OHRID ULTRA TRAIL, North Macedonia 24 – 26 May 2024
Do you know North Macedonia, the exploits of Alexander the Great and the city of Ohrid (Ohrid) which stands on the shores of the lake of the same name? A fantastic trail running event was born right there, the l’Ohrid Ultra-Trail® which takes place every year in spring, and offers 4 race distances: 107K, 65K, 40K, 22K plus the Junior 10K.
The ancient village of Ohrid, located along the coast of the magnificent Lake Ohrid, it is undoubtedly the most beautiful and attractive city in Macedonia, a pearl of ancient architecture and treasure of precious historical and cultural monuments under the full protection of UNESCO. It has existed for around 2500 years and its ancient name was Lichnidos, which was used to refer to the settlement of Ohrid and the lake.
The first Slavic university was founded right here by Saint Clement and Saint Naum in the area called Plaosnik.
The Lake Ohrid is a natural and cultural area that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
It offers refuge to numerous endemic species of freshwater fauna and flora dating back to the Tertiary period.
With 300 meters of depth, 34 km of length and three million years, Lake Ohrid is among the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe.
Around its shores, ancient settlements, mountain villages and glorious monasteries whisper stories that have lasted for more than a thousand years.
On the other side you find Macedonia’s second largest lake, Lake Prespa, known for its natural biodiversity.
There are approximately 200 species of birds, 104 of which are waterfowl. 62 species are included in the list of species protected by the Bern Convention, while three of them are in the European Red List of species at risk of extinction globally.
In the middle, the “heart” of the Ohrid and Prespa region is crowned by Mount Galicica which divides the two large lakes and where you’ll be running!
The national park is home to the native Balkan lynx and numerous other endemic flora and fauna.
Here the wild and less traveled paths lead to the most beautiful panoramas in the region, a perfect spot for ultra trail runners!
THE OHRID ULTRA TRAIL RACES and UTMB
The Ohrid Ultra Trail event, partner of TRM Marketing Promotion, is part of UTMB Index races and all races of the Ohrid Ultra-Trail® event are organized in accordance with medical and safety guidelines approved by ITRA (International Trail Running Association).
The Ohrid Ultra Trail races which allow you to gain qualification to enter the draw UTMB, CCC,OCC are:
(Category UTMB 100K)
(Category UTMB 50K)
(Category UTMB 50K)
(Category UTMB 20K)
THE FEATURES OF THE OHRID ULTRA TRAIL RACES
The Ohrid Ultra Trail organization has created various events, perfect for any level of Trail Runner and the races are part of the most prestigious circuits UTMB World, ITRA National League, Europe Trail Cup
Have a look at the official video: Video Ohrid Ultra Trail
Remember that if you need a training plan for the Ohrid Ultra Trail or other races you can find them on the TRM website here: Training Plans
But now let’s get into the heart of the races in detail.
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Ohrid Ultra Trail 107K
- Km e D+: 107Km, 5000mt D+
- Date: 24 May 2024
- Start: 23.00pm from Ohrid
- Time Limit: 25h
- Track: Start and Finish in Ohrid
- ITRA: 5 Points
- Circuits: UTMB World, ITRA National League, Europe Trail Cup
- Website: https://ohridultratrail.com/107k-en/
La Ohrid Ultra-Trail® 107K starts and arrives in the city of Ohrid.
The route circumnavigates the Galicica National Park from the lower paths of the lake to the meadows and high mountain ridges.
Its 5000 meters of positive and negative altitude difference are mainly concentrated in the central part of the route.
Expect the early morning rays with freezing temperatures in the highest areas of the mountain and unforgettable views of the Prespa and Ohrid lakes and incredible passages in the Monasteries such as that of S. Naum at km 40 of the race.
Profile Ohrid Ultra Trail 107K
Galicica Ultra 65K
- Km e D+: 65Km, 3350mt D+
- Date: 25 May 2024
- Start: 7.00am San Naum Monastery
- Time Limit: 17h
- Track: Start from San Naum Monastery and arrival in Ohrid
- ITRA: 3 Points
- Circuits: UTMB World, ITRA National League, Europe Trail Cup
- Wesite: https://ohridultratrail.com/65k-en/
The Galicica Ultra departs from the southern shore of Lake Ohrid, specifically from the iconic 10th century St. Naum Monastery, the burial place of St. Naum. The route includes a challenging climb in the first 20 km and then faces the high rocky ridges of Galicica before descending towards the finish line in the center of Ohrid.
Profile Galicia Ultra Trail 65K
Samotska Trail Marathon 40K
- Km e D+: 40,5Km, 1950mt D+
- Date: 25 May 2024
- Start: 9.00am from Peshtani
- Tempo limite: 11h
- Percorso: Start from Peshtani and arrival in Ohrid
- ITRA: 2 Points
- Circuits: UTMB World, ITRA National League, Europe Trail Cup
- Website: https://ohridultratrail.com/40k-en/
The Samotska Trail Marathon is a fast trail race suitable for many trail runners. The route has an initial steep climb of 8 kilometers that takes runners above Lake Ohrid and Prespa where the glimpse of the vast bodies of water integrates with the intense green colors of the hills, valleys and plains. After passing the high rocky ridges of Galicica, you quickly descend towards the finish line in the center of Ohrid.
Profile Samotska Trail Marathon 40K
Letnica Trail 22K
- Km e D+: 22,6Km, 1100mt D+
- Data: 25 May 2024
- Start: 11.00am from Velgoshti
- Time Limit: 6h
- Percorso: Start from Velgoshti eand arrival in Ohrid
- ITRA: 1 Point
- Circuits: UTMB World, ITRA National League, Europe Trail Cup
- Website: https://ohridultratrail.com/22k-en/
Beginners and runners who like short, fast sections can enjoy the shortest route, the Letnica Trail. Starting from the village of Velgosti, you cross a splendid river canyon (following the Letnica river) and then climb towards the point where you can enjoy the most beautiful panorama of the city of Ohrid. From there you descend via one of the most technical trails on the mountain to the lake shore and the finish line in Ohrid.
Profile Letnica Trail 22K
HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR TRIP
Get to Ohrid
Ohrid by Plane
You can get to Ohrid traveling by plane and choosing Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, or Tirana (Albania) as your landing airport.
Both destinations are served by direct flights departing from several European cities with low-coast airlines.
Ohrid By Car
You can reach Ohrid fomr any airport you like (Skopje or Tirana) renting a car, with very low prices! Than drive:
- SKOPJE to OHRID via Tetovo (A2/E65), Gostivar (A2/E65), Kichevo (A2/E65) 170 km – 2.5 hours
- TIRANA (Albania) to OHRID via Elbasan(A3/SH3), Librazhd (A3/SH3) < Qafe Thane/Kjafasan border crossing > Struga (E852) 130 km – 2 hours
Find an Accomodation in Ohrid
Visit the Ohrid Ultra Trail website page and find a partner accommodation here: https://ohridultratrail.com/accommodation/
or have a look at Booking.com website.
TRM Team Staff
Do you need help to organize your race trip? Email us: info@trailrunningmovement.com
Enjoy your race!
TRM Team
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