SunRun – The World’s Best Experience Run!

Dear runners, village supporters, volunteers, and organizers – we pulled it off together in the most amazing way, delivering exactly what this run was created for: heaps of wonderful experiences for everyone involved. A big thank you to all of you!

It was such an incredible feeling to be at the starting point at sunrise, 04:33, with around 200 runners under the Sportland starting arch and our supporters’ flags. The starting signal was given by Mikk Tuisk, the Mayor of Saaremaa, and Command Sergeant Major Andri Harkmann from the Estonian Defence League. Moments later, the place was nearly empty – a truly mystical feeling.

It was beautiful to watch those dots representing the runners moving across the screen toward Salme…

The exchange point at Mändjala had its usual vibrant atmosphere, and the second set of runners set off cheerfully toward Salme.

Tanel Tang from Salme Bakery was a bit unsure whether opening the café at 6 AM would be worthwhile, but SunRun running fans filled the place for a full hour and a half! Tanel has already promised to make many improvements for next year to serve us faster and enhance our morning enjoyment. His pastries and coffee taste amazing!

And then, as the sun rose, came the next exchange points and village supporters – Kaugatoma and our steadfast supporters from the Anseküla Society, Toomalõuka village square with the cheering Toomalõuka and Tiirimetsa societies. For the second year in a row, Toomalõuka welcomed us with amazing pancakes (freshly made on the spot!), around ten kinds of jam, sprat sandwiches, and more.

Lümanda, always full of surprises, the picturesque Leedri, Karala (who came out 5 km from their home), the very cheerful Kihelkonna, Tagamõisa entertaining us with accordion music, Rahtla led by its village elder, Vanakubja where village cheering began two years ago, new additions Küdema and Paatsa, and then Võhma village. At the Panga cliff, the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organization supported and cheered us on.

From there, the running route was mostly on asphalt, with plenty of cheering and running extending well into the afternoon. From this point on, you could clearly feel you were heading toward the finish. Along the way, we were supported by Saare Park in Liiküla, the Metsküla Society (the chairman made several trips home by bike to bring more food!), Soela Harbor Society with soup, snacks, and stunning views. This year, after finishing my running leg there, I finally got to take a dip in the sea – at 12–15°C, the water was already warm enough.

In Leisi, we were supported by Sassimaja right by the roadside, and again at Võlupe crossroads (exchange point 14) by the Mätja-Tareste and Roobaka societies. On the final phase, the support was fittingly strong – Taaliku with strawberries, halva, and other treats; Orinõmme with sprat sandwiches; and Maasi with wonderful fruits. In Orissaare, the final boost came from sports leader Andla and her team, featuring fantastic characters in costume. At Illiku, under the finish arch, Aivar and Anu welcomed all finishers with medals and raffle prizes.

At the runners’ request, most villages offered pickled or fermented cucumbers. It was great to hear the post-run debate about which ones tasted best. Runners need salt – another perfect detail that made the experience even better.

This time, I had the chance to meet every supporter on the course face-to-face and realize just how wonderful they all are. Runners praise the support from the villages to the skies – and rightly so. You walk your tired feet from one table to the next, enjoying amazing treats all day… and occasionally you run a little too.

This year’s stats: the 5th SunRun Experience Run, 63 teams, 675 participants (our goal was 500, and in January we thought it would be more like 300–350). Toomas Unt bravely ran more than half the distance but it just wasn’t his day – we believe he’ll be back. The smallest team to complete the course had 4 members – Kindlalt Keilast – and the largest was Saaremaa municipality with 25 members. While we don’t emphasize speed at the experience run, we also don’t deny anyone the chance to go fast. This time, Team Lips completed the course incredibly quickly, averaging 4 min/km and finishing at a stunning 12:05:56 – meaning they reached Orissaare by 16:40. The last team arrived well before midnight, and it was great to be in the sauna with them around midnight. That’s the moment when the organizer truly feels: it’s done!

The 5th SunRun Experience Run was supported by: Sportland, Stebby, Öun Drinks, Saaremaa Vesi, JK Aameraas, Ubala, Joogiekspert, Piidivabrik, Meri Spa Hotel, Karujärve Health Sports Center, Kuressaare Hospital, Red Cross Saaremaa, Sassimaja, Kliff Boutique, Bestvent, Saare Park, Saaremaa Zoo, Salme Bakery, Kliimaseade, Evecon, Spetsiaalne Ehituseettevõte, Red Bull, Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Taivo Massage Therapies, Saaremaa Municipality, Saaremaa Sports Association, Visit Saaremaa, and the Local Initiative Program.

A heartfelt thank-you to all participants and supporters – we created an experience-packed event together. Now we’re already looking forward to June 6, 2026, when the 6th SunRun Experience Run will take place. Registration opens in October.

On behalf of the organizing team,
Rain