Olympic gold medalist Einar Hedegart (NOR) wins world’s 2nd largest cross-country skiing event

Olympic gold medalist Einar Hedegart (NOR) wins world’s 2nd largest cross-country skiing event | Engadin Skimarathon (SUI) |

On March 8^th, 2026, the 56^th edition of the Engadin Skimarathon took place in the Upper Engadin, Switzerland.

More than 13,000 athletes from 60+ nations, pros and amateurs, have participated for the second largest cross-country skiing event in the world and the largest cross-country skiing event in Switzerland this year. Delivering an intense final sprint Einar Hedegart (NOR) wins with a time of 1:30:40,2 by a whisker and a 0.1-second lead over Jason Rüesch (SUI) close behind Sabin Coupat (FRA) who crossed the finish line as third (+1,2). In the women’s race, 

German junior Anna Endress (18) secured the first place.

Shortly after 8 am, the starting pistol fires in Maloja (Upper Engadin), starting the race and leading the athletes through the beautiful scenery of Switzerland. Since 1969, Switzerland’s largest sports event attracts thousands of cross-country skiing fans every year. On the 42 km marathon route, the runners race over the snowy track, past typical Engadin villages and through a unique winter landscape from the start to the finish in S-Chanf.

After halfway through the race, Olympic gold medalist and favorite Einar Hedegart (NOR) falls and breaks his ski pole. As a result, he initially drops back. With a tremendous burst of effort, he fights his way back to the leading group. Delivering an intense final sprint, he wins with a time of 1:30:40.2 by a whisker and a 0.1-second lead over Jason Rüesch (SUI). Close behind, Sabin Coupat (FRA) crosses the finish line in third (+1.2).

In the women’s race, German junior Anna Endress (18) takes the lead unexpectedly. By the time she reaches Pontresina, she holds a half-minute advantage over favorite Giuliana Werro (SUI). However, as the men’s leading group increases the pace, Endress has to fall back into the group alongside Werro. The two then battle in a thrilling, neck-and-neck contest, with Endress narrowly claiming victory on the home straight. Frenchwoman Clémence Didierlaurent crosses the line in S-Chanf more than a minute later, taking third place.

Results: