Dolomiten Lauf

While there were once 3,400 participants lining up in Lienz, the current number has dropped to around 1,500 cross-country skiers. With steadily rising costs, there is a need to increase the number of participants. Recently, a Euroregion project was launched in collaboration with the regional governments of Trento, South Tyrol, and Tyrol. This cooperation aims not only to promote each other but also to open access to funding. Within Tyrol, a future collaboration between the three popular cross-country races Ganghoferlauf in Seefeld, Galtür Nordic Volumes, and the Dolomitenlauf, has been emphasized.

The tourism association prioritizing cross-country skiing in East Tyrol

With an attractive cross-country skiing brochure distributed in major cross-country skiing magazines in Germany and Austria (with a circulation of 100,000 copies), the goal is to increase attention for the cross-country skiing paradise in East Tyrol. According to TVB chairman & Dolomitenlauf chief organizer Franz Theurl, considerable effort is made to offer well-maintained trails for guests in all valleys. Already, there has been an increase in guests coming to East Tyrol for cross-country skiing this winter. The TVB Osttirol sees significant potential in cross-country skiing, which has recently become a trending sport again, and the Dolomitenlauf with its media coverage plays a significant role.

54th Dolomitenlauf will be held coming weekend

Due to climate change in the Lienzer Talboden, hosting the Dolomitenlauf has been problematic for some time. Since 2009, with a single interruption in 2020, the Dolomitenlauf has been held on the alternative route in Obertilliach. In the meantime, the newly created infrastructure around the Biathlonzentrum Obertilliach has made things easier. This further enhances the importance of East Tyrol as a cross-country skiing hub, and around the event, beds in Kartitsch, Obertilliach, and Untertilliach are filled in January. Thanks are extended to the many volunteers and officials from the Cross-Country Skiing and Cycling Club, as well as the participating clubs, on behalf of the tourism association.

Dolomitenlauf – a sports event for everyone

In the 1970s, Dolomitenlauf founder Robert Steiner coined the phrase “Everyone is a winner over themselves.” This fitting motto still holds true today. Whether amateur athletes, elite skiers, or young talent, everyone can push their personal limits at the Dolomitenlauf. The organizers have introduced something new with the Dolomitenlauf-Easyrace over 5 km, aiming to give less-trained cross-country skiers, children, and youth the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a popular cross-country race. They will all be rewarded with a Dolomitenlauf medal and a certificate at the finish line. No registration fee is charged for children up to the age of 14.

International elite skiers fighting for victories

While it’s still uncertain who will cross the finish line first in the main event over 42/21 km in the classic style on Sunday in Obertilliach, an exciting race is already anticipated. The newly designed route, which passes through the Nordic center twice, makes the “victory over oneself” a bit easier this time. Difficult passages, such as Leitertal, have been removed from the course map, and several flat meadow sections have been added. This measure aims to increase the number of participants in the future. The start list will be available at www.dolomitensport.at from next Thursday. Some top runners tend to register for the Dolomitenlauf shortly before the weekend. In recent years, Italians and French athletes have dominated the Dolomitenlauf. It remains to be seen who will be listed as the winner in 2024.

For those who decide at the last minute, registration is possible directly at the Biathlonzentrum until just before the start of each race. Every pre-registered participant receives a fabric race number with their name printed on it.

Tradition is highly valued at the Dolomitenlauf

As in previous years, the Schützenkompanie Obertilliach will open the Dolomitenlauf 2024 with a salute. At the finish, the winners and the market women of the Musikkapelle Obertilliach will be waiting. The Dolomiten-Mice mascot will also be present.