Marcialonga di Fiemme e Fassa

51st Marcialonga di Fiemme e Fassa

A classic of cross country skiing

The Marcialonga di Fiemme e Fassa in Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa celebrates its 51st edition on January 28 and does it again in style. The classic “monument” of cross-country skiing thrills cross-country enthusiasts, professionals and, above all, the public along the route, who follow the runners at the most emblematic points of the course.

The Ski Marathon between the valleys of Fiemme and Fassa is the first Grand Classics event of the 15th Exact Grand Classics, because along with the Jizera Mountain Race, the Vasaloppet and the Birkebeiner Race it is one of the four events with a long and successful tradition, which also bring more points for the overall ranking of the worldwide long distance race.

For 2024, the two spectacular routes of the Marcialonga di Fiemme e Fassa will be maintained: the traditional 70 km with the double finish in Canazei and Predazzo and the 45 km of the light version. In Predazzo the effort ends for the participants of the shorter race, while the bravest “bisons” have only one goal in mind: the ‘Mur de la Stria’, the last climb of the Cascata, which was included in the route last January on the occasion of the fiftieth edition of the Marcialonga.

The steep climb extends for 583 meters with an average gradient of 9.90%, but with sections up to 20%. It has pleased many athletes, including Norway’s Andreas Nygaard, who finished third in Cavalese but was immediately attacked by Sweden’s Emil Persson, the strongest man of the day.

The “Mur de la Stria” also enchanted the ladies, and the winner Magni Smedaas gave everything in the last meters – it was the most important race of the season for her. Anikken Gjerde Alnaes, the runner-up, thought the final was fairer to the athletes and also appreciated the fact that you could keep an eye on your competitors throughout the climb. So “the wall” will again decide the outcome, and whoever crosses the finish line first will truly be the strongest athlete.

For the “Bisons” from all over the world, just wearing the start number is a great success. At the Marcialonga, the cheers and applause are perhaps more for them than for the cross-country skiing champions. However, the special applause always goes to the last participant who ends the big Marcialonga party late in the evening.

The magic of the Marcialonga di Fiemme e Fassa captures everyone and in the last week of January the valleys of Fiemme and Fassa will be filled with passion for cross-country skiing.

The date of the event

The exact date of the event is January 28. The Marcialonga di Fiemme e Fassa takes place in the valleys of Fiemme and Fassa and offers two routes: 70 km for those who want to take on the challenge and 45 km for those who prefer a shorter distance.

The 70 km long route leads the participants through the breathtaking landscape of the valleys of Fiemme and Fassa with two sprint finishes in Canazei and Predazzo. The challenging course includes the famous “Mur de la Stria”, a steep climb with up to 20% gradient, which tests the endurance and skill of the athletes.

The 45 km “Light” route is somewhat less demanding, but also leads through picturesque valleys and ends in Predazzo.

The Marcialonga is not only a race for professionals, but also a festival for cross-country skiing enthusiasts from all over the world. Spectators along the route cheer on the runners and create an atmospheric mood.

The event is part of the Ski Classics, a series of cross-country races that take place around the globe and attract the best cross-country skiers in the world. The Marcialonga is one of the Grand Classics of this series and offers a prestigious stage for the athletes who fight for points for the overall ranking.

Marcialonga di Fiemme e Fassa, the social event

The Marcialonga is not only a sporting but also a social event in the Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa. The event attracts thousands of participants and spectators, creating a unique atmosphere of enthusiasm and competition.

The “Mur de la Stria” will again play a key role in deciding the outcome of the Marcialonga. This demanding climb has become a hallmark of the event and is a great physical and mental challenge for the athletes.

The Marcialonga is more than a cross-country skiing competition, it is a celebration of sport and community. The event attracts people from all over the world and offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Fiemme and Fassa valleys and share the passion for cross-country skiing.

All in all, the Marcialonga di Fiemme e Fassa is an indispensable event in the calendar of the cross-country skiing world. It combines sport, community and passion in a spectacular way to create an unforgettable experience for all participants and spectators.