The organizers of the Trail Kursiu Nerija run along the Curonian Spit in Lithuania say that participants from two “unfriendly” countries — Russia and Belarus — are unwelcome at the event. According to the outlet Volna, the registration rules deliberately spell both countries’ names in lowercase, as “russia or belarus.”
Russian and Belarusian runners may still compete, but only if they meet four conditions:
- They must submit a written statement opposing Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- They must provide a Lithuanian residence permit issued by Lithuanian authorities and, if required, additional documents.
- They must agree to wear Ukraine’s flag on their race bib rather than Russia’s or Belarus’s.
- They must agree that they are not eligible for awards or prizes.
Organizers reserved the right to reject any application without explanation, in which case the participant’s registration fee would be refunded, but only after the event.
The Trail Kursiu Nerija run is scheduled for October 17, 2026. Registration opened on June 1.
Lithuania has been debating for months whether to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in domestic events. In international competitions held in the country, only Russians and Belarusians who condemn Russia’s war in Ukraine in writing and express support for Ukraine — and who agree to compete without a national flag — may compete.
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