Alta Badia/South Tyrolean Dolomites-Italy: Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel 2026

The Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel is far more than a sporting challenge: it is a meeting place where thousands of stories come together, riding side by side toward a shared ideal. In a world shaped by conflict and division, it stands as a symbol of solidarity and of the small gestures that bring people closer. As President Michil Costa reminds us, peace is born from these simple acts: stopping to help, sharing the effort, riding shoulder to shoulder even without knowing one another.

This is what the Maratona represents: a collective experience where the mountains become a symbol of fairness, and every rider, with each pedal stroke, helps turn the idea of peace into something real.

The logo of the 39th edition conveys this message through a bold, contemporary design. The colors of peace break apart, blend together, and lose their ordered form, reflecting the complexity of the present moment. Even the Maratona’s historic logo evolves, setting aside its traditional color identity to become a mirror of a fragile yet necessary balance. It offers no clear answer, but rather poses an open question, an invitation to rediscover meaning, rebuild shared values, and set out together on a path toward a possible peace.

NUMBERS AND REQUESTS

The years go by, but the appeal of the Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel remains as strong as ever. For the 2026 edition, enthusiasm has once again been extraordinary: 32,400 applications were received for 8,000 available race numbers. Participants are evenly split, with 50% coming from Italy and 50% from abroad, representing a total of 85 nationalities. Making it all possible, as always, are 1,500 dedicated volunteers, along with six hours of live broadcast on Rai2.

ROUTES AND CLOSED PASSES

This year once again, three routes define the spirit of the Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel, crossing the legendary Dolomite passes, which are closed to traffic for the occasion.

Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Campolongo, Falzarego, Giau, Valparola, names that evoke effort, emotion, and wonder. Riding among these towering rock giants means immersing yourself in unspoiled nature, shaped by silence, breathtaking views, and early-summer blooms that turn the meadows into vibrant palettes of color. A heritage to be experienced and protected, now more than ever.

• Maratona route: 138 km and 4,230 m of elevation gain

• Medium route: 106 km and 3,130 m of elevation gain

• Sellaronda route: 55 km and 1,780 m of elevation gain

A FULL WEEK OF CYCLING AND MORE

The Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel is much more than Sunday’s race: it’s a full week of events that turn the occasion into a true celebration of cycling and the region. At its heart lies the Maratona Village, where exhibitors showcase the latest trends and innovations from the cycling world, while visitors gather at the Maratona Talks featuring distinguished guests, live entertainment, and food corners.

Saturday is dedicated to the Maratona for Kids, while throughout the week a variety of bike rides are open to everyone. Among the highlights is the Sunrise Coffee Ride, a guided early-morning tour from La Villa to Gardena Pass via Corvara, along quiet roads and in the crisp mountain air, topped off with a cappuccino and croissant at the summit of the pass. Also returning are now-iconic events such as the Wednesday ride with a local champion and the Pinarello Ride featuring a special guest, to be revealed soon.

Thursday brings another new addition with the cooking class of the “Maratona Dish” an experience that blends taste, local identity, and well-being, where Chef Manuel will guide participants in preparing a dish designed for those who love sport and cycling. More information at: maratona.it/program

MARATONA AND CHARITY

Solidarity is a cornerstone of the Maratona. For the 2026 edition, 400 entries were sold, with proceeds (over €83,000) donated to three organizations.

• The Onlus/NGO “Insieme si può” supports the “Times of Peace” project, helping those who provide care and save lives in today’s conflict zones, while also offering space and support for post-war reconciliation processes in Congo and Bosnia.

• The Nervo Pasini Foundation supports the project “CEP: La Cucina di Padova (The Kitchen of Padua)”, which aims to provide a daily hot meal, along with care, attention, and a consistent, close presence for people living in vulnerable conditions.

• The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation promotes sport as a therapeutic tool for the prevention of youth hardship.

SELLARONDA BIKE DAY AND DOLOMITES BIKE DAY: TWO EVENTS WITH DOLOMITE PASSES CLOSED TO MOTORIZED TRAFFIC

June is packed with events that have become a staple in every cyclist’s calendar, and the cycling events in Alta Badia once again combine stunning landscapes with a strong focus on sustainability. These two days offer the chance to enjoy the Dolomite passes free of car traffic, even for those who are unable to take part in the highly sought-after Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel.

The Bike Days are non-competitive cycling events open to everyone, with no registration required. The routes follow sections of the Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel course, as well as other legendary climbs.

On Saturday, June 6 the now traditional Sellaronda Bike Day will take place, with the passes around the Sella Group closed to traffic. The event will be repeated on September 12. Cycling enthusiasts can take part in this non-competitive ride along a 53 km route with 1,637 meters of elevation gain, ridden counterclockwise. The official event merchandise, available in shops across the organizing valleys, has been designed by Manuel Bottazzo and produced by Sportful. www.sellarondabikeday.com

The Dolomites Bike Day on June 20 shines a spotlight on the Dolomite passes Campolongo, Falzarego, and Valparola, iconic settings of legendary feats that have shaped the history of cycling.

The route unfolds along a scenic loop starting in Alta Badia, reaching Arabba and the Livinallongo valley via Passo Campolongo, then continuing on to Passo Falzarego and Passo Valparola before passing through the villages of San Cassiano, La Villa, and Corvara to complete the circuit. The route, closed to traffic, is 51 km long with a total elevation gain of 1,370 meters, and it is recommended to ride it in a counterclockwise direction.www.dolomitesbikeday.it

More information:

• SSD Comitato Maratona dles Dolomites – www.maratona.it – Phone: +39 (0)471 839536 – Email: info@maratona.it

• Alta Badia Tourist Offices – www.altabadia.org – Phone: +39 0471/836176-847037 – Email: info@altabadia.org