The Dles Dolomites Marathon: when the challenge brings cyclists together, transcending all differences

Unconditional peace, with no ifs or buts, is what the 8,000 cyclists – ready to take part in the 39th Maratona Dles Dolomites – will also pursue with determination, despite the usual unspeakable hardships. an iconic long-distance cycle race in the Italian Alps, held every year against the unrivalled backdrop of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. ‘Pax’ will be emblazoned on their jerseys – the theme of this year’s event, which takes place on Sunday 5 July: peace understood not simply as the absence of conflict, but as connection, listening, trust and mutual respect.

This universal value will bring together different people, cultures and generations, who will gather at the starting line from 78 different countries, with 50 per cent coming from Italia and 50 per cent from abroad. More than half will be first-time marathon runners, and 13.5 per cent of them will be women, with places specifically reserved for them. All participants will have a choice between the three classic routes: the Marathon, covering 138 km with 4,230 metres of elevation gain; the Medium route, covering 106 km with 3,130 metres of elevation gain; and the Sella Ronda, covering 55 km with 1,780 metres of elevation gain.

Everyone is sure to have their own goal to pursue along legendary passes bearing the resounding names of Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Giau, Falzarego and Valparola – which can be climbed without the now, sadly, all-too-familiar din of cars and motorbikes, thanks to the complete closure of the route to traffic. The underlying theme, however, remains the opportunity to share the same effort, the same Dolomite passes and the same passion, and to turn the event into a place of fellowship and encounter.

Joining the main protagonists will be numerous stars from the world of sport, cyclists and top athletes in other disciplines. As well as Vincenzo Nibali, Paolo Bettini, Gianni Bugno, Elia Viviani, Alessandro Petacchi, Filippo Pozzato, Daniel Oss, Fabio Aru, Daniele Bennati and Alan Marangoni, along the hairpin bends of the climbs you may also come across MotoGP world champion Jorge Martín, skiers Manfred Mölgg, Mattia Casse and Miro Tabanelli, triathlete Alessandro Fabian, ‘King of the Rings’ Yuri Chechi, and mountaineer Hervé Barmasse.

The event will also be attended by some of the medallists from the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, including Dorothea Wierer, Federico Pellegrino, Giovanni Franzoni, Pietro Sighel, Davide Ghiotto and Arianna Sighel, highlighting the strong link between the Marathon and the great values of sport.