Summit Vihren on 38K of relentless skyrunning above the clouds
The Pirin Extreme 38K is the classic skyrunning challenge of the Pirin Ultra weekend — a relentless 38 kilometers with 3,350 meters of vertical gain on exposed ridgelines and technical alpine terrain. The route ascends to Vihren, the highest peak in the Pirin at 2,914 meters, and crosses wild exposed ridgelines that demand precise GPS navigation and sure footing on scree and loose rock. Despite the shorter distance, the elevation-to-distance ratio makes this one of the toughest 38K routes in Europe, with three aid stations and a mandatory cut-off checkpoint at the Duninoto Kuche summit.
Experienced ultrarunners
Bansko, BulgariaSeptember 12, 2026
Pirin Extreme 38K is a loop trail race in Bansko, Bulgaria, held on September 12, 2026. The course covers 38 km, climbs 3,350 m, and has a 14h cutoff.
Must meet custom qualifier requirements within the qualification window
Must have completed a minimum of 2 ITRA points from a single race prior to registration.
| Location | km | Elevation | Cutoff | Crew |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bansko Start | 0.0 | 923 m | — | |
m. Peshterite Aid Station | 6.0 | 1,434 m | 1h30m | |
Duninoto kuche peak Checkpoint | 10.8 | 2,568 m | 3h30m | |
h. Vihren Aid Station | 19.0 | 1,973 m | 7h30m | |
m. Platoto Aid Station | 26.0 | 2,709 m | 12h | |
Bansko Finish | 38.0 | 923 m | 14h |
Aid station details for this race are still being filled in. Cutoffs and access rules come from the race’s own published information and can change — check the official race details before planning around them.
Sign in for race-day weather at every station, points of interest, segment-by-segment analysis, pacing, and to save this race to your calendar.
No required gear specified
No recommended gear specified
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