The most awaited, the most breathtaking and certainly one of the most difficult races in Poland
Exposure, a lot of rocks, loose stones, significant elevation gains, changeable weather. What more could you want?
races / discover
The Ultra Grania Tatr Run is one of the most difficult, most anticipated and most breathtaking races in Poland. This 71km mountain race takes runners on a journey through the Tatra National Park, from Siwa Polana at the mouth of the Chochołowska Valley to the finish line in Kuźnice. The route offers a mix of technical difficulty and stunning natural beauty, with most of the route over 2,000 metres above sea level.
One of the characteristic features of the Grania Tatr route is a significant difference in altitude, with a total difference in altitude of +/- 5000 metres. This makes the race a test of both physical and mental endurance, as the runners not only have to cover long distances, but also overcome steep ascents and descents. The difficult terrain also requires runners to pay close attention to how they place their feet on narrow trails. Add to this the need to maintain a fast pace on rocky terrain and the Grania Tatr becomes a real test of running skills.
In addition to the technical aspects, the race offers runners breathtaking views of the Tatra Mountains. The course winds through lush forests, open meadows and rocky peaks, giving runners the opportunity to explore the full beauty of the Tatra National Park. The race is designed for experienced mountain runners who want to take on the biggest challenges. In order to have a chance to take part in the race, you have to meet the high requirements set by the organisers. If we are lucky in the draw, we will be able to take part in a picturesque and unique challenge.
The Ultra Grania Tatr race is a truly unique running experience. The combination of technical difficulty and natural beauty makes this a dream race for any mountain runner looking for a challenge. The race gives runners the opportunity to test their skills while admiring the breathtaking views of the Tatra National Park. If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable running experience, the Ultra Grania Tatr race is an excellent choice.
Bieg Grania Tatr – Distance: 71 km Elevation: +5000 m/ -4950 m
Event website: graniatatr.pl
Photography: Piotr Dymus
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Reach the peak of your abilities by running along the Tatra Mountains.
Press release after the 2023 edition.
On August 19, one of the most beautiful and difficult races in the Polish Tatra Mountains will take place – the Tatra Granią Run. For many competitors, it is iconic and unique, and has been held on an almost 72 km long route since 2013. This year with an exceptionally short limit of 16 hours and 30 minutes, which may make completing the competition itself a challenge. Competitors will start at 4.30 a.m. at Siwa Polana, and the route will traditionally lead from the Chochołowska Valley through Wołowiec, Starorobociański, Czerwone Wierchy, Kasprowy , Krzyżne, Five Ponds and Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza up to Kuźnice. This year, over 960 people entered the draw, of which only 350 were given the opportunity to start, and the competition entered the Skyrunning Polish Cup series and gives as many as 4 ITRA points.
For the first time in our history, competitors will fight for a special prize, the LOTTO Mountain Bonus, over a distance of 6.8 km and an altitude difference of 988 m: on the section from the Hala Ornak Shelter to the Ciemniak peak, at an altitude of 2,096 m. The fastest male and female athlete who completes the entire competition at the same time will receive PLN 2,000 each! A special report will also be prepared here by exceptional journalists from the Kingrunner Ultra magazine. We invite all tourists, family and friends to the Dynafit Fan Zone, which will be organized at the Murowaniec Shelter on Saturday, August 19, from 9.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The top competitors will come running there first thing in the morning, but we will support all the competitors until the end of the competition. Most people will be running through the point around 12 o’clock – we encourage you to encourage them! However, at the finish line in Kuźnice, just below the building of the Tatra National Park management, on Saturday from 10.00 a.m. children will reign supreme. Attractions – animations will be provided by Tatra Family Park, there will also be special ecological activities prepared by the Tatra National Park, sweets from the Gałuszka Bakery Confectionery, a TOPR climbing wall, and at 11.00 there will be charity runs for children, with prizes provided by the Polish Cable Railways. The entry fee for the competition will be voluntary, but we know that you will be generous – all proceeds from the Run Granią Tatr KIDS event will be donated to help in the rehabilitation of Jaś Ślusarczyk from Zakopane.
Each competitor will receive a Trackcourse GPS transmitter, thanks to which it will be possible to track their position on an online map throughout the competition. A screen to track the entire race will be available at the finish line, a link to the map will be made available on the eve of the competition – if someone cannot come to Zakopane, they will be able to watch the runners’ progress at home or on their phone. According to the RateMyTrail.com ranking among men, the favorites among men are Tomasz Skupień, Robert Faron and Piotr Gutt, but the top leaders certainly include Jan Elantkowski, Matus Vnencak from Slovakia and the veteran of our competition, the historic winner of the first edition – Przemek Sobczyk. Among the leading ladies, we expect Kinga Kwiatkowa, Olga Łyjak, Magda Stachura and Weronika Frączna. The competitors will compete for financial prizes, and the winners will additionally win a special prize funded by the boutique EN Hotel from Kuźnice: accommodation with breakfast in a unique place, near the trail to Kasprowy Wierch.
The entire route runs through unique areas of the national park, at dawn the competitors will run across the ridge of the Western Tatras, and in the afternoon they will be on the trails in the High Tatras. The competition takes place along tourist trails and we strongly encourage neither tourists nor training competitors to leave these trails. We support TPN in the Leave no Trace campaign and collecting garbage during trips to the mountains – each of our volunteers will collect garbage at the same time: both while marking the route and after the competition.
The competition would not have taken place without the support of many companies and people, one hundred volunteers from all over the country and the Honorary Patronage of Mayor Leszek Dorula, the courtesy of the Tatra National Park, the Zakopane City Hall and the Tatra Volunteer Emergency Service. Special thanks are due to the Golden Partner – LOTTO and the brands Dynafit, MB Mercedes Benz, EN Hotel, Polskie Koleje Linowy, Hotel Nosalowy Dwór Resort&Spa, Coca-Cola, Drukarnia Symptom, Cukiernia Piekarni Gałuszka, Nikwax, Leki Polska, Hyrny, Kropla Beskidu, FitCast , Oshee, Schroniskom Ornak and Murowaniec, Bistro Leśniczówka and Manufaktura Piwna Browar Jabłonowo.
Press release.
Photography: Piotr Dymus