The start of K3 ULTRA 85K will be given at the centre of the ‘golden’ town of the Rhodope mountains. The runners chosen the longest route of the marathon GBR will head to the southeast along the trail leading to St.Atanas Chapel. Then they will continue to the area ‘Hasidere’, whence, after an exciting ascent at sunrise the trail will take them to the very borderline. There they can enjoy amazing views of neighbouring Greece to the south. 18 km later, in the village of Kushla is located every runner’s mirage - the aid station.
After it the contestants will have the wonderful opportunity to enjoy the natural phenomena Bozhiyat Most (‘God’s Bridge’) and the rock sanctuary Golyam (‘Big’)Tulpan. Recharged by those magnetic places, the runners will start a descent to the village of Kitna and a crossing of the Varbitsa River, followed by another stop for a breath at the aid station of ‘Yagnevo’ base.
After that the route goes through the rope bridge above the lake by the village of Muglyane, followed by the big ascent through the hamlets Zagorsky and Shipok and the village of Ustra. Above the village is situated the fortress emblematic of K3 ULTRA - USTRA fortress! After it follow Kaleto and the karstic Lebedovi ezera ( ‘Swan’ lakes), which complement the picturesque route.
From the village of Lebed the contestants start along the mountain ridge above the village of Pripek towards the hamlets of Varlino and Krayna, go down to the Nedelinska River, cross it and start an ascent to the ridge above the village of Dolen - one of the most beautiful places along the route!
The ridge leads to the peak St. Nedelya. 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 the peak St. Nedelya the route descends through the picturesque neighbourhood Memov Gabar down to the area ‘Piriytsa’ from where, running along the cooling riverbank of the Varbitsa River, follows an ascent to 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!
