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Tartu Maraton has been in the Worldloppet calendar for almost 30 years. In their feedback skiers say that challenging themselves on the world famous classical track is the biggest motivator to join the event. But – one of the biggest reasons for doing the race is also a stamp to the WL passport.

The statistics support the opinion of skiers. In 2023 there were 152 masters and 482 passport holders in Tartu. What do the WL skiers, who have such a great representation in the race, say about Tartu Maraton? Faced challenges? What suggestions and tips do they give for others to ski in Estonia?

Global Skier Lino Davarda from Italy and multiple Worldloppet Master Thomas Huber from Germany share their experiences.

Speciality of Tartu Maraton

“Excellent track and over 60 km, perfect for those who prefer classic style. On the other hand it is not too difficult and there is also a possibility of 31 km for slower, older or just for fun skiers. I especially like that besides professional and really strong competitors there are a lot of popular skiers, who just want to finish and have fun on that day,” says Thomas who has participated in the race 3 times. “In addition there are always many friendly volunteers helping the racers. Knowing how hard it is to find them, makes their role even more appreciated. It feels really nice and familiar,” he adds.

Lino completed his Global Master in Estonia in 2019 and says that the race is very important to him. Both he and Thomas bring out that due to the weather conditions, Tartu can also be tricky. Lino experienced the cancellation twice, both during the times with very bad snow winters in the whole North-Europe. First year he decided to cancel the whole trip, but the second time he flew to Estonia and as there was some snow, he could at least test the course and make a good training for the next year.

“After 3 attempts, the race was finally fantastic,” he says. “It is kind of tricky and you must always hope that there will be enough snow, but that is outdoor sports,” adds Thomas. 

Biggest challenges

“Waxing is always the question, not gilding wax, but the grip wax is the challenge. 63 km looks flat for double poling, but for an average skier it is better to have grip wax because of the short uphills and the long distance,” suggests Thomas. Lino says his biggest challenge on the rolling landscape of South-Estonia was to keep a good cadence and not get too far behind a friend. “On the track I joined a competitor dressed as a pig. I absolutely had to get there before him,” he jokes. 

Between the Worldloppet skiers – what must be taken into account when planning to race the Tartu Maraton

Lino emphasizes the importance of the right wax once more: “It is very important to find the right wax since the track is not uniform: up, down, flat.”  It also depends on the weather – in some years the conditions are good and skiing is easier and faster than in other years. “Everything around the marathon is well organized – masters meeting, registration desk, bus transfers, food stations, luggage transport. Very nice finisher medal,” shares Thomas. “Up to the final surprise where my Global Skier diploma was waiting for me at the finish line,” adds Lino. 

“Now with the 31 km skating on Saturday just before the main race, freestyle skiers have also a good possibility to join the Tartu Maraton weekend. And for crazy Worldloppet stamp holders it does mean 2 races and 2 stamps,” says Thomas, who is planning to ski Tartu Maraton again in 2024 together with his brother. 

Save the dates

February 17-18, 2024

• 63 and 31 CT
• Now also 31 km FT and Team Relay compactly on the same weekend
• To celebrate the jubilee, a special 31 km Vintage race

Race info and program: https://tartumaraton.ee/en/tartu-maraton-2024/program 

Registration is open: https://reg.tartumaraton.ee/en/register/register