Alta Badia: The 39th edition of the Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel is just around the corne

The Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel, which is held under the motto “Pax,” is much more than just a cycling race. It is a place of encounter where thousands of people come together and pursue a common goal. In a world full of conflicts and divisions, the event stands for solidarity and for the small gestures that connect people. As President of the Organizing Committee, Michil Costa says, peace begins with simple things: stopping your ride to help, sharing the effort, and riding together, even if you do not know each other.

SOME NUMBERS

At the 39th edition of the Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel, 8,000 cyclists will take part. Applications reached over 32,400, coming from 85 different nationalities, with a 50% split between Italy and abroad. At the start, participants from 78 nationalities will be present, and around 53% will be taking part in the Maratona for the very first time. Female participation is also being encouraged through an initiative that reserved around 200 spots for all-women groups. In 2026, women represent 13.5% of participants. This initiative marks an important first step in a direction the Maratona intends to continue developing in the future, with the goal of further increasing female participation. 1,500 volunteers and six hours of live TV coverage on Rai 2 are confirmed.

MARATONA APP

Among the 2026 new features for participants and companions is the new Maratona App, developed with Datasport. The app collects all useful race information, with a strong focus on real-time notifications designed to update users on side events, weather, safety, and important communications. It also includes live athlete tracking, route maps, results, and news, making the Maratona experience even simpler and more complete.

BE SAFE. BE COOL.

KASK, the Italian helmet manufacturer, presents together with the Maratona the project “BE SAFE. BE COOL.”, an initiative promoting a new cycling safety culture. After last year’s introduction of the mandatory rain cape, this project represents a further cultural step, raising awareness among cyclists especially on the downhill sections of the course, where dedicated banners will be displayed. “The ‘BE SAFE. BE COOL.’ project launched this year with the Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel is based on a simple idea: safety is not renunciation but awareness. Caution is not the opposite of style. Caution is style. You can be cool while being safe.” says Valentina Albani Rocchetti, Sponsorship & Events Manager, KASK.

IN MEMORY OF ALEX ZANARDI

With great emotion, Alex Zanardi, a friend of the Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel and an unforgettable presence on its roads, will be remembered. His smile, strength, and unique way of experiencing sport continue to leave a deep mark on the Maratona family. Over the years, the event has collaborated several times with the foundations created by Alex, Bimbingamba and Obiettivo3, sharing values of inclusion, hope, and the desire to always look ahead. Once again this year, a large group of Paralympic athletes from Obiettivo3 will be at the start, as a way to remember Alex through what he loved most: sport, life, and smiles. “Ciao Alex, we will always carry your smile with us.”

CHARITY MARATHON

Solidarity remains one of the key pillars of the Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel. For the 2026 edition, 400 charity entries were sold, raising over €87,000, donated to three charitable organizations: Associazione Gruppi “Insieme si può” Onlus/NGO, Fondazione Nervo Pasini, and Fondazione Laureus Sport for Good.

A WEEK FOR EVERYONE

The Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel is much more than Sunday’s race: it is a full week of events designed to let participants, companions, and the local area experience its atmosphere. The organization believes that, to keep involving new generations, the Maratona must be remembered not only for the Sunday race, but also for the atmosphere throughout the entire week. The heart of the event is the Maratona Village, with exhibitors, talks, shows, and food corners. New highlights include the Sunrise Coffee Ride, a guided sunrise tour to Passo Gardena with cappuccino and croissant at altitude. Local champion rides and the Pinarello Ride also return. Great attention is also given to children: in addition to the Maratona for Kids on Saturday, they will also have a dedicated space on Sunday in the finish area. On Friday at 5:00 PM in Corvara, the After Ride DJ Set debuts, an aperitif with music organized with Musixmatch and open to everyone. More information at maratona.it/program

THE MARATONA DISH

The “Maratona dish” returns for 2026, created by chef Manuel Mangutsch of restaurant Mumant together with Elena Casiraghi. This year it features ravioli made with local ingredients such as buckwheat, local ricotta, mountain honey, wild garlic, and pine nuts, designed to combine taste, tradition, and athletes’ nutritional needs. As part of the side program of the Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel, a cooking course dedicated to the Maratona dish will also be offered. The session will allow participants to experience cuisine, territory, and well-being together with chef Manuel Mangutsch.

HISTORIC PARTNERS AND NEW COLLABORATIONS

The Enel/Shimano mechanical workshop in Corvara is confirmed again for 2026, becoming over the years a key meeting and support point for participants of the Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel. Thanks to Shimano mechanics and Nuncas collaborators, cyclists can rely on technical assistance and a bike washing service designed to make their bikes shine again after the Dolomite passes. Nuncas also officially joins the Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel partner family, as confirmed by Luca Manzoni, President and CEO of Nuncas Italia.

THE SOLIDARITY BAG

For the fifth consecutive year, Enervit has produced the Maratona bag in collaboration with the Associazione Gruppi “Insieme si può…” of Belluno, in a project combining social solidarity and environmental sustainability. The association supports development projects in some of the most fragile areas of the world and works with Selyn, a cooperative certified by the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO). Selyn operates in Sri Lanka since 1991, aiming to ensure skilled work and continuity for textile artisans, with a strong focus on women’s employment and empowerment. The 100% cotton bag, handmade and ethically produced, is a bridge connecting distant countries and people who believe change can also start from small actions. When guided by commitment and determination, solidarity becomes a concrete and meaningful choice. A shared vision that also describes the collaboration between Enervit and the Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel: a deep bond built over time, going beyond sport and becoming awareness.