Thirty Thousand Competing for Nine Thousand Spots: The Complete Guide to Italy's Legendary Lottery-Based Long-Distance Race, Maratona dles Dolomites

This Is a Race Where Even “Qualifying” Depends on Luck

For most amateur road races, the threshold is your fitness and willpower. But the Maratona dles Dolomites is different—before you start worrying about whether you can climb all seven passes, you have to get past the first hurdle: the lottery. Every year, around 30,000 people apply, yet only about 9,000 slots make it to the starting line. This setup—where even “qualifying” comes down to luck—shrouds the event in an almost pilgrimage-like mystique within the global amateur road cycling community. You can’t just sign up and ride; you have to be chosen.

The race was born in 1987, with just 166 participants in its first edition. Today, it has grown into a mega-event where a single day’s race draws cyclists from over seventy countries. National Geographic once described it as “one of the greatest, most passionate, and most chaotic cycling events on Earth”—a verdict that captures the event’s core appeal perfectly: a group of amateur riders from around the world, strangers to one another, drawn together by a shared longing for the Dolomites, converging on the small town of Corvara in Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige region to take on the same magnificent mountain roads listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Three Distances, Seven Passes: A Full Breakdown of the Race Route

The Maratona dles Dolomites offers three distance options, letting participants of different abilities find a challenge that suits them:

Race Route Basic Data Table

The seven passes on the full course, in order, are: Passo Campolongo, Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella, Passo Gardena, Passo Falzarego, Passo Valparola, and the notoriously steepest of them all, Passo Giau. Interestingly, Passo Campolongo is the only pass on the full course climbed twice—once early in the race and once near the end, as if the event deliberately leaves riders with a sense of “finishing where you started.”

The road network linking these seven passes is essentially the full extension of the aforementioned Sellaronda circuit (four passes)—if you’ve already read about the Sellaronda, you’ll notice that the Maratona full course essentially embeds the Sellaronda into a larger, more ceremonial long-distance challenge, adding the three advanced passes of Falzarego, Valparola, and Giau on top.

From 166 Riders to Nearly 10,000: How a Race Became a Legend

On July 12, 1987, the Maratona dles Dolomites was first held in Pedraces with just 166 participants—by today’s standards, barely the scale of a small community event. The race’s growth trajectory, to some extent, mirrors the overall journey of amateur road cycling in Europe from a niche hobby to a mainstream craze. In 1994, the start moved to Corvara; in 2000, it was adjusted again to La Villa. Behind these venue relocations lies the practical reality of ever-expanding participation and the rising demands on logistics and traffic capacity.

Today, the race is held on the first week of July every year. The timing is no coincidence—by early July, the snow in the Dolomites has largely melted, all passes are fully open, and the weather is relatively stable, making it the best seasonal window of the year to take on this high-altitude terrain. The “dles Dolomites” in the race’s name uses the Ladin spelling, a Romance language, rather than the standard Italian “delle Dolomiti”—a detail that itself reveals the event’s respect for and emphasis on local Ladin cultural identity. You’ll find that from its very name, this race is deeply rooted in the unique trilingual cultural fabric of the Dolomites.

The Ritual of Race Day: More Than a Race, It’s a Carnival

Unlike many road races that emphasize competition and rankings, the Maratona dles Dolomites has carried a strong participatory, carnival-like spirit since its founding. In the early morning darkness, thousands of riders from around the world in colorful jerseys gather before the starting line in Corvara. That atmosphere—transcending nationality and language, united purely by a shared longing for these mountains—is what many finishers describe as the moment they’ll “never forget.” Along the route, residents of mountain towns spontaneously set up aid stations by the roadside, hold up handmade signs, and cheer for riders they’ve never met. This warmth of local support turns the race into more than just a physical arena; it becomes an annual celebration embraced by the entire valley community.

Passo Giau: The Fiercest Final Boss of the Entire Course

If the first six passes test your endurance and pacing, then Passo Giau exists specifically to break your willpower. Sources vary slightly on its exact length and elevation gain, but the commonly cited figures are roughly 9.9 km with about 1,000 m of climbing, an average gradient approaching 10%, and a highly uneven gradient distribution—with mid-sections featuring stretches exceeding 12% or even steeper. What makes it crueler is that this pass is typically placed late in the race, when riders have already conquered the previous six passes and covered over 100 km, with muscles long since fatigued. Facing the steepest climb of the entire event at that moment is a course-design logic identical to placing the Paterberg near the end of the Tour of Flanders—a deliberate test at the absolute limit of physical exhaustion.

Estimated performance on Passo Giau by power-to-weight ratio, based on a physical model:

(Based on a physical model assuming a total weight of 79 kg, rolling resistance coefficient of approximately 0.005, frontal area of approximately 0.32 m², and drivetrain efficiency of approximately 0.975. Fatigue accumulation is not factored in—in reality, tackling Passo Giau after climbing the previous six passes typically results in longer times than when climbing it solo, something the model cannot fully capture. This is for conceptual reference only.)

Daily Energy Expenditure and Pacing Estimation

The Maratona full course is a true long-distance endurance battle. Using a physical model to convert the energy demand of the 138 km course with approximately 4,230 meters of climbing, and converting mechanical work into metabolic caloric expenditure (assuming a metabolic efficiency of approximately 22%), the estimates are as follows:

(These are simplified physical and metabolic model estimates, not accounting for the reduced air density at altitude affecting aerodynamic drag, temperature variations, or cumulative fatigue effects. Actual numbers vary by individual and are for conceptual reference only.)

This table conveys a key message: whether you are an advanced rider finishing in six to seven hours or a general finisher taking over eight hours, your daily caloric expenditure may approach or even exceed 5,500 kcal — a staggering energy deficit. Multiple aid stations are located along the course, and this is the crux of nutrition strategy planning for this type of long-distance, high-altitude one-day event — you cannot rely solely on a pre-race meal to carry you through; you must depend on consistent, steady carbohydrate and fluid intake throughout the entire event.

Recommended Race-Day Nutrition Rhythm

• The final pre-start meal should focus on easily digestible carbohydrates, avoiding high-fat and high-fiber foods that may cause gastrointestinal distress.
• Consistently replenish carbohydrates every hour — the energy demand of a long-distance, high-altitude event is continuous and substantial. The “small amounts, frequent intervals” principle is recommended rather than waiting until energy levels visibly drop before refueling.
• Make good use of the aid stations along the route — long-distance events typically set up multiple aid stations providing fluids and food. Please refer to the official announcements for that year’s event for specific locations and offerings; it is advisable to plan your approximate refueling rhythm in advance to avoid last-minute scrambling.
• Electrolyte replenishment must not be overlooked — prolonged high-intensity sweating causes electrolyte loss, especially in hotter conditions, significantly increasing the risk of cramping.

Pacing Strategy Across Seven Passes: How to Allocate a Full Day’s Energy

Facing a long-distance event that spans an entire day and covers seven passes, pacing strategy is no less important than absolute fitness. Many experienced finishers recommend an overall rhythm plan of “conservative early, steady middle, reserve for the end”:

Early section (Campolongo to Pordoi): This is the opening segment of the event and the stage where it is easiest to over-ride due to excitement and the pull of the group. It is recommended to deliberately keep power output low. Even if you feel “in great form today and want to follow the group ahead,” remind yourself that this is only one-seventh to two-sevenths of the course — burning through your energy reserves too early will make the Giau Pass at the end an impossible mission.

Middle section (Sella, Gardena, Falzarego, Valparola): This section covers four passes and is the stage where energy management most tests your discipline — you must find a balance between maintaining sufficient pace to meet the event’s time cutoff (if one exists, please refer to that year’s event rules) and preserving energy for the later stages, avoiding both being too conservative and falling too far behind, and overexerting yourself and collapsing in the latter half.

Final section (Giau Pass): This is the true watershed of the event. The consensus among most finishers is that it is better to slow down slightly in the middle section to ensure you still have sufficient glycogen reserves and muscular strength before entering the Giau Pass, because the gradient distribution of this pass is extremely uneven. If you hit exhaustion or cramping at the steepest point, it not only slows your finish time but also significantly increases the risk of accidents.

General Equipment Selection Considerations

For this type of long-distance, high-climbing, high-altitude event, the core principle of equipment selection is “balancing lightweight construction with reliability.” Most participants choose drivetrain configurations with lighter gear ratio options to handle steep sections like the Giau Pass that locally exceed 12%, avoiding having to battle overly heavy gearing when energy is already depleted. Brake system heat dissipation and stability are equally worth attention — the event includes multiple long descents, and continuous braking places a significant thermal load on the system. It is advisable to check brake pads and disc brake pads before the event. As for nutrition equipment, in addition to carrying water bottles and portable food, the event typically has multiple official aid stations along the route. Please refer to the official announcements for that year’s event for specific locations and offerings. When planning beforehand, it is recommended to understand the approximate distribution of aid stations as a reference for pacing and refueling arrangements.

The Lottery System: Why Use Such an “Unfair” Way to Select Participants

Maratona has used a lottery system to select participants since 2005. This decision reflects the practical problem of the event’s “burden of fame” — as the event’s profile has risen, the number of applicants far exceeds what the course and logistics can accommodate. The organizers chose a relatively fair (albeit luck-based) lottery system over a first-come-first-served or performance-based selection model, giving amateur riders of all abilities from around the world an equal chance of being drawn.

This system design, to some extent, also reinforces the “pilgrimage” nature of the event — precisely because it is hard to come by, those who are selected tend to cherish the opportunity all the more, and the event atmosphere is therefore closer to a celebration than the grim intensity of a pure competition. The actual lottery rules, application window, and quota allocation methods may be adjusted slightly each year. Please be sure to refer to the official event website’s announcements for that year — this article does not provide specific application process details.

A Taiwanese Rider’s Perspective: A “Raced” Version of the Wuling Challenge

For Taiwanese riders, the most apt analogy for the Maratona full course might be extending the intensity of a “one-day Wuling challenge” into a raced version where you consecutively tackle seven passes of similar caliber. Wuling is the ultimate one-day climbing test in the hearts of Taiwanese riders, while Maratona demands that you use similar reserves of willpower to handle seven such tests consecutively on the same day — which is why many Taiwanese riders who have finished Maratona describe it as “the most painful yet most worthwhile day of their lives.”

Pre-Event Training and Preparation Recommendations

• Long-distance consecutive climbing endurance is the core training goal. It is recommended to plan several long training rides simulating race intensity before the event to build the body’s ability to sustain prolonged continuous output, gradually extending single-ride mileage and elevation gain.
• High-altitude acclimatization: Most of the seven passes are above 2,000 meters. If your usual training altitude is low, it is recommended to arrive several days early for altitude acclimatization, giving your body time to gradually adjust.
• Rehearse race-rhythm nutrition in training: Actually test the nutrition strategy you plan to use on race day during training rides, identifying which products and frequencies your stomach can absorb reliably. Do not try new nutrition products for the first time on race day.
• Mental preparation: Understand the design logic of placing the Giau Pass in the latter part of the event, and prepare mentally beforehand to avoid overexerting on the first six passes and collapsing prematurely before the final boss. Use visualization practice and breaking the event into smaller segment goals to divide the full-day event into seven manageable mental sections, conquering them one by one rather than facing the pressure of the entire course at once.

Safety Reminders

1. High-altitude reactions vary from person to person. Most of the seven passes exceed 2,000 meters. If you experience unusual headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, or other symptoms, slow down immediately and consider withdrawing from the race to seek medical attention. This article’s reminders cannot replace professional medical evaluation. Those with cardiovascular disease or other chronic conditions must consult a physician before departure to assess whether this type of high-altitude, long-distance event is suitable.
2. Managing focus on long descents. The event includes multiple long descents throughout the course. When your energy is already depleted, your reaction speed and judgment on descents will decline—ride conservatively.
3. Mountain weather changes in an instant. Even for a summer event, sudden thunderstorms or temperature drops can occur in the Dolomites. It is recommended to carry lightweight windproof and waterproof gear.
4. Risk of collisions in the main peloton. Thousands of riders compete simultaneously, and crowding is common, especially on narrow pass sections. Maintain a safe gap and avoid dangerous overtaking.
5. Preventing cramps and heat illness. Prolonged high-intensity exertion combined with potentially hot weather means the risk of cramps and heat exhaustion cannot be ignored. If you feel noticeably unwell, slow down immediately and seek medical assistance.

Relationship with the Sella Ronda and the Grande Strada delle Dolomiti: How to Plan a More Complete Trip

If you have already read this series’ article on the Sella Ronda, you will notice an interesting planning insight: the Maratona’s full-course route is essentially the Sella Ronda’s four passes plus three extended passes in a complete version. This means that if you are planning a deep Dolomites journey, even if you did not get into the Maratona lottery, you can still arrange your own self-supported challenge covering all seven passes, experiencing nearly the same route as the race—just without the closed roads, aid stations, and group-riding atmosphere on race day.

A common approach among riders is to treat the Maratona itself as the highlight of one day in the trip, then add two to three days before and after to explore other passes and mountain towns in the Dolomites, forming a complete five-to-seven-day journey. This planning approach also echoes the core concept repeatedly emphasized in this series—the value of a multi-day endurance challenge often lies not just in a single event or segment, but in placing it within a fuller travel context, where physical challenges and scenic-cultural experiences complement each other.

Conclusion: An Ultimate Goal That Takes Years of Preparation

The Maratona dles Dolomites is not just a one-day race; it is more like a journey that requires long-term planning—you must first build the long-distance endurance to handle seven high-altitude passes, be lucky enough to win the lottery, and then on race day summon the willpower to conquer the Giau Pass, the steepest final climb of the entire course. But precisely because the barriers are so high, the moment of finishing is all the more moving—when you crest the final steep section of the Giau Pass and see the Dolomites’ iconic jagged peaks glowing pink in the sunset, you will understand why so many people apply to the lottery year after year, just to return to these mountains and test their limits once again—this cycle of familiar faces returning annually while new riders continually join is the core reason this event has remained timeless for over three decades.

If you already have Wuling-class climbing ability and yearn for a true “race-style pilgrimage,” start planning your training cycle now and watch the official announcement for the application window—put this legendary event on your ultimate goal list for the coming years. Even if you do not win this year’s lottery, do not be discouraged; an extra year of preparation often allows you to stand at the start line in stronger physical condition, and these mountains and seven passes will always be there, waiting for the next rider willing to challenge themselves.

Action Checklist

• Plan long-distance continuous climbing training in advance to simulate the intensity demands of the full 138 km course with 4,230 meters of elevation gain
• Arrange a high-altitude acclimatization period before the race, and actually test your nutrition strategy during training
• Mentally reserve physical and mental reserves for the Giau Pass, the final pass, to avoid excessive expenditure in the early stages
• Watch the official announcement for the lottery application window; specific rules are subject to that year’s announcement
• On race day, self-monitor for high-altitude reactions, cramps, and heat illness; seek medical evaluation immediately if you feel abnormally unwell
• If you do not win a race entry, consider arranging your own self-supported route covering all seven passes to experience the same course
• Link the race day with days before and after into a complete five-to-seven-day Dolomites journey, letting physical challenges and scenic-cultural experiences complement each other

Related Reading

• Dolomites, Italy: The World’s Most Beautiful Cycling Roads
• Giro d’Italia Deep Dive: Mountain Tests, the Pink Jersey, and Taiwanese Riders’ European Dreams
• Four Passes, One Full Loop: An In-Depth Guide to the Sella Ronda Multi-Day Circuit in the Italian Dolomites
• Overseas Cycling Pilgrimage: Notes on Conquering the Italian Dolomites