On Sunday, 5 July 2026, the 39th edition of the Maratona dles Dolomites - Enel will start in the South Tyrolean Dolomites. This year's motto is Pax, peace: ". In a world characterised by conflict and division, it becomes a symbol of solidarity and those small gestures that unite people. As President Michil Costa emphasises, peace is born precisely from these simple gestures: stopping to help, sharing the effort, riding side by side, even without knowing each other. The Maratona embodies all of this: a collective experience in which the mountains become a symbol of equality and each participant contributes to a concrete idea of peace with every pedal stroke," reads a press release. The logo of the 39th edition reflects this message. The colours of peace dissolve, mix and lose their orderly structure. "The colours of peace dissolve, mix and lose their orderly structure to reflect the complexity of our present. The historical logo of the Maratona also changes and gives up its usual colour identity to become a mirror of a fragile but necessary balance. It does not provide an answer, but poses an open question: an invitation to rediscover meaning, to rebuild meanings and to set out together on the path to a possible peace."
Maratona dles Dolomites starting points
A total of 32,400 enquiries were received for the 8,000 available starting places. The participants come in equal numbers from Italy and abroad, 50 per cent each. This is due to the lottery guidelines: they reserve half of the starting places in the lottery pot for Italians. A total of 85 nations are represented. 1500 volunteers make it possible to organise the event. Rai2 broadcasts the race live for six hours.
Three routes over closed passes
Three routes lead over legendary Dolomite passes that are closed to traffic. The Maratona route measures 138 km and 4230 metres in altitude. The medium distance covers 106 km and 3130 metres in altitude. The Sellaronda is 55 km long and has an altitude difference of 1780 metres. The routes lead over Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Campolongo, Falzarego, Giau and Valparola. Cycling between these rocky giants means immersing yourself in unspoilt nature, characterised by silence and breathtaking views.
Maratona dles Dolomites supporting programme
The Maratona dles Dolomites - Enel is a whole week of events. The Maratona Village forms the centre where exhibitors present products from the world of cycling. At the Maratona Talks, the public exchanges ideas with guests. A varied programme of entertainment and food stands completes the offer.
Saturday is dedicated to the Maratona for Kids. During the week, there are numerous bike rides open to everyone. The Sunrise Coffee Ride is a guided tour at dawn from La Villa via Corvara up to the Gardena Pass. The ride on quiet roads in the fresh mountain air ends with a cappuccino and croissant at the summit. The Wednesday ride with a local champion returns this year. The Pinarello Ride will take place with a special guest who will be announced shortly.
On Thursday, there will be a cookery course on the Maratona dish. Chef Manuel will guide participants in the preparation of a dish that has been specially developed for sports and cycling enthusiasts. The experience combines enjoyment, regionality and well-being.
Charity and social projects
400 starting places were sold and the proceeds of over 83,000 euros were donated to three organisations. The Onlus/NGO Insieme si può supports the Times of Peace project. It helps people who save lives and provide medical care in today's conflicts. The project provides space and support for post-war reconciliation processes, particularly in Congo and Bosnia.
The Nervo Pasini Foundation supports the CEP: La Cucina di Padova project. It provides a hot meal every day and guarantees care, attention and reliable support for people in difficult life situations. The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation uses sport as a therapeutic tool to prevent youth problems.
Sellaronda Bike Day and Dolomites Bike Day
Even if you haven't won a starting place for the Maratona dles Dolomites, you can still explore the passes by road bike on closed roads. The month of June offers two cycling events in Alta Badia. The Bike Days are car-free cycling days that are open to everyone and do not require registration. The routes partly follow the route of the Maratona dles Dolomites - Enel and lead over other legendary pass roads.
The Sellaronda Bike Day will take place on Saturday 6 June. The passes around the Sella Group will be closed to traffic. The event will be repeated on 12 September. The 53 km route with 1637 metres of ascent runs anti-clockwise. The official jersey for the event was designed by Manuel Bottazzo and produced by Sportful. It is available in the shops of the organising valleys.
The Dolomites Bike Day on 20 June leads over the Dolomite passes Campolongo, Falzarego and Valparola. The route starts in Alta Badia, runs over the Passo Campolongo to Arabba and into the Livinallongo Valley. It then goes over the Passo Falzarego and the Passo Valparola. From there, the route leads through San Cassiano, La Villa and Corvara back to the starting point. The route, which is closed to traffic, is 51 km long and covers 1,370 metres in altitude. We recommend travelling anti-clockwise.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
