The 41st round of Vitosha 100 will take place on June 29 and 30. More than 3,100 cyclists and runners representing nearly 20 countries, including entire teams, have so far registered for the mountain ultra marathon and mountain bike race. The number of foreign participants is expected to reach 120, including the staff of several embassies in Sofia. Over 200 participants will compete in the extreme challenge: 200 km duathlon: cycling around Mount Vitosha and then running the same distance.

The youngest participant in the 100 km race was a five-year-old boy who crossed the road together with his father. Six years ago, a 70-year-old man completed the duathlon race.

This event is part of the Sofia European Capital of Sports initiative. The chief organizer is Anna Pençeva.

Traditionally, the start and finish are in front of the Boyana Residence. Cyclists will start the super challenge at 06:00 on Saturday morning, while the start of the ultramarathon will be the same day, at 23:59.

Expected finish time for the lead male cyclists is just before 10am on Saturday for the lead cyclists, just before 00am on Saturday for the lead female cyclists, around 11am on Sunday for the lead runners men and around 00:08 a.m. Sunday for the women's lead runners.

The award ceremony for runners and duathlon participants is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at 16:00 p.m., in the start/finish area.

Historical achievements

Two years ago, Hristo Tsvetkov became the first runner to cover the 100 km distance in less than 8 hours: 7.45:34 hours, shaving 22 minutes off his record and leaving the runner-up almost an hour behind. Last year Tsvetkov scored his third victory, setting a new record of 7.39:54 hours, beating his previous best by another 6 minutes.

"I am training hard for my next entry and hope to reach the top for the fifth time running with another record. Finally, the track is expected to be dry, which will be great for everyone involved" , Tsvetkov said at a press conference on Tuesday.

"The municipality of Sofia supports this event and thanks Anna Pencheva and her team for their efforts to keep alive the tradition of this competition that is emblematic of the city", said in the same press conference, the organizing secretary of the European capital of sports Sofia, Anatoly Iliev. He wished success to everyone "who dared to compete with themselves".

Again, this year's Vitosha 100 will be a "no trash race," which is why participants are asked to bring their own water bottles and pick up their trash after the event. In the start/finish area, the finishers can rest in expressly provided groups and the guests and spectators will enjoy. Thanks to sponsors, cyclists will be able to wash their bikes for free, and a special machine will accept plastic bottles for recycling. Refreshments will be available at 12 points along the route.

Various prizes will be distributed to the participants and spectators. The organizers insisted on recognizing the free support of chocolate and wafer manufacturers for Vitosha 100.

A few years ago, the management of the Vitosha Nature Park gave permission for the "approval" of the Tour route, which means that the signs and signs can now be maintained and used by all who wish throughout the year. /BTA/

Vitosha 100 records (along the new road)

Male cyclists: Alexander Alexiev, 3.55:44 hours (2019)

Female cyclists: Hristina Kozareva, 5.13:03 hours (2019)

Male runners: Hristo Tsvekov, 7.39:54 hours (2023)

Female runners: Maria Nikolova, 9.17:32 hours (2020)

Men's duathlon: Samuil Valchev, 14.15:13 hours (2023)

Women's duathlon: Lili Angelova, 16.25:34 hours (5.39:41 and 10.45:57) (2019).