The Dolomite Marathon, “Maratona dles Dolomites” in Ladin, a road bicycle race, starts and ends in the Alta Badia
The first Maratona dles Dolomites dates back to July 1987, when its participants had to overcome 175 km and 7 mountain passes of the Dolomites. It was a big success and over the years it had become one of the most important sports events in the Alta Badia. The official distance of the race, which still every year takes place on the first Sunday of July, has been changed into 138 km and 4,230 m of altitude difference (marathon distance).
The number of participants is limited to 9,000 athletes, lotteries were introduced to draw participants. There are three distances the athletes can choose from: Sellaronda course (55 km, 4 Dolomite passes, 1,780 m of altitude difference), Medium course (106 km, 7 Dolomite passes, 3,090 m of altitude difference) and Marathon course (138 km, 8 Dolomite passes, 4,190 m of altitude difference). The mountain passes: Passo Campolongo (see pic, to be completed twice), Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella, Passo Gardena (these four mountain passes are known as Sella Ronda), Passo Falzarego, Passo di Giau and Passo Valparola.
Every year, the Maratona dles Dolomites offers special charity registrations at an increased price, which surcharge will support charity projects. With the purchase of a charity registration the participants get a small souvenir in addition to a preferential starting grid. The sports event with the varied supporting programme is organized by the SSD Comitato Maratona dles Dolomites.
