Blockhaus Marathon

A challenge on the Giant of Abruzzo

The Blockhaus Marathon is a road cycling granfondo held in the municipality of Tocco da Casauria, in the province of Pescara, in the heart of the Abruzzo mountains. Organized by the ASD Extreme Team, the event has become one of the most anticipated and prestigious fixtures on the amateur calendar in Central Italy, attracting cycling enthusiasts from across the country and abroad.

The Blockhaus climb

The heart of the race is the legendary ascent to the Blockhaus, the so-called Giant of Abruzzo, which rises on the slopes of the Maiella massif to an altitude of 1,657 meters. This is the same route tackled on several occasions by the Giro d'Italia, the stage for moments that have gone down in cycling history. For many enthusiasts, tackling the Blockhaus on their own bikes, riding the same roads as the champions, represents a true sporting dream, featuring steep gradients and breathtaking views of the Maiella National Park.

The three routes

The Blockhaus Marathon offers three routes designed to satisfy athletes of every level of preparation:

• Long route (Granfondo): approximately 143 km with over 3,100 meters of elevation gain, reserved for the most well-trained cyclists.
• Medium route (Mediofondo): approximately 87 km with about 1,464 meters of elevation gain.
• Short route (Cicloturistico): approximately 55 km with 650 meters of elevation gain, suitable even for those approaching the event with a more recreational spirit.

Along the most demanding routes, participants encounter the King of the Mountains climbs of Passo San Leonardo and Fonte Tettone, at the foot of the Blockhaus, which put the riders' legs to the test.

The base in Tocco da Casauria

The event headquarters is the Largo Luigi Menna sports facility in Tocco da Casauria, a village overlooking the Pescara river valley that houses the fascinating Abbey of San Clemente a Casauria. The caravan of cyclists sets off from here, supported by mechanical and medical assistance, intermediate refreshment stations, and the traditional final pasta party that brings the day to a festive close.

Sport and territory in Abruzzo

Beyond the competitive challenge, the Blockhaus Marathon is an opportunity to discover one of the most evocative landscapes in Abruzzo: the roads wind through perched villages, beech forests, and the plateaus of the Maiella area, in a blend of sport, nature, and culture that makes this cycling experience unique.