Maratona dles Dolomites 2026: Women's quota for starting places for the first time

The Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel will return for its 39th edition on 5 July 2026, with the theme "Pax" (peace). The organisers have chosen this motto to send a signal of solidarity in times of global conflict: "In a time marked by conflict and division, the Maratona becomes a symbol of solidarity, peace and the small gestures that unite us," reads the press release. Pre-registration for the coveted starting places will begin on 8 October 2025 and, as in previous years, the Dolomite passes will be completely closed to motorised traffic for the event.

Maratona registration procedure

The Total number of participants remains unchanged at 8,000 starting places, with equal distribution between Italian and international participants. However, only 4,300 places will go into the lottery pot, as 3,700 will be sold via travel packages or allocated to special starters. For non-Italians, there are therefore around 2,150 starting places in the lottery pot. An important Innovation However, this concerns the women's quota: after the regular draw, an additional 200 starting places will be allocated to women, with the aim of achieving a female quota of 15 per cent.

Interested parties can secure a starting place in various ways. Online pre-registration runs from 8 October to 4 November 2025 via the website www.maratona.it and entitles you to take part in the prize draw, which will take place in the second half of November 2025. Alternatively, race packages (hotel + race number) can be booked from 8 October 2025 via the official tour operator Holimites (www.holimites.com) or other international tour operators.

Further donations will be made to charity on 19 November 2025 and 19 March 2026. Starting places offered for sale exclusively online on the website www.maratona.it. Detailed information can be found at https://www.maratona.it/de/wohltatigkeits-startplatze-2026.

Three challenging routes through the Dolomites

The Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel traditionally offers three different routes over the Dolomite passes, which are closed to traffic. The longest route, the actual Maratona, covers 138 kilometres and climbs 4,230 metres in altitude. The medium route covers 106 kilometres with 3,130 metres in altitude, while the shortest variant, the Sella circuit, measures 55 kilometres and 1,780 metres in altitude. All participants pass the famous Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Giau, Falzarego and Valparola passes. The routes lead through UNESCO World Heritage landscapes and offer spectacular views of the Dolomites. The decision as to which route to take can sometimes be made during the race.

Free cycling days as an alternative

The Alta Badia region is offering three other cycling days for anyone who can't get a starting place for the Maratona: the Sellaronda Bike Day on 6 June and 12 September 2026 and the Dolomites Bike Day on 20 June 2026. These events are not competitions and are open to all cyclists without registration. Here too, the Dolomite passes will be closed to motorised traffic so that cycling enthusiasts can enjoy the unique landscape in peace.

New logo for Maratona dles Dolomites

A completely new logo was developed for the 39th edition, which deliberately breaks with the traditional depiction of the peace flag. Manuel Bottazzo, artistic director of the Maratona, explains the idea behind it: "The new logo of the Maratona dles Dolomites - Enel PAX is created as a courageous act of rupture and awareness. The peace flag, once a universal symbol of hope, has lost its power - a sign worn out by habit and indifference."