races / discover
Garmin Ultra Race is a series of competitions that have gained an excellent reputation and are appreciated by runners from all over Poland, especially for their organisation, interesting routes and unique atmosphere of a great running festival. The event has become a permanent fixture in the calendar of the most important ultra races in our country.
Stage 1, May – Myślenice
The Garmin Ultra Race competition takes place in unique natural locations, and it is no coincidence that the first event in the series takes place in Myślenice. Located between Krakow and Zakopane, Myślenice offers beautiful scenery and a wealth of attractions throughout the year. It is also a convenient starting point for trips to many towns in Małopolska, such as Kraków, Zakopane, Wieliczka and Oświęcim. Geographically, the Myślenice Region is situated in the area of two Carpathian macro-regions. Its southern part belongs to the Beskid Średni Range, also known as the Beskid Makowski Range, and the Beskid Wyspowy Range. The northern part of the Myślenicka Range belongs to the Carpathian Foothills. The Myślenice Region is mainly a picturesque area, rich in nature and monuments. In addition, the lack of crowds and hustle and bustle typical of some mountain resorts is undoubtedly the greatest advantage of these areas. They will be appreciated by those looking for unspoilt and intimate paths.
Competitors who decide to participate in the Garmin Ultra Race Myślenice can choose one of four distances: 80 km (+3195 m/-3195 m), 50 km (+2241 m/-2241 m), 27 km (+1362 m/-1362 m), 13 km (+600 m/ -600 m).
Stage 2, September – Radków
A running ultra challenge in the heart of the Table Mountains. A great location, excellent course marking and a unique atmosphere are certainly not the only advantages of the Radków event. It has become a must in the calendar of many competitors.
In the Kłodzko Valley, ultra runners will face challenging routes in one of four distances: 83 km, 56 km, 25 km and 8 km. All distances will take runners through the stunning trails and paths of the Table Mountains. The Garmin Ultra Race, especially the shorter distances, is considered to be an ideal event for novice ultra runners. Every year many participants start their adventure in this sport here.
Garmin Ultra Race Radków 2023 will also host the next edition of the Challenge 158K for the most enduring runners. For three days they will have to cover a distance of approximately 158 km. It is made up of ~83 km + ~56 km + ~25 km with a total difference in altitude of +6085 m/-6085 m. The first day is a run of 83 km (+3085 m/-3085 m). The second day will be 56 km (+2000 m/-2000 m) and the third day 25 km (+1000 m/-1000 m). Challenge 158K will be the perfect challenge for those who love distance, altitude and mountain racing.
Stage 3, December – Gdańsk
After Myślenice (Beskid Wyspowy, Beskid Makowski) and Radków (Table Mountains) it was time for Gdańsk.
There will be four standard distances waiting for the ultras, leading through the unique areas of the Tricity Landscape Park! The date of the race does not guarantee high temperatures, but the festive atmosphere of the event and the great routes guarantee a hot atmosphere.
The forests of the Tricity Landscape Park, although only a few kilometres from the Gulf of Gdańsk, have a typical mountain landscape. The border zone of the Kashubian Upland, which runs through them, makes the area rich in valleys and slopes. Therefore, there will be no uphill or downhill sections on any of the Garmin Ultra Race courses in Gdańsk.
During the Garmin Ultra Race Gdańsk there will be four distances to choose from: 84 km, 53 km, 27 km and 12 km. The first to start will be the participants of the longest distance – 84 km, where the altitude difference will be +1800 m/-1800 m. Then the daredevils who have chosen the 52 km distance will start the competition. They will have to climb +1200 m/-1200 m. Finally, the competitors who have chosen the distances will start: 27 km (+600/- 600 m) and 12 km (+250/-250 m).
The Garmin Ultra Race series is an ideal race for both beginners and experienced mountain runners. Different distances allow you to match the distance to your running ability.
Event website: ultrarace.pl
Photography: Michał Buczyński, Piotr Dymus