Originally, the Maratona (Italian for "marathon")  was a local bike ride composed of 166 fearless cyclists from the Alta Badia-Raiffeisen Cycling Club who decided to challenge themselves of a cycling route of 175 km that featured seven legendary passes in the Dolomites. Their goal was simple: to reach the coveted finishing line!

Since that first ride, the event has become one of the most important amateur cycling events in all of Europe. Now in its' eleventh year, the organizers never dreamt that they had created a ride which would shortly become one of the most important annual events in the Alta Badia Valley, attracting thousands of fans, many of whom enthusiastically take part every year.

The great success of the Maratona dles Dolomites is certainly based on the splendid setting of the Dolomites and the breathtaking climbs that follow legendary routes of the Giro d'Italia where great champions like Merckx, Hinault, Gimondi, Roche, Bugno and Indurain have written a rich and glorious page in the history of cycling.

Note: Guests can choose from 1 of 3 courses, depending on their fitness level and ability. All 3 courses from the 2008 edition are shown below for your review.

Maratona dles Dolomites course Length: 138 km Diff. in alt.: 4190 m.
Middle course Length: 106 km Diff. in alt.: 3090 m
Sellaronda course Length: 55 km Diff. in alt.: 1780m