K3 ULTRA GBR 100K

The biggest challenge of K3 ULTRA GBR

The start of GEOPS 100 km is in the centre of the village of Kushla, in Zlatograd Municipality. The runners will be seen off by the village’s 14 residents, as well as by guests of K3 ULTRA.

After the start, the runners will follow a beautiful trail which, after 3 km, will lead them to one of the most spectacular places in the Rhodopes – the Caves and God’s Bridge. Soon afterwards, they will reach the border itself and continue towards the first aid station at Markovi Polyani. The route follows the border for almost 20 km, passing 12 border pyramids that offer unforgettable views of both Greece and Bulgaria. It is difficult to decide which part of the route is the most beautiful. One simply has to stop for a moment, and the full magic of the border will remain in the runners’ minds for a long time.

From the border, the route turns towards Chukata Peak, descends to St. Athanasius Chapel, crosses the Varbitsa River and, to the applause of K3 ULTRA supporters, reaches the Zlatograd Aid Station for a well-deserved rest and recovery.

From the centre of the golden town of the Rhodopes, the runners will head west, passing through the Old Town and by the Watermill before taking a scenic eco-trail towards St. Nedelya Peak. Before reaching the peak, the route turns towards the junction for the village of Startsevo, crosses the road to Nedelino and enters a beautiful acacia forest. It then descends towards the town of Nedelino along beautiful mountain trails that are easy to run. An aid station with plenty of surprises will be waiting for the runners in the town centre.

After a short rest, they will begin the ascent towards the Belite Kamani area, where they will be able to enjoy breathtaking views in every direction. The route then continues with a gradual climb towards Shadiitsa, offering views to the north of the familiar peaks of Rozhen, Snezhanka and Perelik, and to the south of the ridge along Bulgaria’s southern border, including Lomska Chuka and Veykata peaks. It then descends towards the Pechinsko Aid Station.

From Pechinsko, the runners will follow a pleasant trail through a deciduous forest and pass through the beautiful village of Borinovo before reaching the town of Madan, where they will be welcomed as long-awaited guests.

From the centre of Madan, after a short run through the streets of the town, the runners will take a trail leading to the “sunny” village of Maglishta. From there, the route will run almost entirely above the so-called Madan Ore Field, where they will be able to see both unique mineral formations and specialised mining infrastructure. They will pass beneath the remarkable aerial cableway and reach one of the most impressive rock formations in the Rhodopes – Kechi Kaya, around which the remains of the important medieval Koznik Fortress can still be seen. An aid station offering traditional Rhodopean delicacies from the Madan region will be set up here.

The route then passes by Babkata and continues through a remarkable beech forest to the Marzyan Aid Station. From there, the runners continue directly along the border. Looking south, they can admire the Rhodopes in neighbouring Greece, and in clear weather they may even see the peaks of Samothrace Island, which rise to more than 1,600 metres. To the east lies the beautiful valley of the Varbitsa River.

The route then continues once again along the mountain ridge before descending towards the village of Alamovtsi, where another aid station will be located. From there, the runners climb back to the ridge, passing by Rupchevo Peak, the Kilovi Kolibi area and Kosora Peak. They then descend to St. Ekaterina Chapel.

From there, only two kilometres remain to the finish line in Zlatograd, along a section shared by all race distances.

Great things happen when people and mountains meet!