Hungary · Zala County
Distance
87 km
Date
Entry fee
HUF 25,000
€ / km
€0.75
VUT Vadlán Ultra Terep 87km: Hungary's Technical Forest Ultra in the Keszthely Hills, Measured
VUT Vadlán Ultra Terep 87 km is a forest trail race held on October 3, 2026 in Zala County, Hungary, in the Keszthely Hills near Lake Balaton. Starting at 06:00 from Cserszegtomaj, the 87 km covers 2,750 m of gain (31.6 m/km) through 90% forest, gravel, and dirt trail — marginally more vert-dense per kilometre than the 108 km flagship distance.
The VUT Vadlán Ultra Terep course is downhill-weighted: 33.7% of the distance climbs, 36.8% descends, and the average downhill gradient of −9.2% ranks 104th steepest of 390 distances in the DTR database. The terrain delivers its most extreme moments early and mid-race: a 50.6% maximum gradient on the third climb at km 23.64, and a −45.3% maximum pitch on the first major descent at km 41.79. Entry costs €0.75/km (25,000 HUF early — the same fee charged for the 108 km distance).
Budapest (BUD) is 137 minutes by road. Part of the IAU Trail Label-certified VUT event since 2017, the 87 km is not independently ITRA or UTMB certified. It suits experienced trail runners who want a technically demanding Hungarian forest ultra with steep descents and rolling terrain — without the ITRA or UTMB qualifier attached.
Elevation and Terrain
Total Meters
2,750m
D+/KM
31.6m/km
For context, the Tor des Géants 330 loop has 73 D+/km.
Avg Uphill Gradient
9.6%
Avg Downhill Gradient
-9.2%
Uphill gradient distribution
| 2–5% | 7.4 km | |
|---|---|---|
| 5–10% | 11.3 km | |
| 10–15% | 5.9 km | |
| 15–20% | 2.6 km | |
| 20%+ | 2.1 km |
Route Profile
AnalysedTerrain breakdown
| 33.7% | Uphill |
|---|---|
| 29.5% | Flat |
| 36.8% | Downhill |
Terrain
VUT Vadlán Ultra Terep – 87 km 87km Top Climbs
Top Climbs
| 1 | 5.6 km · 247 m gain starts km 61 · avg 4.4% · max 36.5% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 1.6 km · 206 m gain starts km 48 · avg 13.0% · max 34.6% |
| 3 | 4.3 km · 194 m gain starts km 24 · avg 4.5% · max 50.6% |
Top descents
| 1 | 4.3 km · 285 m drop starts km 42 · avg -6.6% · max -45.3% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 7.1 km · 192 m drop starts km 69 · avg -2.7% · max -31.5% |
| 3 | 3.4 km · 192 m drop starts km 50 · avg -6.0% · max -28.6% |
Why the VUT 87km Is More Technically Demanding Than Its Gradient Numbers Suggest
How hard is the VUT Vadlán Ultra Terep 87km?
▼
Technically demanding, particularly on descents. The average downhill gradient of −9.17% ranks steeper than ~73% of European ultras in the DTR database. Climb 3 at km 23.64 hits a 50.61% maximum gradient — hands-and-feet terrain in the first third of the race — and Descent 1 at km 41.79 reaches −45.27%. Dark forest soil after October rain makes both moments significantly harder.
Is the Vadlan Ultra Terep 87km a UTMB or ITRA qualifier?
Is the Vadlan Ultra Terep 87km a UTMB or ITRA qualifier?▼
No. The 87km is not independently ITRA certified or UTMB Index listed. The VUT event holds an IAU Trail Label (2025 edition). The 108km is the only VUT distance with ITRA certification. Runners targeting qualification points should enter the 108km instead.
How Much Does the Vadlán Ultra Terep 87km Cost to Enter
How much does the VUT 87km cost to enter?
▼
25,000 HUF (~€58) until June 30, 2026 — approximately €0.75/km. Unusually, this is the same early-window price as the 108km distance. Entry rises to 30,000 HUF (~€69) from July 1, 2026.
October 3, 2026: Vadlán Ultra Terep 87km's Pre-Dawn Start and Headlamp Requirement
When does the 2026 VUT 87km take place?
▼
October 3, 2026, with a 06:00 start from Kultúrhaus, Cserszegtomaj, Zala County, Hungary. The pre-dawn start means the first hour runs in darkness — a headlamp is required.
Car Essential from Budapest: Getting to the VUT Vadlán Ultra 87km
How do I get to the VUT 53km start in Cserszegtomaj?
▼
Budapest (BUD) is the nearest international airport, approximately 137 minutes by road. A car is the most practical option — public transport connections to Cserszegtomaj are limited. Keszthely (~8km from the start) has good accommodation options; Budapest also works as a base for a two-day travel window.
VUT Vadlán Ultra Terep – 87 km 87km GPX
Getting to VUT Vadlán Ultra Terep – 87 km
Nearest airport
Budapest (BUD)
Notes
Start: ~1–1.75 hrs; venue is Cserszegtomaj (Vértes/Bakony region) / Public transport: trains/buses possible but last-mile often needs taxi; car easiest / Accommodation: limited near start; Budapest base possible
