Free Technique at Tartu Maraton – Breaking the Long-Time Tradition or the Future Taking Over?
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.
51. Tartu Maraton FT race in February 2025, author Kiur Kaasik
A Gateway for Newcomers
Over two seasons, more than 1,400 participants have completed the free-technique race, making it one of the strongest entry points for new skiers. Thanks to the new distance, 13% of all participants in 2024 were first-timers. Even in 2025, when the marathon was moved to Alutaguse due to poor snow conditions in South Estonia, free technique still brought in 5% new participants. Experienced classic skiers also recognise the benefit:
“I only ski classic, but having a separate free-technique race is a great decision — the 63 km classic on Sunday had noticeably fewer skate skiers.”
More Women and a Stronger Presence of Younger Skiers
While the share of women at the marathon overall is just above 20%, on the free-technique distance it exceeds 30% — the same high level as on the 31 km classic race. Shorter distances remain particularly popular among women. Although the marathon is traditionally dominated by the 45–49, 40–44 and 50–54 age groups, free technique attracts a more balanced mix, with significantly more skiers in their 30s. Families have also embraced the new format. As one participant summed up many others: “The Saturday 31 km free-technique race got our whole family moving — our children and my husband were all on the course.”
A Passionate Debate Continues
Participant feedback on the free-technique race remains mixed. One third of respondents praised the fact that all events now take place on the same weekend, allowing more flexibility and opportunities to start together with family or friends. Nearly half, however, said they ski only classic and the new format has no impact on them. The strongest motivators pushing skiers to the start have remained unchanged over the years: enjoying the marathon atmosphere and winter weather (38%), the tradition of Tartu Maraton (36%), and personal challenge (35%). For 13% of participants, the addition of free technique and the combined event weekend was the key factor in choosing to participate.
Conclusion
The statistics leave little doubt: the free-technique distance has not broken the tradition. Estonia’s beloved winter song festival on skis remains an iconic event that brings people together from all over the world. Free technique has been a gateway for newcomers, increased female participation, and brought a younger generation onto the snow. Many hope that a full-length 63 km skate race will be added in the program in the future, though organisers note this is not planned for the coming seasons.
The 52. Tartu Maraton will take place in just over two months, on 14–15 February 2026. Early-bird registration is open until 15 December.