Maria Marathon 2017

Background and circumstances

In autumn 2015, the presidency of the „Maria Way Association” decided to organise the Maria Marathon with its strategic partner ZTN Kft. The enterprise, with the support of relevant experts in mountain cycling and ultramarathoning, has developed and built up the programme financed by a EUR 70,000 budget – provided in half by donations.

The first Maria Marathon organised in the summer of 2016 has been particularly successful and attracted more than 2,000 participants, thus proving the value of continuing the programme.

Our vision

The Maria Marathon is built on a new concept of „Sport and Spirituality”, on the idea of experiencing faith and spirituality and the enjoyment of sport at the same time.

In the long run, the Maria Way, which passes through 10 countries, will hold the first international spiritual sport event, the Maria Marathon. After the success of the 2016 pilot, the goal in 2017 will be to increase participation and to try new competitions.

Route

The Maria Marathon 2017 will run on the Mariazell-Csiksomlyo route of 2016, but the Esztergom-Vác-Márianosztra-Mátraverebély Szentkút route, which will mainly be for bicyclists, also needs to be planned.

Duration

The duration will be 30 days for runners and 15 days for cyclists, and will be held from June 17th to July 16th. The daily distance covered will be one marathon, approx. 42 km. For cyclists, the daily distance will be 2 marathon lengths, approx. 84 km. The competition starts every day at 9, and will close with a communal dinner at 18.