Marathon Dles Dolomites, on 6 July parade of stars in Corvara

Lüm. Light. It is the main theme of the 38th edition of the Dles Dolomites marathon, and there could be no more suitable word to describe the feeling that you feel when you are lucky enough to take part in what it is – in a good way – considered the “queen of the granfondo”. You illuminate yourself immense, wanting to bother Ungaretti, because immensely beautiful is the landscape that surrounds you, whatever the chosen path.

Boom of requests

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The natural show that you can admire along the Sellaronda – ring designed by the legendary Passi Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella and Gardena – takes the scene entirely, is the true protagonist of this rite that has been celebrated for decades, with increasing success and appeal: as many as 32,700 requests for participation received this year to the organizers, representing 91 nationality, with a 50% distribution between Italy and foreign. A figure that confirms the constant growth of the event over time: from the 15 thousand requests of 2006 it has come to exceed 30 thousand in recent years.

VIP and Mortal Common

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Among the 8,000 cyclists who have had the joy of obtaining a place on the starting grid-half selected by drawing and half through acquired rights, partners and tour operators-there are some strangers, although on the day of the race they do not compete to win and mix their destinies to those of the ordinary mortals: Vincenzo Nibali said yes to the marathon as soon as the extraordinary professional career, in 2023, will be finished. this year. With him Fabio Aru, Daniel Oss and legends a more “dated” thread such as Gianni Bugno, Paolo Bettini and the legendary Miguel Indurain. In the official list of the starters at the moment there is no Sagan, but it is possible that at La Villa, at 6.30 on Sunday 6 July, he also will arrive. And there will be stars who have shone in other sports, (Fabio Cannavaro, Ravanelli, Festuccia, Windisch, Zorzi, Manfred Moelgg) or in other stages (show people such as Paolo Kessisoglu or Justin Mattera).

the paths

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There are another Campolongo and the Falzarego/Valparola to be climbed for those who are not yet tired after the Sellaronda (55 km and 1780 m in altitude) and continue for the medium route (106 km and 3130 m in altitude), while those who have the audacity to want to complete the marathon (138 km and 4230 m in altitude) must exceed the hard jou, before taking Falzarego. on the other side and disclose on Valparola. A fatigue, yes, but cathartic experience for the soul. Michil Costa, historical president of the marathon, has also found the most poetic words to describe this edition of his creature: “Eight minutes. They are enough to climb a step, to make the heart beat stronger, to sculpt effort and dreams on the asphalt. Eight minutes: the time that takes the light of the sun to get to us. An already passed moment, which illuminates the present. Even on July 6, at the marathon. Light – And we, in our small way, try to be part of it “.