47th Tartu Marathon cancelled due to lack of snow

Tartu Marathon finish line in Elva Photo: Lennart Pruuli

Organizers of the Tartu cross-country ski marathon decided that the 47th Tartu Maraton, initially scheduled to take place on February 16, will be cancelled due to lack of snow while those interested are welcome to take part in a walking hike dedicated to the 60th birthday of Tartu Maraton on Sunday.

“Currently, there is no snow on the main course of the skiing marathon from Otepää to Elva. Also, the amount of artificial snow produced in Tehvandi is not enough for option C -- holding the marathon on Tehvandi’s loop made of artificial snow. According to the weather forecasts, no improvements are expected this week, so unfortunately it is not possible to organize the 47th Tartu Maraton this year. The organizers will send a separate letter to the participants about the compensation of the participation fee,” nonprofit Club Tartu Maraton said in a press release.

Children’s races scheduled for this Saturday will be postponed in the hope that the snow conditions will improve within the following month.

The jubilee hike, which will start at Tehvandi Stadium in Otepää and finish at Kääriku, has two distances: 27 kilometers and 17 kilometers. Participants have a chance to enjoy the paths along Lake Pühajärv, the famous Kekkonen's hiking track and places that overlap with the skiing marathon’s course.

For those who have registered for the skiing marathon, participating in the hike is free of charge, but re-registration is required. It is also possible to take part in the hike for those who have not signed up for the skiing marathon.