The announcement of the inaugural Marcialonga Arctic Ski Race in Bodø was made on Friday morning by Marcialonga manager Angelo Corradini. This expansion marks a significant milestone for Marcialonga as it ventures into a new sister race in Norway. Ticket sales for the Norwegian race will open on Monday, June 5, the same day as the registrations for the Italian event.

Marcialonga is the seventh event in the Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV. See the full calendar for Ski Classics Season XV (2023/2024). 

The enthusiasm of local enthusiasts and investors spurred the decision to establish the Marcialonga Arctic Ski Race in Norway. The concept of creating the world’s most spectacular ski marathon resonated strongly with Marcialonga manager Angelo Corradini. The natural landscape, encompassing mountains, the sea, and the beautiful northern lights, combined with the local population’s passion for creating an electrifying atmosphere at sporting events, made Norway an irresistible choice.

Skjalg Dreyer, the general manager of Marcialonga Arctic Ski Race Norway, expressed his excitement in a press release:

“We want the race to become a public festival where everyone can participate, not just the skiing elite, but also children and young people, the public, and the business world. This will be a ski party where we show off Norway and Northern Norway at its very best and most beautiful.”

Responsibility for organizing the event and collaborating with local sports teams rests with the local race organization, with support and guidance from the race organization in Bodø and Italy. The plan is to use the existing trail network in the region while starting and finishing the race in the heart of Bodø. This approach aims to transform the event into a vibrant public gathering, highlighting Norway’s splendor and the unique spirit of Northern Norway. 

The Marcialonga Arctic Ski Race launch in 2024 solidifies Norway’s permanent involvement in the Marcialonga. Angelo Corradini believes that Northern Norway is an ideal location for expansion. He expressed his intentions to attract more Norwegian skiers to Marcialonga, stating:

“At Marcialonga, we have had many good Norwegians on our tracks throughout the years, and we would like to have more. Norway is the world’s best skiing nation, and we want to help recruit more young skiers. We believe Marcialonga Arctic Ski Race Norway can contribute to that. This will be more than just a ski race. It will be a folk festival and an arena for ski-related activities combined with long and tough competitions. We have some experience with this, and we will share that experience with Norway,” says Corradini. 

Bodø, as the European Capital of Culture in 2024, will host the inaugural edition of the Marcialonga Arctic Ski Race on March 9, marking a significant milestone in the history of the race and the city itself.