Bison Ultra-Trail - running along forest paths, tracks and hills
Closeness to nature, beautiful landscapes, interesting monuments, peace and quiet.
races / discover
Podlasie is an area rich in wildlife and multiculturalism. In the Middle Ages, it was a troubled frontier between Poland, Jutland, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Russia. These different periods of history have left their mark on this land, which was the border between the West and the East.
Nature and Multiculturalism of Podlasie
The Podlasie we are talking about has been a meeting place for many cultures for centuries. Where once Old Slavic myths and beliefs reigned supreme, four different religious traditions came together: Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim and Jewish. It is a region that attracts with its wild nature, multiculturalism and the famous hospitality of its people. The richness of the landscape and nature, the fascinating history, traditions and ethnic and cultural diversity hidden in the forest villages, roadside shrines and “holy pines” make this place magical and unique.
Why is it worth running in the Knyszyńska Forest?
The Bison Ultra-Trail® is an opportunity to experience this magic as you run along forest tracks, paths and hills. Along the way you will pass picturesque chapels, charming Orthodox churches, small churches and even a mosque. The running routes take you through areas that will surprise you. One of them is a 23-kilometre-long series of hills resembling a huge embankment – the Świętojańskie Hills, stretching from Supraśl to Gródek. The difference in altitude is up to 60 metres and the steep slopes can be challenging for runners. The Bison Ultra-Trail® 100 is a very varied run in the forest, with sharp climbs and descents, starting from the charming town of Supraśl. Along the way you will pass small villages with traditional, beautiful wooden buildings.
The Knyszyńska Forest stretches from the Augustów Forest to the Białowieża Forest. It is a huge forest complex, one of the best preserved places in our country, covering 126,000 hectares. Located around Białystok, it includes the second largest landscape park in Poland and 21 unique nature reserves. This place is like a taiga, reminiscent of the forests of Alaska, Siberia, Scandinavia and Kamchatka. The influence of various cultures, religions and nationalities is concentrated in the area of the Knyszyńska Forest. Since the 14th century, the main state road, along which the kings of the Jagiellonian dynasty travelled between the two capitals – Vilnius and Krakow, passed through this area. This vast area offers about 1,000 kilometres of marked trails. These paths will take you to places you didn’t expect – hills, slopes, valleys, streams… The Knyszyńska Forest is full of scenic surprises. One of them is a 23-kilometre-long series of hills resembling a huge embankment, known as the Świętojańskie Hills, stretching from Supraśl to Gródek. Differences in altitude of up to 60 metres and steep slopes can be a challenge for runners.
Why "Bison" in the name of the race?
The European bison (Bison bonasus) is the largest mammal in Poland and Europe. More than a quarter of the world’s population lives in Poland, 80% of which are wild populations. Although bison are still an endangered species, their wild population in Poland is slowly increasing. More than half of the bison population in Poland is found in Podlasie, mainly in the Białowieża Forest and the Knyszyńska Forest. In the Knyszyńska Forest alone, you can see over 120 of these wonderful animals. Traces of their presence can be found along the route of the Bison Ultra-Trail®.
Mandatory equipment
What each race participant must have with them:
Mandatory equipment for 100 km competitors:
- Active phone throughout the duration of the Run
- A water cup or bottle (disposable cups will not be available at the points!)
- NRC foil
- Multifunctional hat or scarf
- Whistle
- Rain jacket
- Backpack or running bag
- Water container with a capacity of at least 1 liter
- Elastic bandage + sterile dressing
- Headlamp
- Starting number with chip – available at the competition office
- Route maps – available for download at the competition office
- ID card or passport
Recommended equipment:
- Cash – PLN 50
- GPS device with a pre-loaded running route
- Personal accident
Podlasie has magic in it. Closeness to nature, beautiful landscapes, interesting monuments, peace and quiet. The discovery of little-known places and the flavours of regional cuisine will give you many emotions and impressions. The richness of the landscape and nature, fascinating history, tradition and diversity hidden in the forest villages and roadside shrines make this place and this race magical and unique.
Courses:
Bison Ultra-Trail® 100 – Distance: 106 km Elevation: +/- 1159 m
Bison Ultra-Trail® 70 – Distance: 72 km Elevation: +/- 600 m
Bison Ultra-Trail® 50 – Distance: 52 km Elevation: +/- 600 m
Bison Trail 35 – Distance: 37 km Elevation: +/- 432 m
Bison Trail 16 – Distance: 18 km Elevation: +/- 218 m
Event website: bisonultratrail.pl
Photography: Ultralovers – Jacek Deneka