The 48th Haanja Marathon took place amidst warm spring conditions, with 517 skiers participating across various distances. The main marathon distance of 42 km attracted 343 competitors while 130 individuals opted for the half-marathon, and a special children's race saw 44 young participants. The event was noted for its organization and the improvements made to the course in the lead-up to the race.

Marko Kilp secured his second stage victory of the season at the Haanja Marathon, expressing gratitude to the organizers for their hard work in maintaining the course. He indicated that the tactical nature of this year's marathon, especially given the challenging icy conditions, favored stronger skiers. "Whoever has the stamina is the champion," Kilp stated, suggesting that the conditions were more difficult and slower than in previous seasons.

Kilp elaborated on the strategies during the race, mentioning that his team aimed to establish a lead early on to set up for a more controlled pace in the second round. Despite competition from fellow skier Albert Unn, who performed well on the descents, Kilp managed to secure the win with better grip on his skis towards the end of the race. This event not only highlighted local talent but also served to inspire the skiing community in Estonia, especially with the recent Olympic representation of Ojaste.