We are pleased to introduce to you the altered route for 2020 of the second distance of K3 ULTRA - GOLD BORDER RACE.
The distance of the route is 52 km, D+1830m. The runners start from the centre of Zlatograd, through the renovated park and immediately enter the outskirt heights. From there, following a picturesque eco-trail, they head for St. Nedelya peak.
According to the latest research of renowned historians it was there that the fortress of Momchil, the Rhodope tsar, was situated. This peak itself will be the only common point of the three routes of K3 ULTRA. There, by the historical chapel ‘St. Nedelya’ will be set up the main aid station with ample specialties from the Rhodope region.
From St. Nedelya peak the route continues to the sanctuary ‘Beloto kamene’(‘White Rocks’), situated above the village of Startsevo, after which follows a moderate but magnificently scenic 13-kilometre section to the summit of the mountain through ‘Shadiytsa’ peak until crossing the road at ‘Pechinsko’ pass.
After nearly 5 km through the beautiful broadleaf forest you get to the area ‘Buchovitsa’. There everyone can enjoy breathtaking views: the familiar mounts Rozhen, Snezhanka and Perelik to the north, and to the south - the mountain ridge, along which runs the borderline, with the peaks Murzyan, Lomska chuka and Veykata.
Then follows a pleasant section of about 12 km, parts of which run along the very borderline, with amazing views of the valley of the Varbitsa River to the east, to the area ‘Kartala’, where you can see authentic border posts from the past.
From ‘Kartala’ onwards follows a smooth descent down the ridge, passing above the village of Alamovtsi, through Rupchevo peak, Kilyovi cabins and Kosora peak until ‘St. Ekaterina’ Chapel.From there to the finishing line remain only 3 kilometres, common to all three distances to the effect that the contestants finish en masse.
Great things transpire when people and mountains get together!
