in case of unfavorable conditions. Participants will be informed by e-mail and through the website.
Organizers may alter the course or time limits if necessary.
3.5. Registration RequirementsRegistration is carried out online via
sporter.md.
During registration, the participant:
- confirms acceptance of these Regulations;
- agrees to the use of their image and public data, including event results;
- assumes responsibility for the accuracy of the data provided during registration.
- A special “Sporter 65+” program is available for participants over the age of 65. All information about the program can be found here: “Sporter 65+” Regulations;
3.6. Race Pack PickupLocation: Sport Expo, PMAN, G. Bănulescu-Bodoni St.
Race pack pickup starts on Friday, 11 September 2026.
To collect the race pack, the following are required:
- original identity document;
- proof of payment, if necessary;
- accepted liability waiver; for minors — confirmation/consent from a parent or legal guardian.
The Organizer will make efforts to provide the requested T-shirt size but does not guarantee the availability of all sizes.
3.7. Withdrawal / No-showThe entry fee is non-refundable. Participants are advised to use the substitution procedure provided in Section 3.8.
3.8. Changes / SubstitutionsParticipant substitution is allowed only within the same distance.
The request must be submitted no later than 30 days before the race date.
Fee: 50 MDL.
Changing the selected distance is not allowed.
Substitutions are processed at the Sporter office, Calea Orheiului 28/1, 2nd floor, or by e-mail, with subsequent identity confirmation.
For legal entities / corporate teams:
3 free substitutions are allowed after the participant list has been confirmed;
afterwards — 100 MDL per substitution;
no changes are allowed during race week;
the distance cannot be changed;
- after the event, the final e-invoice is issued.
3.9. PaymentIndividuals — online by Visa/Mastercard or in cash at the office.
Legal entities / companies — by bank transfer.
Invoices for companies are issued until 1 September.
Bank transfer payments are accepted until 1 September.
3.10. Liability WaiverThe liability waiver is accepted by the participant during registration for the event.
By accepting the waiver, the participant confirms that they have read and understood these Regulations and assumes responsibility for their participation and their own health condition.
3.11. Race PackThe race pack includes:
- race bib with timing chip;
- official backpack;
- participant guide;
- partner promotional materials.
The medal is awarded to finishers who complete the race within the official time limit.
3.12. Race BibThe race bib must be worn visibly on the front of the shirt.
Participation without a bib, using another person’s bib, or exchanging bibs is prohibited and results in disqualification.
Missing any checkpoint results in disqualification.
The timing chip must remain intact and must not be covered by clothing.
3.13. Time LimitsTime limits:
Marathon — 6:00;
Half Marathon — 3:00;
10.5 km — 1:30;
5 km — 0:45.
Finishing after the time limit: no medal and outside the classification.
After the course is closed, the participant is required to leave the course.
The participant must start only at the official time set by the Organizer and within their assigned start wave. Starting outside the official start window, as well as starting after the start area has been closed, does not entitle the participant to an official result, medal or place in the classification.
3.14. ResultsResults are published on the website within 24 hours.
Award categories:
Absolut — based on Gun Time;
Age Group — based on Net/Chip Time.
Age Group categories apply to all four distances: 42 km, 21 km, 10.5 km and 5 km.
Results of participants admitted out of competition, including participants with active anti-doping sanctions or restrictions, are not taken into account when forming the official results and classifications of the Competition.
3.15. Pacemakers & Start WavesPacemakers assigned for key finish times.
Start waves: Elite / A / B / C.
3.16. DisqualificationParticipants may be disqualified in the following cases:
- failure to comply with the Organizer’s requirements regarding mandatory equipment and wearing the official race bib on the front of the shirt;
- participation without an official race bib;
- unsportsmanlike conduct;
- failure to follow the instructions of the Organizer, officials, police, medical service or volunteers;
- shortcutting the course;
- providing false, incomplete or third-party data during registration, including information regarding age, gender, identity of the participant or other information affecting eligibility, category, result or awards;
- use of vehicles during the race;
- presence of unauthorized vehicles on the course, except for official Organizer transport;
- accompanying a participant by bicycle, car, runner without an official race bib or any non-accredited person;
- decision of the Organizer or medical service that the participant is unable to continue the race due to injury, deterioration of health or other medical reasons;
- changing, transferring, using another person’s bib or losing the race bib;
- exceeding the race time limit;
- littering outside specially designated areas and trash bins;
- use on the course or in event areas of prohibited items, vehicles, equipment or accessories specified in these Regulations;
- receiving water, food or any other assistance outside the official hydration and nutrition points, except in cases of medical assistance;
- receiving assistance from a pacemaker participating in another distance, in which case both participants may be disqualified;
- returning to the course after completing one’s own distance in order to act as a pacemaker, in which case both participants may be disqualified.
Disqualification results in the annulment of the participant’s result, as well as the loss of the right to receive prize money, bonuses, gifts, titles, medals, awards and any other benefits related to participation or placement in the Competition.
If a violation that constitutes grounds for disqualification is discovered after the Competition, publication of results or awarding of prizes, the Organizer has the right to annul the participant’s result retroactively.
In such case, the participant is obliged to return any prize money, bonuses, gifts, awards and any other benefits received in connection with participation or placement in the Competition.
At Chisinau Marathon, Elite category participants are allowed to place their personal energy gels on the course in designated areas approved by the Organizer. The participant bears full personal responsibility for placing and using these gels.
The Organizers are not responsible for energy gels provided by participants and do not guarantee their availability or use by other participants of the Competition.
The participant is responsible for monitoring their own supplies and ensuring that they are used only by them, in order to maintain fair and equal conditions for all Chisinau Marathon participants.
3.17. Anti-DopingThe use of prohibited substances and methods with a doping effect, as well as any other violation of anti-doping rules — including, but not limited to, refusal or evasion of doping control, manipulation of the testing process, possession, distribution or use of prohibited substances — constitutes a violation of Law No. 24/2023 on preventing and combating doping in sport, the WADA World Anti-Doping Code and the applicable International Anti-Doping Standards.
As a result, the participant may be sanctioned by losing the right to receive titles, prizes or recognition in the Absolut and Age Group categories, as well as in other official rankings, in accordance with national legislation and the rules of the relevant sports federation.
Participants who are listed by ANAD or other competent anti-doping organizations as persons subject to a sanction, suspension or restriction related to an anti-doping rule violation may be admitted to participate only out of competition, by decision of the Organizer.
The result of such a participant is not taken into account when forming the official results, Absolut and Age Group classifications, and does not grant the right to receive prize money, bonuses, gifts, titles, awards or to set a course record.
3.18. AppealsAppeals must be submitted in writing within 1 hour after the publication of the preliminary results.
The appeal fee is 200 MDL and is refunded if the appeal is accepted.
Appeals are reviewed within 60 minutes.
SECTION 4. AWARDS 4.1. Absolut Category – Prize MoneyMarathon (42 km) — men/women, places I–VI:1st place — 15,000 MDL;
2nd place — 10,000 MDL;
3rd place — 8,000 MDL;
4th place — 4,000 MDL;
5th place — 3,000 MDL;
6th place — 2,000 MDL.
Course record bonus: +10,000 MDL.Half Marathon (21 km) — men/women, places I–III:1st place — 7,000 MDL;
2nd place — 5,000 MDL;
3rd place — 3,000 MDL.
Course record bonus: +5,000 MDL.10.5 km — men/women, places I–III:1st place — 4,000 MDL;
2nd place — 2,000 MDL;
3rd place — 1,000 MDL.
5 km — men/women, places I–III:1st place — 3,000 MDL;
2nd place — 2,000 MDL;
3rd place — 1,000 MDL.
Taxes are withheld in accordance with applicable law.
4.2. Age Group CategoriesAge Group awards are given on all four distances:
Marathon (42 km);
Half Marathon (21 km);
10.5 km;
5 km.
Age groups, separately for men and women:30–39;
40–49;
50–59;
60–69;
70–79;
80+.
The
Under 30 age group is listed separately; however,
no awards are presented in this category.
In all other age groups, participants placing I, II and III are awarded.
Winners and prize winners in the Absolut category are excluded from the Age Group ranking and are not awarded again in age group categories.
E-diplomas are available online.
4.3. Documents for Receiving AwardsTo receive prize money, bonuses, gifts or other awards, the winner must provide the Organizer with the documents and information required to confirm identity, process the payment and complete accounting and tax procedures.
SECTION 5. ADMINISTRATIVE CONDITIONS 5.1. Hydration and NutritionHydration and nutrition points are located every 5 km, as well as in the finish area. At these points, participants are provided with water, fruit and/or other products provided by the Organizer.
Participants may receive water, food and any other support only at the official hydration and nutrition points provided by the Organizer.
Receiving water, food or any other assistance outside the official points, except in cases of medical assistance, may result in the participant’s disqualification.
Elite category participants may place their personal energy gels in specially designated areas in accordance with the Organizer’s rules.
5.2. First AidMedical teams are present on the course and in the Start/Finish area.
The Organizer may withdraw a participant from the Competition for medical reasons.
5.3. Safety, Ecology and RestrictionsAccompanying persons must remain outside the running area. Road traffic is restricted during the races.
On the course and in the event areas, it is prohibited to use or be present with bicycles, scooters, e-scooters, rollerblades, skateboards, baby strollers, animals, except for service animals officially authorized by the Organizer, drones, selfie sticks, large backpacks, suitcases, flagpoles, long sticks, portable speakers, unauthorized vehicles, as well as costumes or clothing elements that cover the face or obstruct other participants.
Participation without an official race bib is prohibited, as well as accompanying a participant by bicycle, on foot or in any other way by a person who does not have the appropriate accreditation from the Organizer.
It is prohibited to bring alcohol, narcotic substances, weapons, pyrotechnic items, irritant sprays, tasers and any other items that may pose a threat to the safety of participants, spectators, volunteers or organizers to the event area.
Littering outside specially designated areas and trash bins is prohibited and results in disqualification.
Re-entry to the Relax Zone is prohibited.Violation of the provisions of this section may result in removal from the event area and/or disqualification of the participant.
5.3.1. Weather Warning SystemThe Organizer monitors weather conditions before and during the Competition, including, but not limited to: extreme heat, storms, strong wind, heavy rain, deterioration of air quality and other extreme weather conditions that may affect participant safety.
If potentially dangerous weather conditions are identified, the Organizer has the right to take the necessary safety measures, including changing the start time, changing the course, temporarily suspending, postponing or canceling the Competition.
Participants will be informed about important changes and warnings through the Organizer’s official communication channels, including e-mail, SMS and official social media channels.
Participants are responsible for independently following the official notifications of the Organizer.
5.4. Technical ZonesAccess to technical zones is permitted only to persons accredited by the Organizer.
Unauthorized interference with technical zones, timing equipment, event infrastructure or other organizational elements may result in removal from the event area and/or disqualification of the participant.
5.5. Force MajeureIf the Competition is postponed, entry fees are not refunded, and participants’ entries are transferred to the new event date.
If the Competition is canceled, participants will receive the race pack provided for in these Regulations. The entry fee is not refunded.
The Organizer is not responsible for participants’ personal belongings, transportation, accommodation, meals, travel, hotels, tickets or any other related expenses incurred by participants or third parties in connection with participation, cancellation, postponement or changes to the conditions of the Competition.
5.6. Lost & FoundFound items are handed over to the Lost & Found point.
Found items are stored for 7 days after the event.
SECTION 6. RESPONSIBILITIES 6.1. ParticipantThe participant takes part in the Competition at their own risk and bears personal responsibility for their own health condition, physical fitness and ability to safely complete the selected distance.
The participant is advised not to start in case of fever, illness, injury, signs of infection, deterioration of health or any other condition that may pose a risk to their health during participation in the Competition.
The participant is required to comply with these Regulations, the instructions of the Organizer, officials, police, medical service and volunteers, and is responsible for their own behavior and any damage caused.
In case of deterioration of health or inability to continue participation, the participant must stop moving on the course and inform the Organizer, volunteers or medical service.
6.2. OrganizerThe Organizer ensures course marking, hydration and nutrition points, medical support, timing, participant information, compliance with environmental standards and the technical briefing.
SECTION 7. DATA PROTECTIONThe following data is collected: name, surname, date of birth, gender, e-mail, phone
Retention period:
up to 10 years.
Data Protection Officer:
privacy@simpals.comAuthority:
www.datepersonale.mdSECTION 8. POLITICAL NEUTRALITYPolitical promotion of any kind is strictly prohibited.
SECTION 9. CONTACT INFORMATIONA.O. Clubul Sportiv “SPORTER”
Calea Orheiului 28/1, Chișinău
Schedule: Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00
Tel.: +373 22 111 072
E-mail:
event@sporter.mdWeb:
www.sporter.md /
www.marathon.mdPresident: Dmitri Voloshin
IDNO: 1013620009909
IBAN: MD53VI000002224003323MDL
BIC: VICBMD2X416