On March 1st, the XIV European Sauna Marathon took place in Otepää. A total of 200 teams and nearly a thousand participants competed in the marathon, with 21 saunas to visit.
In addition to Estonians, competitors from 17 countries gathered in Otepää to engage in sauna sports: Bulgaria, Kosovo, USA, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Finland, Germany, Ukraine, Hungary, Lithuania, Ireland, Australia, and Latvia.
The main starts took place at Otepää Central Square. Sauna checkpoints had to be completed elegantly and memorably, preferably in costumes. Additional points were awarded for visiting ice holes and hot tubs.
The highlights of the event were unique saunas – the Savilaane Baywatch Sauna and the modern smoke sauna ÖÖ. Other fascinating saunas included the Märsi Cave Sauna and the Mulgi Rave Sauna. Many other exciting saunas also brought joy to the participants. The evening was wrapped up by DJ Kristjan Hirmo, with event hosts Valdik and Karl from peojuht.eu.
“This year’s sauna marathon has been the most musical one in history, as two musical groups – Kruuv and Lavassaare Trio – took part in the competition,” said Ago Arro, chief organizer of the European Sauna Marathon in Otepää. “Additionally, one sauna offered karaoke. It’s great to see that, despite the competitive spirit, there’s less rushing, meaning people are truly enjoying their sauna experience.”
The grand prize, a hot tub from Lemmik Mees OÜ, was raffled among 20 teams, with the winning team being Eesti Maadlus-Rahvuskoodis. The overall winner was team Powtec OÜ.
The organizers of the XIV European Sauna Marathon extend their gratitude to the participating saunas: Ugandi Sauna, Lemmikmees, Orava Sauna, Saunamersu, Sauna ÖÖ, Kullinoka Tünn, Seltskond Ratastel/Saunabuss, Barrelspa, Märsi Cave Sauna, L.U.M.I Sauna, Kirepi Plastic Sauna, Kultuurne SPA, Mobile Sauna, Keristaru/Rendipidu.ee, Warm Spot Sauna Cube, Nuustalu Villa, Sauna Trailer, Sauna Cube, Mulgi Rave Sauna, Inanas Musa Gonga, Savilaane Baywatch Sauna.
The XIV European Sauna Marathon in Otepää is organized by MTÜ Otepää Sport in collaboration with Otepää Municipality, Otepää Cultural Centers, sauna owners, and volunteers. The event partners include winter radio Sky Plus, Kanal 2 Reporter, Vytautas, Aasta Auto Pluss, A. Le Coq, Crocs / Nordic Outdoor, Skamet, and the Estonian Cultural Endowment.
The organizers thank all volunteers, helpers, and media outlets that covered the event.
See you next year!
All results will soon be available on the official website www.saunamaraton.com.
Photos from the competition day:
