Tartu on the move: UCI gravel ambitions and world-class flat marathon
Have you ever left the Tartu Maraton wishing you had more time – to explore the city, or to return for another sporting challenge? Join us in golden autumn for a new kind of experience – on two wheels or on foot.
The Tartu MTB Marathon, one of Europe’s largest off-road cycling events, is stepping up to join the UCI Gravel World Series. A brand-new 126 km gravel race has been added to the program this year, alongside the classic 86, 40 and 21 km distances. Inspired by Norwegian Birkebeinerrittet, the race was founded in 1998 to bring cyclists onto the iconic Tartu Maraton ski trails – and to this day, the course winds through the same rolling landscape that has fascinated generations of cross-country skiers.
Come autumn, the Tartu City Marathon offers runners another way to experience Estonia’s second-largest city – this time on foot. Certified by AIMS, the event guarantees a world-class race experience over 42, 21, or 10 km distances, all held on a single loop course. The flat route is unique: it leads runners through Tartu’s most distinctive neighborhoods and surprising local gems that most visitors would never think to explore.
Plus, while you’re in town, stop by the Worldloppet office and collect those missing passport stamps!
Save the dates:
- September 20 – Tartu MTB-Gravel Marathon
- October 4 – Tartu City Marathon
