University of Tartu seeks role models for Tartu Marathon events
The University of Tartu invites staff and students to apply for the 2027 Active UT role model programme. Up to six people will be selected for the programme to prepare for the Tartu Marathon events, share their experiences, and inspire other university members to be more physically active. Applications are open from 5 to 25 October.
The role model does not have to be an experienced athlete. Applications are welcome from those who exercise regularly, beginners, and those planning to take part in a Tartu Marathon event for the first time. What matters most is the willingness to be active, share your experience, and show that physical activity is within everyone’s reach.
Applications can be submitted from 5 October, and the final selection will be confirmed by a committee comprising the Director of Administration of the University of Tartu Kstina Noormets, the Head of Marketing Karl Vetemaa, and the Head of the Management Board of the University of Tartu Academic Sports Club Gert Prants. Selected participants are announced on 2 November.
Participants in the role model programme are expected to take part in all Tartu Marathon events in 2027. Each participant may choose a distance that suits them and take part in either shorter or longer events, depending on their interests, experience and fitness level. The first event of the programme is the Tartu Marathon in February 2027, for which preparations are already beginning this autumn.
The role models will receive free entry to Tartu Marathon events, as well as University of Tartu-branded sportswear created specifically for the programme. Each participant will get a personalised training plan tailored to their goals and previous experience. Role models will also have free sports health assessment, including an exercise stress test, at the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic of Tartu University Hospital. In addition, they can join group training sessions organised in preparation for the Tartu Marathon and receive advice from specialists. The role models will also get communications support to help them share their journey through the University of Tartu channels and inspire other university members to get involved.
The role model programme aims to show that it is not your finishing position that matters at Tartu Marathon events, but rather the enjoyment and satisfaction of participating and being active together. Everyone can choose the distance and pace that suits them and participate in the way that works best for them.
Throughout their journey, the role models are supported by a team led by Ragnar Rooba, Sports Director at the University of Tartu Academic Sports Club. The team will assist participants with any questions or concerns and help ensure that their preparation for the events and participation in the programme run smoothly.
Application and selection
- Who can apply for the role model programme?
All University of Tartu staff and students who want to be active, prepare for the Tartu Marathon events, and share their journey with other university members are welcome to apply.
If possible, we would like to include participants from each of the four faculties, students, staff from support units and institutions, to ensure that the full diversity of the university community is represented in the programme.
2. Do I need to be an experienced athlete to apply?
No. The role model programme is not intended specifically for experienced athletes. Applications are welcome from both those who exercise regularly, beginners, and those planning to take part in Tartu Marathon events for the first time.
Each applicant must confirm that they participate in the programme at their own responsibility and are responsible for their state of health.
3. Do I need to know which distances at the Tartu Marathon events I will take part in when I apply?
Yes. In the application form, please indicate the preferred distances at Tartu Marathon events that you feel prepared to complete.
However, this choice is not final. Participants selected for the programme can review and, if necessary, change their choices after completing a sports health assessment and consulting with specialists. The aim is to find a challenge that is both achievable and motivating for each participant.
4. How are role models selected?
Applicants are primarily assessed based on their interest in physical activity, willingness to share their journey, and desire to encourage colleagues and fellow students to get involved. Six participants will be selected for the programme; their experience with physical activity may vary.
5. Who makes the final selection?
The final selection will be made by a committee comprising the Director of Administration Kstina Noormets, the Head of Marketing Karl Vetemaa from the University of Tartu, and the Head of the Management Board of the University of Tartu Academic Sports Club Gert Prants. The selected role models are announced on 2 November.
6. When can I apply for the role model programme?
Applications are open from 5 to 25 October 2026.
7. Can I apply for the programme together with a colleague or a fellow student?
Participants are selected individually for the programme, so each applicant must complete a separate application form. If you would like to take part in a Tartu Marathon event as part of a group, please let us know. We can provide all members of the registered group with a clothing item with the University of Tartu logo, such as a T-shirt or a hat.
Applicants are also assessed based on their willingness to inspire other university members to be more active. Therefore, we welcome ideas for involving your colleagues, fellow students, or your entire unit in the programme activities or Tartu Marathon events.
Participation in the programme
8. Which Tartu Marathon event are participants expected to prepare for?
Active UT role models must participate in all five Tartu Marathon events held during the programme. Participation does not require completing the full or main distance in every event. Role models may choose a distance based on their training plan, fitness level, and personal goals.
Tartu Marathon events in 2027:
- Tartu Marathon in February – 63 km / 31 km
- Tartu Forest Marathon in May – 42 km / 21 km / 10 km / 5 km
- Tartu Rattaralli Gran Fondo in June – 135 km / 61 km / 27 km
- Tartu Bike Marathon in September – 123 km / 83 km / 39 km / 21 km
- Tartu City Marathon in October – 42 km / 21 km / 10 km
Learn more about Tartu Marathon events on the Tartu Marathon website.
The first event for programme participants is the Tartu Marathon in February 2027, and preparations are already beginning in autumn 2026.
9. If I am selected, do I need to complete the distance within a specified time or achieve a particular result?
No. Achieving a specific result is not the aim of the programme. Each participant may choose the distance and pace that suits them and take part in the way that matches their fitness level.
10. Will all six participants train together?
Not necessarily. Each participant will receive a personalised training plan tailored to their needs and goals. In addition, Tartu Marathon organises group training sessions that all programme participants may take part in.
11. Will each participant receive an individual training plan?
Yes. A personalised training plan will be prepared for each participant, based on their previous experience, goals, and the chosen distance.
12. Is it mandatory to participate in group training sessions?
Participation in group training sessions is not mandatory, but they offer an excellent opportunity to prepare for the events together and get advice from specialists. More detailed expectations are discussed and agreed on with each participant at the beginning of the programme.
13. Is the sports health assessment free of charge for programme participants?
Yes. The sports health assessment is included in the programme, and participants do not need to pay for it.
14. Do I need my own equipment to take part?
The programme participants will receive University of Tartu-branded sportswear designed and produced specifically for the programme. For other sports and training equipment that may be needed, we will find a solution for each participant in cooperation with external partners. For example, equipment may be available for purchase or hire at a discounted price. Therefore, a lack of personal sports equipment should not discourage anyone from applying. Specific needs depend on the event and the chosen distance.
15. Will all programme activities take place in Tartu?
Not all activities will necessarily take place in Tartu. The precise location depends on the event: some Tartu Marathon events and group training sessions are held elsewhere. At the beginning of the programme, we will agree with each participant on their activities and the locations.
Sharing your journey and communication
16. How am I expected to share my journey and under what terms?
Sharing your preparation and experiences is a prerequisite for participating in the role model programme. Participants’ journeys will be featured through the communication channels of the University of Tartu and the University of Tartu Academic Sports Club, including Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, as well as in news articles published on the university’s website and intranet. The exact content, frequency and format will be agreed individually with each participant. Participants do not have to use their personal social media accounts.
The aim is to give an honest, authentic insight into the preparation process and to inspire other university members to be more active and take part in Tartu Marathon events.
17. Do programme participants have to publish a certain number of posts or stories?
No fixed number of posts or stories has been set. The content, frequency and format will be agreed individually with each participant based on the progress of the programme and their preparation.
After being selected
18. I was selected for the role model programme. What happens next?
Once the final selection has been confirmed, we will contact all participants to agree on the detailed arrangements for the programme, including the preparation plan and communication activities. The programme preparations start in autumn 2026.
The preparation includes sports health assessment with an exercise stress test, training guidance, a personalised training plan, group training sessions, and advice from specialists. We also help each participant find suitable training equipment, considering their needs and the event. In addition, we agree on how and through which University of Tartu communication channels the participants will share their preparation processes and experiences.
19. If I cannot take part in an agreed activity, may I still continue in the programme?
Yes. Missing a single activity does not automatically mean that you will be removed from the programme. If you cannot take part in an agreed activity, please inform the organisers as early as possible so we can agree on the next steps.
20. What if I decide to withdraw after the programme has already started?
Participation in the programme is voluntary. We ask all applicants to consider their commitment carefully before applying, and to apply only if they are prepared to take part in the agreed activities throughout the programme and share their experiences. If a participant still decides to withdraw during the programme, they should notify the organisers at the earliest opportunity, so that a new role model can be selected from among the applicants.
21. Are participants paid for taking part in the programme?
Participation in the programme is voluntary, and there is no pay for that. During the programme, the participants are offered free entry to Tartu Marathon events, sports health assessment, training guidance, a personalised training plan, sportswear, advice on selecting suitable equipment, and other support necessary for successful preparation.
Opportunities for the entire university community
22. Can people who are not selected for the role model programme take part in Tartu Marathon events?
Yes. The role model programme is just a small part of the cooperation between the University of Tartu and Tartu Marathon. University of Tartu staff and students can use a 30% discount on participation fees for all events and distances in the Tartu Marathon series.
Before each event, preparatory group training sessions are open to the entire university community. You can find all the group training sessions in the University of Tartu’s events calendar.
During the events, the University of Tartu has its cheer stations along the course where you can support other university members. The location of cheer stations and other information will be published before each event via the university’s social media channels.
For selected events, the first University of Tartu members to register or participate will also receive free items with the university logo, such as T-shirts or hats. More detailed information about the complimentary clothing, group training sessions and other opportunities is provided separately for each event.
Read more about the opportunities on the University of Tartu website.
