The Maratona dles Dolomites is expecting a maximum of 8,000 starters. The participants are divided equally between Italy and abroad according to the draw specifications. 53 per cent will be taking part in the Maratona for the first time. 200 starting places have been reserved exclusively for female groups, with women making up 13.5 per cent of the participants. Rai 2 will broadcast the race live for six hours.
Maratona dles Dolomites offers new app
The Maratona app was developed in collaboration with Datasport. It brings together all the information about the race and relies on a real-time notification system. This provides information about supporting events, weather, safety and important messages. Live tracking of the athletes, route maps, results and news complete the offer for participants and accompanying persons.
Maratona dles Dolomites safety initiative
Together with the Maratona dles Dolomites, the Italian helmet manufacturer KASK is launching the "BE SAFE. BE COOL." project to promote a new safety culture in cycling. Following the introduction of the compulsory rain jacket last year, the initiative aims to raise awareness of safety, particularly on the downhill sections of the route. Special banners along the route draw attention to the project. Valentina Albani Rocchetti, Sponsorship & Events Manager at KASK, explains the idea: "Safety doesn't mean doing without, it means awareness. Caution is not the opposite of style, caution is style. KASK is not supporting the project as a commercial sponsor, but as a cultural partner of the event and the sport of cycling.
In memory of Alex Zanardi
The Maratona remembers Alex Zanardi, a friend of the event. His smile, his strength and his way of living the sport have left a deep mark on the Maratona family. Over the years, the Maratona has collaborated several times with the Bimbingamba and Obiettivo3 associations founded by Zanardi, sharing their values of inclusion, hope and the courage to always look ahead. A large group of Paralympic athletes from Obiettivo3 will be competing in this edition.
Maratona dles Dolomites event week
The Maratona Village forms the centrepiece of the event week with exhibitors, talks, shows and food corners. One of the new features is the "Sunrise Coffee Ride", a guided tour at dawn to the Gardena Pass with cappuccino and croissants on the passes. The rides with local champions and the Pinarello Ride return. The "Maratona for Kids" will take place on Saturday, and on Sunday there will be a special children's area in the finish area. On Friday at 5 pm, the "After Ride DJ Set" will celebrate its premiere in Corvara, an aperitif with music in collaboration with Musixmatch. The event is open to everyone.
Culinary and technical service
Head chef Manuel Mangutsch from the Mumant restaurant created the "Maratona dish" 2026 together with sports nutritionist Elena Casiraghi. The ravioli dish is prepared with regional ingredients such as buckwheat, fresh cheese from the region, mountain blossom honey, wild garlic and pine nuts. A "Maratona dish" cooking course is one of the new features of the supporting programme. Together with chef Manuel, participants experience a combination of cuisine, region and well-being.
Over the years, the Enel/Shimano workshop in Corvara has become a meeting point for participants. Shimano mechanics and Nuncas employees offer technical support and a bike cleaning service to make the bikes shine again after the tours over the Dolomite passes.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
