Runners to celebrate 35th anniversary of Baltic Way with run through Baltics

TALLINN -  Latvian runner Rūdolfs Birnbaums is set to begin a run on Aug. 16 from the Gediminas Tower in Vilnius, traversing all three Baltic states to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way.

The goal is to complete the 678-kilometer distance in eight days, arriving in Tallinn's Old Town on Aug. 23.

Birnbaums invites all Estonian runners to join him, whether by running or walking any portion of the distance.

"There are several initiatives dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way, and I welcome them all! To emphasize the significance of this event, which helped pave the way for the independence of the Baltic states, I invite everyone to join me, running or walking at least part of the 678-kilometer distance," Birnbaums said. "I want to invite everyone to join this run to show the world that we are still ready to defend our freedom and the freedom of others, to be the masters of our land."

The plan is to cover 85 kilometers each day -- equivalent to two marathons -- adjusting the distance daily as needed. The run will begin each day at 9 a.m.