Bulgaria · Blagoevgrad Province
Pirin Ultra
Distance
68 km
Date
September 10, 2026
Entry fee
78 EUR
€ / km
€1.15
Bulgaria’s wildest trail run: big vert, high technicality and long, 2000M altitude traverses in Pirin National Park.
Elevation and Terrain
Total Meters
4400m
D+/KM
64.71m/km
For context, the Tor des Géants 330 loop has 73 D+/km.
Avg Uphill Gradient
14.0%
Avg Downhill Gradient
-13.1%
Uphill gradient distribution
Route Profile
Analysed 2026-05-02Terrain breakdown
Terrain
Climbs
Top climbs
14.8 km · 1584 m gain
starts km 0 · avg 10.7% · max 59.0%
7.9 km · 1408 m gain
starts km 27 · avg 17.9% · max 44.3%
8.2 km · 988 m gain
starts km 40 · avg 12.1% · max 62.8%
Top descents
17.3 km · 1586 m drop
starts km 51 · avg -9.2% · max -91.9%
8.9 km · 1166 m drop
starts km 18 · avg -13.0% · max -49.9%
6.2 km · 1045 m drop
starts km 34 · avg -17.0% · max -61.8%
Pirin Ultra 68km is a former Skyrunner World Series trail race held in September in Pirin National Park, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria. The course covers 68 kilometres with 4,400 metres of elevation gain — a very spicy 64.7 metres per kilometre. Entry is €78 standard (€1.15 per kilometre), which makes it extremely affordable.
The course is the 4th least flat trail race of 390 European distances tracked - barely 5 kilometres across the 68km distance is considered flat. The glutes and quads will burn on this one ladies and gentlemen. The race opens with a 14.8km, 1,580+ meter climb from Bansko (10.67% average gradient), crossing several ski slopes and traversing several high alpine summits. Among the summits is Vihren at 2,914m — the highest point in the Pirin range and the third-highest peak in Bulgaria. The course essentially consists of scaling three mountains, with the second major climb a real killer, averaging a 17.91% gradient
Bansko is the start and finish; Sofia airport (SOF) is approximately 2 hours 12 minutes away. The race has run annually since 2016. It suits experienced trail athletes seeking a credentialed alpine challenge that doesn´t break the bank in Bulgaria's most demanding national park.
How much does Pirin Ultra 68km cost to enter? (Entry fee and €/km breakdown)
Q: How much does Pirin Ultra 68km cost to enter? A: Entry for the 2026 Pirin Ultra 68km is €78 standard (until 24 July 2026), rising to €118 after that — €1.15 per kilometre at the standard rate. Check current pricing at pirinultra.com/registration.
How hard is the Pirin Ultra 68K course? (Climbs, descents, gradient data)
Q: How difficult is the Pirin Ultra 68K? A: Very difficult for its distance. The 68km covers 4,400m of gain (64.7m per km) with just 7.7% flat terrain — the 4th least flat trail race of 390 European distances in the DTR database. The opening climb rises 1,584m over nearly 15km, and the course reaches Vihren at 2,914m — the highest peak in Pirin and the third-highest in Bulgaria.
Is Pirin Ultra 68km part of the Skyrunner World Series?
Q: Is Pirin Ultra 68km part of the Skyrunner World Series? A: Yes. The 68km distance (listed as 66K in some Skyrunning records) is part of the Skyrunner World Series calendar, giving it global credentialing within the skyrunning community. The event also has a UTMB index listing.
How to get to Pirin Ultra from Sofia airport (transfer and logistics guide)
Q: What is the highest point on Pirin Ultra 68km? A: The route passes over Vihren at 2,914m — the highest peak in Pirin National Park and the third-highest peak in Bulgaria. The course also traverses the Koncheto ridge, a narrow exposed arête that is one of the most technically demanding sections.
Race files
Logistics
Nearest airport
Sofia (SOF)
Notes
Start: ~2–2.5 hrs by car/bus to Bansko / Public transport: frequent buses Sofia→Bansko; easy town access on foot / Accommodation: strong hotel/apartment supply in Bansko; book early for peak weekends
