We have the pleasure to introduce to you the first of the two new distances of K3 ULTRA for 2022 - GBR 63. The track’s length is 63km and D+2300m.
The runners start from the centre of Zlatograd, pass through the renovated park and enter right into the suburban hills, from where they start along a scenic eco path towards the peak St Nedelya.
According to recent surveys of acknowledged historians it was there that Momchil’s fortress (the Rhodopean king) was situated. There, by the historical chapel St Nedelya, will be set up the main aid station with a wide selection of Rhodopean specialties.
From the peak St Nedelya the track continues to the sanctuary ‘Beloto Kamene’(‘White Stones), situated above the village of Startsevo, after which it goes down to the quaint neighbourhoods in the Municipality of Nedelino - Murzyan and Varli dol, to start up to the area ‘Shadiytsa’ with 360-degree views. While the participants are enjoying the nature around, they can also help themselves to food and water. From ‘Shadiytsa’ aid station, following an extremely pleasant and scenic section along the mountain ridge, there comes a road crossing at the passage ‘Pechinsko’ and after about 5 km through a beautiful deciduous forest the track reaches the area ‘Buchovitsa’. There everyone can enjoy two breathtaking views: to the north - the familiar Rozhen, Snezhanka and Perelik and to the south - the mountain ridge going along our southern border with the peaks Murzyan, Lomska Chuka and Veykata.
Then follows an easy section of 12 km, parts of which go along the very border, where aid station ‘Gabkata’ will be set up, with wonderful sights of the valley of the Varbitsa river to the east as far as the area ‘Kartala’,, where one can take a look of the border posts from our past.
After that follows a gradual descent down the mountain ridge above the village of Alamovtsi, through the peak Rupchevo, Kilyov’s cabins and the peak Kosora. From there, together with the runners in two other distances, the participants go down to the chapel St Ekaterina. From then on there are only three kilometres left to the finishing line in Zlatograd, which are common to all distances.
Great things transpire when people and mountains get together!