Scarce Snow, Higher Fees Not Discouraging Marathon Hopefuls
Lack of snow and higher participation fees have not dimmed the public’s interest in participating in the 41st Tartu Ski Marathon to be held on February 19, said Kristina Hallik, marketing specialist for the event.
By December 23, a total of 5,350 people had registered, 4,280 of them for the full, 63km marathon and 1,070 for the half-distance race, Hallik told uudised.err.ee, adding that so far participants from 25 nations have signed up, with Finland and Russia topping the guest registration list.
According to Hallik, the figures fall between the registration counts of 2009 and 2010, when wintertime weather temperatures reached -20 degrees Celsius.
The participation fees on both distances have increased by a maximum of 20 euros - depending on the time of registration. The changes in prices can be attributed to the overall cost-increase of products and services necessary for organizing a mass event of such dimensions, said Hallik.
Ingrid Teesalu