On Saturday, August 26, 2017, the 16th National Park Bike Marathon will take place in Scuol. The race is not only an absolute classic but is also one of the most beautiful long-distance races in Europe. On four different route lengths, from 47 to 137 kilometers, the participants can compete against their colleagues or against their inner pig dog. The race is the third in the Swiss race series "Garmin Bike Marathon Classics" and this year is a special edition. The Swiss Marathon Championships will be held on the 137-kilometre Vallader route, starting and finishing in Scuol.

The long-distance course, which rides around the Swiss National Park on cycle paths, hiking trails and single trails, will not only feature the best Swiss marathon riders. Some of the world's best long-distance bikers, such as world champion Alban Lakata from Austria and Kristian Hynek from the Czech Republic, are also expected to take part, which will give the race added luster. An additional attraction for all professionals: both the first woman and the first man on the Vallader route (137 km) to reach the Chaschauna pass at 2694 m above sea level will win the mountain prize with prize money of 1000 Swiss francs each.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace and would like to reach Scuol over a shorter distance, there are starting points in Fuldera in Val Müstair (103 kilometers), Livigno (66 kilometers) and S-chanf (47 kilometers). The category for young and old is particularly suitable for families. There will also be a live production with Facebook stream and big screen at the finish area on the day of the event.

More for the kids

New this year, on the race day of the National Park Bike Marathon, a kids' race will take place in Scuol for the first time under the patronage of TCS-Camping. Before the adults cross the finish line, the children will compete on an attractive circuit around the Gurlaina finish area. The children ride in different age categories for the Marmotta, Vuolp and Capricorn titles. The focus is on the fun factor and children between the ages of six and 15 can take part in the race. Before the starting signal, there will be a tour of the race course at 08:35 with snowboard pro and Olympic silver medal winner Nevin Galmarini.

A kids' course with small obstacles, seesaws and jumps is available for children on the Gurlaina football pitch. Skill, enjoyment of biking and courage are required. The course is open to all children from 10:00 - 16:00. Both beginners and advanced little bikers are welcome on the course, which is supervised by Alptrails guides.

Technical fine-tuning

On Friday afternoon, 25 August 2017, the organizers of the National Park Marathon, together with the bike guides from the Alptrails bike school, will be offering free riding technique courses for all registered participants for the first time. They can put the finishing touches to their skills for the 16th National Park Bike Marathon at the bike training warm-up.

www.bike-marathon.com