The True Blue DXers Club is happy to announce the 2022 DX Ultra-Marathon.
Introductory video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-Pcca3J56U

This initiative was first launched in 2021, with the aim of promoting CW and SSB activity on the HF bands, during contests but also, and perhaps especially, in-between contests. By the end of the first year, we expect
that nearly 200 brave DXers will have taken up the challenge, making a total of almost half a million QSOs.

The results of the top scorers are nothing short of extraordinary, but it is heartening to see that the Ultra-Marathon was enjoyed by dozens of stations at all levels. Augusto, IK4RQJ, who topped the Low Power SSB category, says "I started out of pure curiosity, and then, slowly, the Marathon almost turned into a drug. Day after day I spent hours on the air, looking for QSOs... I would have never believed to be able to log nearly 12,000 QSOs in a year. The Marathon brought back the feelings I had at the beginning of my ham 'career', 30 years ago."

The Ultra-Marathon has something for everybody. You can put in an all-out effort and compete for a top position in one of the many categories. Or, you can compete against yourself - see what you can achieve within the limits of your available time and setup. Most important is that this competition brings back the excitement of amateur radio, each and every day.

This year-long competition is about contacting as many different stations as possible, on as many bands as possible, in as many DXCC countries and WAZ Zones as possible. Essentially, it is about making QSOs, working DX, being active and enjoying your hobby.

The rules and the scoring system (https://www.tbdxc.net/marathon) are practically identical to the CQ World Wide contest. However, this is NOT a "59 001" kind of competition - it is NOT a year-long contest. It is
intended to promote everyday activity on CW and SSB: real activity, real contacts, real QSOs between people, as opposed to computers talking to each other.

Participating could not be easier. Once you have signed up and chosen your mode and power category, all you have to do is to make QSOs and then upload your log in ADIF format. You can do this as often as you want. Each time, your score is automatically calculated according to the rules, and the leader-board for your chosen category is updated. You will be able to track your progress and, if you are a competitive type, check your score against others in real time.

We look forward to seeing you! Please remember that for registration, log upload, leader-boards, rules, Frequently Asked Questions, requests for help, and all things Marathon, the address is:
https://tbdxc.hamserver.de/marathon/

73, Hans Ostnell LB6GG
Marathon Manager

OPDX