Vilnius Airport Turned Into a Marathon Track as LEMON GYM Opens Movement Space

Instead of waiting at the boarding gate, passengers at Vilnius Airport were invited to step onto a marathon track. The newly opened LEMON GYM active movement zone near the departure gates turned into a symbolic marathon route where every passenger waiting for their flight could participate. Every meter completed on the treadmill became part of a shared goal – completing the full 42.195 km marathon distance together.

“We wanted to create an experience that would both surprise and inspire people. The marathon here is symbolic – it shows that even a small movement or just a few active minutes can make a difference,” said the organizers of the initiative.

Exercise is not limited to the gym

“Sport is not only about a place or a specific time – it is a habit that can begin anywhere, even at the airport while waiting for a flight. For some, it may be a few stretching exercises, for others – a minute of running. The most important thing is to move according to your abilities and to do it as often as possible,” said Lithuanian long-distance runner and Olympian Diana Lobačevskė.

The symbolic marathon also marked the opening of the new LEMON GYM active movement zone for passengers at Vilnius Airport, which D. Lobačevskė herself also tried out. From now on, the space is open to all travellers waiting for their flights.

One of the participants of the airport marathon, Ieva, shared that the initiative was a great opportunity to move before her flight. At the same time, it was also a unique experience she could try right there in Vilnius.
Ieva spoke very positively about the new active movement zone. According to her, it is a great space both for adults wanting to stay active before a flight and for children to move and play.

“Encouraging people to rethink active movement is a very important step forward,” she said.
Another participant, Raimonda, described both the movement zone and the airport marathon as a truly exciting idea. Although this was the first marathon of its kind she had ever joined, she admitted she now dreams of participating in the Rotterdam Marathon with her family in the future.

A few active minutes before your flight

According to Greta Radzevičienė, the initiative was created to encourage active and healthy habits in everyday situations and to remind people that even short moments can be used for movement.

“At the beginning of a journey, opportunities to move are often limited – passengers spend time waiting in security lines or near boarding gates. However, even a short physical activity can help not only use time more actively, but also improve well-being. We want to remind people that sometimes just a few minutes of movement are enough to feel better,” said G. Radzevičienė.

That is why a free 24/7 active movement zone has been installed at Vilnius Airport. The LEMON GYM active movement zone is located near gates A16 and A17.

“As Vilnius Airport continues to welcome record passenger numbers, our goal is not only to ensure the best travel experience, but also to contribute to healthier habits. In the LEMON GYM training space, passengers are invited to move and begin their journey in a great mood. We are happy to offer an activity that promotes physical movement and allows travelers to spend their waiting time meaningfully,” said Nerilė Mažeikienė, director of passenger experience and digitalization at Lithuanian Airports.

A space designed for travellers of all ages

The active movement zone includes an interactive and playful area for both children and adults. A reaction game encourages movement and engagement for visitors of all ages.

Travelers can also use modern training equipment designed to allow movement while working on a computer – particularly useful during business trips. In addition, the space includes an area where passengers can warm up or do stretching exercises before a flight, even in just a few minutes.

According to the head of LEMON GYM, the key goals behind the space were simplicity and accessibility. Movement should not require special sportswear or a lot of time – first and foremost, it requires willingness to move.
In recent years, LEMON GYM has been actively expanding, and while the airport training zone is smaller than a traditional gym club, it symbolically becomes another part of the network.

“We say this is our 19th club in Vilnius and 34th in the Baltics – just a little different and open to all passengers at Vilnius Airport. Everyone is welcome here to move and stay active,” emphasized G. Radzevičienė.

According to G. Radzevičienė, LEMON GYM continues its active expansion and is planning new openings and renovated clubs. Having nearly doubled the number of clubs over the past two years, the network plans to maintain its growth pace, with additional openings already planned for this autumn.