The Wild Ultramarathon Took Place for the Fourth Consecutive Year!
On October 19, the ultramarathon “Race in the Eastern Rhodopes”, organized by the Science for Nature Foundation, was held. More than 180 participants from 8 countries competed in four distances: Wild (67km), Half-Wild (37km), Tame Route (21km), and FUN RUN (4km).
This year again, the courses managed to surprise the runners with their diversity and technical challenges. The five aid stations were well-stocked thanks to our sponsors: baklava, healthy bars, magnesium, and fruit were part of the runners’ menu. For the participating dogs, special rest and recovery zones were also provided.
The start for the Half-Wild and Wild routes was given at 7:30 AM. These two long routes are the flagship courses of the Race in the Eastern Rhodopes and perfectly showcase the unique features of the mountain.
Peaks, ravines, rock mushrooms, screes, autumn flowers, razor-sharp thorns, the company of vultures and deer, ruins from at least several eras, water and rock obstacles, as well as the intimidating 3-kilometer segment known to all as “The Bonecrusher”.
Participants in the 21km race had the chance to run to the highest peak in the area and enjoy an incredible 360-degree panorama. On the 4km course, both young and old got moving on a scaled-down version of the main race, which—just like the longer distances—featured thickets, dry waterfalls, erosive wells, and other natural sights.
Here are the fastest finishers:
Wild Route (67km):
Men:
- Nikolay Paskov
- Charalampos Tsamantouridis (Greece)
- Kaloyan Chanev
Women:
- Nurdzhan Kadir & Maya Taneva (tie)
- Galina Mihova
Men 45+:
- Ivaylo Keremidchiev
- Nikolay Ivanov
- Georgi Mladenov
Women 45+:
- Maya Taneva
- Nurdzhan Kadir
Half-Wild Route (37km):
Men:
- Jay Demirev
- Fabio Bonin (Italy)
- Junhee Lee (South Korea)
Men 45+:
- Junhee Lee
- Boyan Arabadzhiev
- Rumen Savov
Women:
- Yana Dimitrova
- Zlatina Kostadinova
- Antonia Todorova
Women 45+:
- Yana Dimitrova
- Zlatina Kostadinova
- Galya Yuchormanska
Tame Route (21km):
Men:
- Mladen Sakadzhiev
- Alexey Tsvetanov
- Nikolay Nachev
Men 45+:
- Veselin Mihov
- Georgi Genov
- Danail Markov
Women:
- Katja Galler (Germany)
- Gergana Mihaylova
- Zvezdelina Vais
Women 45+:
- Gergana Mihaylova
- Plamena Tsenova
- Violeta Markova
Thank you to all participants, our dedicated volunteers, and our sponsors, without whom this wouldn’t have been possible:
Science for Nature – Наука за природата, Fortis Visio, Dundee Precious Metals Bulgaria, Euroins Bulgaria, PhotoSynthesis – a place for photography, people and ideas, Roobar – Hungry for Adventure, Benjamíssimo, Purina Bulgaria, Beekeeping “Tsvetna Gradina”, Tipchenitza Winery, Quadrant Beverages, Doppelherz, Bash Dog Bakery, Farmers’ Products “Chanovete”, Phototraps BG, Caffe L’Antico.
More information about the race is available at: https://www.divirodopi.com/
