Balkaniada West 2026

Hut Gorski Rai and Hut Kom define the essence of this mountain race, which starts at one hut and finishes at another, a true mountain challenge rather than a city stroll. Balkaniada West emerges from an environment that actively develops and supports running sports in Bulgaria, with a strong focus on mountain running, skyrunning, and orienteering. This event is part of a tradition that fosters running culture across the country. The course is straightforward: you begin at Gorski Rai and push towards Kom, traversing all the terrain the mountain places between them. This race attracts participants who understand the necessity of carrying a jacket, poles, and a spare gel, yet it also welcomes amateurs, as the organizing club consistently draws both elite and recreational runners each year. The finish line at the hut requires little embellishment, as long as your legs are still moving.