Each September, thousands lace up for the Tallinn Marathon — Estonia’s biggest running event. But did you know you don’t need to be anywhere near the cobbled streets of the Old Town to take part?
Just ask the Bowler family from Canberra, who’ve turned the Swedbank Tallinn Marathon’s virtual run into an annual family affair — complete with medals, misadventures and a hearty dose of Vana Tallinn liqueur at the finish line. (Read this great article about their journey.)
What started as a light-hearted lockdown activity back in 2020 has grown into something much more meaningful for the Bowlers. With Estonian roots on their mother’s side, this running trio — Denis, his son Lawrence, and brother Ross — saw the virtual event as a chance to stay active and connected to their heritage, even from the other side of the world.
Their route may be in Australia, but their hearts (and feet) are clearly running toward Tallinn.
The Bowler tradition now includes a unique blend of family bonding and Baltic flair. They’ve developed a post-run ritual of gathering around a fire pit with Estonia’s favourite liqueur in hand — a far cry from a chilly finish line in Tallinn, but no less festive.
Of course, no family tradition is complete without the occasional hiccup. On their very first attempt, one family member forgot to insert his shoe insole — and didn’t realise until halfway through the run. (A gentle reminder to always check your shoes before clocking 42 kilometres.)
Running with an Estonian flag peeking out of a backpack.
And yes — they run with an Estonian flag peeking out of a backpack. That little flag has sparked conversations with curious passers-by, and even a few new connections — a reminder that culture and community can catch up with you when you least expect it.
While the finish-line swag — medals, t-shirts, and the like — is always appreciated, the Bowlers say the real reward is the sense of belonging. Their virtual run is now an annual checkpoint, both for fitness and for honouring where they come from.
And they’re not alone. Around the world, Estonians abroad have embraced this event as a way to reconnect — no plane ticket required.
How you can join from Australia
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or more of a casual stroller, the 2025 Tallinn Marathon virtual run (12—14 September 2025) is open for registrations now. Choose your own distance, complete it wherever you are (yes, even your local park counts!), and receive your medal by mail.
You don’t need to train for months or break speed records (unless you want to!) — just a good pair of shoes and a bit of Eesti spirit will do the trick.
Visit jooks.ee to sign up and be part of Estonia’s largest running event — whether you’re running in Tallinn, Toowoomba, or Tasmania.
An alternative method to register using an Australian-issued card is via the World Marathons webpage.
Thank you!
This information is based on the article published on jooks.ee on 26 June 2025 (read below) and the generous information shared by Denis Bowler. Thank you also for the photos, Denis and the Bowler family!
