In 2024, during the 50th anniversary edition of the Tartu Maraton, the event progam officially included a free-technique distance alongside the traditional classic style. The 31 km skate race starting from Arula on Saturday was warmly welcomed by many skiing enthusiasts who had long hoped for such an addition. At the same time, debates arose: will this change break a long-standing – even sacred – tradition? Two years later, the answer is clearer.