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Amongst other prominent guests at the opening event was Worldloppet’s president Juha Viljamaa who said that Tartu has done a great job leading Worldloppet. “There are some high-quality employees here in Tartu who also have great experience in organizing big marathons. Thus, everything so far has gone smoothly,” said Viljamaa. “It is important that the city of Tartu has taken such good care of Tartu Maraton and Worldloppet, because then it seems that they actually want us here,” he added.

The main purpose of renovating was to create some extra working space because soon the most intense marathon period starts. Worldloppet head office’s main tasks are associated with organizing communication and info technological work. Worldloppet’s CEO Epp Paal says that a lot has changed in 12 years, which means that settling into work takes it’s time. “Marathon family of Worldloppet has grown from 14 members to 20, also all marathon programs have widened. That’s why the first half of the year during command has mostly been about getting to know the working environment.”

Worldloppet’s head office will stay in Tartu for at least 3,5 years after what there will be new presidential elections. Paal thinks that the head office could stay in Tartu for longer than 3,5 years. “The goal is that we wouldn’t have to go through this settling in and moving process again and again, which is why I wish that the head office would stay in Tartu for a while,” she said. Paal added that there are not many big sport organizations head office’s in Estonia. “We should be really proud that Worldloppet’s head office is in Tartu.”

After a four month’s pause Worldloppet now finally will continue on the 4th of January with China’s Vasaloppet. Tartu will host the 44th Tartu Maraton and the 5th FIS Worldloppet Cup stage in February 26th.