The start of K3 ULTRA 85k will be given at the centre of the golden town of the Rhodope mountains. The runners who have chosen the longest track of the marathon GBR will head southeast along the trail that leads to St Atanas Chapel. Then they will continue to the area Hassidere, from where, following a thrilling ascent at sunrise, the track will take them to the very border. From there southwards they can enjoy breathtaking views of neighbouring Greece. At 18km, in the village of Kushla, will be situated every runner’s mirage - the aid station.
After it the participants will have the pleasure to see the natural phenomenon - ‘God’s bridge’ and the rock sanctuary ‘ The Big Tulpan’. Charged with magic from those places, the runners will start a descent to the picturesque settlement Peshterska, the village of Mogilyane and will cross the Varbitsa river at the Thracian cult complex ‘The Crocodile’; then they will pass through peculiar rock formations and passes-through until they reach the aid station at ‘Yagnevo’ base.
From here the track passes through the rope bridge above the lake by the village of Maglyane whence starts the ascent through the neighbourhoods Zagorsky and Kozlevo to the aid station at Ustra hut. Above it is the fortress USTRA - emblematic for K3 ULTRA! Then follow Kaleto and the karst Swan lakes, which contribute to the colourful track!
From the village of Lebed the runners will pass along the ridge above the village of Pripek towards the neighbourhood Varlino and Krayna, go down towards the Nedelinska river, cross it and go up to the summit above the village of Dolen - one of the most beautiful places along the track!
Along the ridge you can reach as high as St Nedelya Peak. 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.
There are just 3km from here to the final that are the same for all distances so we could have a mass group finish.
From the peak St Nedelya the track goes down through the scenic neighbourhood Memov Gabar to the area ‘Piriytsa’, from where, after running along the cool and refreshing riverbed of the Varbitsa river, follows going up to the chapel St Ekaterina.
From there to the finishing line there are only 3 km left, common to all distances to the effect of mass finishing.
Great things transpire when people and mountains get together!
