"We've put up the kilometer signs and checked all our equipment, so we're ready to start grooming as soon as it snows," said the course master Assar Kütt. "It's already freezing at night with a thin layer of snow on the ground, but we need about five to ten centimeters to properly prepare the tracks," he added. "Currently, it’s a good time for cleaning the course and improving drainage in damp areas," he explains.

"It's completely normal not to have snow in mid-December," said the race director Indrek Kelk about the snow conditions. "The last two years, winter started very early and the snowy period was over by the second half of February. It would be safer if winter didn't start too early and lasted until mid-March," he added.

Registration for the race is currently on a record pace for the last five years, with significant interest from both Estonians and foreigners. "Yes, even better than this time last year. American travel agents were here in the summer getting to know the conditions, and have already sold out their trip to Tartu Maraton," said Kelk.

51. Tartu Marathon invites skiers to the tracks on the third weekend of February. Freestyle and vintage races, as well as a team relay take place on February 15th. 63 and 31 km classic distances will be held on Sunday, February 16th.

Best entry fee is available until December 16th.