ELENA TRAIL RUN 2026

The Elena Trail Run is a new trail race in Elena, Bulgaria's Stara Planina region, taking place over a September weekend. It provides three mountain running distances: 12 km with 500 m elevation gain, 21 km with 800 m, and 33 km with 1,300 m. Time limits are set at 4, 6, and 8 hours, respectively. The event is intended for a broad spectrum of runners; however, the primary races are for adults. Participants aged 14 to 18 may enter the 12 km route with guardian permission. The routes traverse shaded trails within the Elena Balkan, winding through mature forests and opening to vistas of rugged peaks and verdant ridges. The 12 km course offers a manageable mountain challenge for less experienced trail runners, while the 33 km event includes sufficient ascent to qualify as a demanding long run. This inaugural race, organized by Sdrujenie “Elena Trail Run,” aims for a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere, distinct from an elite-focused competition.