Date: 6th March 2022
Location: Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin Region
Technical Data: 30 & 50 km FT
Website: www.russialoppet.ru
The Sakhalin Intrnational Ski Marathon is the southernmost in Russia. Participants can enjoy the unique sights of nature on the way. The start for 30 km and 50 km takes place in Lesnoye village (Korsakovskiy district) and the finish line is located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. First 10 km the route goes along the Pacific coast, and then turns to the mountains. The route runs near one of the highest points of Sakhalin – Chekhov’s Peak (1045 meters above sea level). This peak is named after the famous writer Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, who visited the island in 1890.
The Sakhalin International Ski Marathon in memory of Igor Farkhutdinov was organized in 1987 by the Committee for Physical Culture and Sports of the Sakhalin region. In 2000 the Sakhalin Ski Marathon became “International” and from that time it has been held under the patronage of the Governor.
This winter, the Sakhalin Ski Marathon will be held for the 22nd time. In the late 1990s, foreign athletes began to participate regularly. They were both tourists from Japan and employees of companies developing the island shelf. Over 500 participants take part in the marathon every year, including skiers from Japan, Republic of Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, France, Belgium, Great Britain and others. Olympic Games champion, three-time world champion Nikita Kryukov took part in the marathon in 2020.
