Date: February 20, 2022
Place: Otepää-Elva, Estonia
Distance: 63 km Classic technique
Active years: 63 (48th edition)
Record number of participants: 7,881
Highest peak and total climb: 211 m/779 m
Number of VSC sprints/climbing points: TBA
Start times: Men 8:00 CET, women 7:50 CET
Website: https://www.tartumaraton.ee
Tartu Maraton makes its comeback to the Pro Tour in Season XII as the event was a part of Visma Ski Classics in the early days. The race is one of the oldest ski events in the world with its long and colorful history. The first Tartu Maraton was held in 1960. It has now grown into one of the biggest mass-start ski events in the world. In 2013, the record number of participants, 7881, finished the main distances.
The 63 km course goes from Otepää to Elva, and it is very suitable for all kinds of skiers. It has a nice undulating terrain with a lot of beautiful sights to see. Many long distance ski enthusiasts name Tartu Maraton as one of their favorite races due to the great course and well-honed organization. Additionally, the track of Tartu Maraton is the widest in the world as there are usually 6-8 tracks, and at some points even 16 tracks, on the course.
Tartu Maraton is also known as the Estonian Song Festival of Winter because of its grand proportions and international fame. In 1999, Tartu Maraton was awarded as The Best Tourism Establishment by Estonian Association of Travel Agents and in 2010 as The Best Tourism Establishment in South Estonia.
Tartu, which is located about 40 km from the start area, is the second largest city in Estonia after the capital Tallinn. It is also the oldest city in the country and in the Baltic countries. It is often considered the intellectual center of the country since it is home to the nation’s oldest and most renowned university, the University of Tartu. The city will be the European Capital of Culture in 2024.
Top three in 2021:
Men
- Mart Kevin Polluste, Estonia, 3:03:12
- Henri Roos, Estonia, 3:03:42
- Taavi Kaiv, Estonia, 3:05:37
Women
- Tatjana Mannima, Estonia, 3:17:58
- Piret Pärnik, Estonia, 3:26:02
- Reeda Tuula-Fjodorov, Estonia, 3:26:51
