DAYS
Classic Marathon 2023
18 - 23 June 2023
Classic Marathon 2023
The 30th Classic Marathon will feature the exciting mountain roads and glorious ‘Alpine’ scenery of Slovenia and Austria combined with a brief foray into Croatia to explore the bucolic Istrian Peninsula. This well-renowned classic car rally first ventured this way during the second edition, held back in 1989, when it included a testing climb of the once infamous Moistrocca Pass through the spectacular Julian Alps. Since then, there have been numerous and more comprehensive return visits, notably in 2005 and 2009. And such is the quality of this central European region for rallying that it has also featured on other successful HERO-ERA events, including the legendary Peking to Paris Motor Challenge.
Although the ‘Marathon’ has evolved during its thirty year history, it still holds endurance at its core – driving and navigating across some of Europe’s finest roads and mountain passes are the heart and soul of this motoring challenge. However, the event also allows for a good social side as it is essentially a ‘daylight rally’. Navigation, provided in Routebooks issued 30 minutes before the start each day, will be in the form of easy to read tulip instructions or descriptive information. These will be supplemented by daily overview maps. The event caters both for those wanting to venture out onto their first long distance European event as well as the old hands wanting their biennial ‘Marathon’ fix.
The start and finish will be in the lakeside resort of Bled – perhaps Slovenia’s most famous destination – with its picturesque island church, cliff-top medieval castle and imposing snow-capped mountain backdrop. Bled is located within easy reach from Ljubljana International Airport and close to motorway and motorail access from Northern Europe.