Eastern Rhodopes Wild Race

The Eastern Rhodopes Wild Race takes place in Krumovgrad, Bulgaria, during October. This trail and ultra-running event covers the Eastern Rhodopes region and features three distances: the 66.5 km Wild route, the 37.3 km Semi-wild route, and the 22 km Tame route. The longest course involves approximately 2,090 m of elevation gain and loss, with the shorter routes also presenting technical climbs and descents. The race crosses one of Bulgaria’s most biodiverse areas, home to thousands of recorded plant and animal species. The routes primarily follow unmarked paths, emphasizing backcountry running over established tourist trails. Participants will pass near historical sites like the Thracian sanctuary at Kovil and the Sheitan Dere Gorge, connecting the rugged landscape with the region’s long history. Organizers state this is the first ultra-running event in this section of the Eastern Rhodopes.