Murmansk Ski Marathon at Arctic Forum: 2.5 thousand participants, Olympic medallists, platform for macro-regional growth

2.5 thousand athletes will take part in the 51st Murmansk Ski Marathon, which will be held on 29–30 March on the tracks of the Dolina Uyuta sports complex. One of the largest skiing events of the country this year will be held under the auspices of the International Arctic Forum, which will be held in Murmansk on 26–27 March. It is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation.

The marathon programme includes 25 km and 50 km races in classic and skate skiing. World skiing stars will take part in the races. Olympic champion Nikita Kryukov and Olympic medallist Alexey Petukhov will compete in the 50km freestyle, while Olympic medallists Maxim Vylegzhanin and Alexander Bessmertnykh will run both marathons over two days.

Skiers from 65 regions of Russia, as well as from Belarus, Germany and Slovakia will take part in the marathon. The oldest participant was 87 years old.

“The Murmansk Ski Marathon is not just a race, but a real pride of our region. It is one of the best marathons in the country, which gathers the strongest skiers, Olympic champions, world champions, and leading athletes of Russia. But most importantly, it is a special event for everyone who loves skiing, the atmosphere of competition and the spirit of unity. It has long been one of the main events of the Celebration of the North, and now it is also a part of the International Arctic Forum. Thousands of participants and spectators are energized by the North, and this makes our marathon truly special,” noted Andrey Chibis, Governor of Murmansk Region.

The Bolshoi Vudyavr ski resort has become one of the most recognizable tourist brands in the region. In the 2023/2024 season, this Kirovsk-based complex was visited by 405,000 guests, which is 21% more than in the previous season.

The Murmansk Region continues to develop as a skiing centre. The region also operates the resorts Ogni Murmanska and Nord Star near Murmansk, Gora Krestovaya in Kandalaksha, Salma in Polyarnye Zori and Kukisvumchorr in Kirovsk.

Participants and guests of the Arctic Forum will be able to personally evaluate the ski infrastructure of the region by skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of the Nord Star resort.

The 6th ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ International Arctic Forum is a key platform for discussing important issues of socio-economic development of the Arctic territories, elaboration of multilateral mechanisms for joint disclosure and effective development of the powerful resource potential of the Arctic region.

More information about the Forum sporting programme: forumarctica.ru/programme/sport-programme/.

More information is available on the official Forum website forumarctica.ru.