Engadin Marathon snakes its way past Surlej castle. This could be you!

The Engadin Marathonistas is a group of friends, family and mistfits who get together once a year in March to compete in the Engadin Ski Marathon.

It all started in 2001 when a charity called WellChild (at time Children Nationwide) was looking for people who would race in the Engadin Ski Marathon in order to raise money.

Five of us took up the challenge, and so the Engadin Marathonistas were born. Since then it has become something of an annual tradition. Over 150 people have now raced as Marathonistas, having a great time and raising over £100,000 for various charities in the process.

So here's how it works:

• You enter the race yourself, which is pretty straightforward via the official race website
• You book your own hotel, preferably in Pontresina (there is a list of good ones here)
• You book your own flights. Try to get out there by Wednesday night if you want to acclimatise and enjoy the day more. It can be done arriving Thu night, or even Fri, but it starts be more of a grind and less fun.
• It takes 3hrs by unbelievably reliable train from Zurich (www.sbb.ch), so you can't take the last flight and get there by nightfall. Alternatively, it takes around the same time by rental car, as long as it doesn't snow on the Julier Pass, in which case they close it in the evenings.
• You can get your gear from Faehndrich Sport (www.faehndrich-sport.ch), which is on Pontresina's main road. We usually get a 10% discount. They have loads of stuff, but if you want to book in advance and you know exactly what you need, call them on +41 (0)81 842 71 55.
• Coaching is provided by the Langlaufschule. They run team classes on our behalf, and you pay them directly. Alternatively you can call them +41 81 842 6844 and organise private lessons. It's one of the best X-C schools in the world.
• I will hold a pre-race briefing and answer questions in the bar of the Sport Hotel in Pontresina at 7pm on the Saturday evening before the race.
• If you let me know your race number, I can pick it up from the race office for you and give it to you at the briefing. Please do not assume I will do this unless I have confirmed in writing. If you think I have your bib and I don't it is too late to go to the race office at that point.
• The aim is to keep it simple and have fun with a great group of people!

Interested? email me to find out more about taking part.