29th Tartu Rattamaraton 2026

Event Overview

The 29th Tartu Rattamaraton will take place on September 19, 2026, in South Estonia. Known as one of the Baltic region’s largest cycling events, the race follows the original course of the legendary Tartu Ski Marathon and combines scenic landscapes with varied gravel and cycling terrain.

The 2026 event features four main distances: 126 km, 86 km, 40 km and 21 km. The 126 km race starts at 9:00 AM from the stadium of Tehvandi Sports Centre in Otepää, while the 86 km and 40 km races also start from Tehvandi in separate waves. The 21 km event starts from the Palu service point.

A major change for 2026 is the event’s inclusion in the UCI Gravel World Series. The 126 km and 86 km races serve as UCI Gravel World Series qualifying events for specified age categories, giving eligible riders the opportunity to qualify for the Gravel World Championships.

All four distances finish at Tartumaa Tervisespordikeskus near Elva, creating a point-to-point riding experience through the landscapes of South Estonia.

For official information and registration, visit: Tartu Rattamaraton – Official Website

Ride Experience

• Four distance options: 126 km, 86 km, 40 km and 21 km.
• Gravel racing: The 126 km course is part of the UCI Gravel World Series.
• South Estonian scenery: Routes feature varied landscapes and scenic roads.
• Point-to-point course: Starts in Otepää and finishes near Elva.
• Multiple start waves: Different distances use scheduled wave starts.
• World Series qualification: Eligible riders in the 126 km and 86 km races can compete for UCI Gravel World Series qualification.

Why It Stands Out

• 29th edition: Nearly three decades of cycling tradition.
• UCI Gravel World Series: The event joins the international gravel series from 2026.
• Long-distance challenge: The flagship 126 km course offers a substantial endurance test.
• Scenic South Estonia: The route combines cycling with the distinctive landscape of the region.
• Historic course: The route follows the original course of the legendary Tartu Ski Marathon.

Summary

The 29th Tartu Rattamaraton combines a long-running Estonian cycling tradition with the international UCI Gravel World Series. With four distances, a point-to-point route from Otepää toward Elva, and scenic South Estonian terrain, the event offers both competitive gravel racing and accessible cycling options.