Detailed Course Guide: Krali Marko Ultra Trail 60K
60K Ultra is the classic-yet-new, longest, and most epic mountain ultra-marathon race within Krali Marko Trails. With a length of approximately 60 kilometers and an impressive total elevation gain and loss of roughly 4,800 m D+/D-, this course tests the ultimate limits of endurance, taking ultra-runners through the complete historical, rocky, and mythical landscape of the Marko's Towers protected area, Treskavec Monastery, Dabnica, Edinak, and Kamena Baba.
Concept and Course Structure
The 60K course is designed as a physical and logistical challenge that combines the best sections of all shorter distances into a single, continuous line:
The First 2/3 (Reverse Direction): From the start arch in Varosh, runners head out in reverse direction (tracing part of the 23K route backwards), moving toward Dabnica and Treskavec Monastery along the same trails.
The Middle Connection (Via 13K to Base): From Treskavec, the route descends through Zagrad and joins the 13K course in the normal direction all the way to the start/finish area in Varosh. Here, runners have a full aid station, access to drop-bags, and an opportunity to reset before the key final section.
The Final 1/3 (Full 40K Course): From the school in Varosh, ultrarunners continue directly along the full Kamena Baba Trail (40K) – climbing toward Marko's Towers, the rock section with the fixed cable, Crvishte, climbing up to Treskavec and Dabnica once again, followed by the massifs of Edinak and Kamena Baba (Kukul), before a gentle final descent back into Varosh.
Sector Breakdown
1. Start and the First Technical Loop (Reverse 23K)
Location: POU Blazhe Koneski, Varosh settlement (700 m.a.s.l.), Prilep.
From the start line, the course heads west and north, moving in reverse direction relative to the classic routes. This section immediately confronts runners with the raw terrain on the slopes beneath Zelenik and surrounding ridges, passing over rocky paths, gravel roads, and old mountain passes toward the village of Dabnica.
2. Climb to Treskavec Monastery and Descent to Zagrad
From Dabnica, the trail climbs toward the legendary Treskavec Monastery (~1,256 m.a.s.l.), offering a true vertical challenge over rocky terrain and ancient paths.
Following a brief pause and refreshment at the monastery, a fast technical descent through the Zagrad rock walls leads runners toward the valley floor, where the route connects with the 13K course in the normal direction.
3. Main Base in Varosh (2/3 Race Junction)
Runners arrive at the schoolyard in Varosh. This is a crucial checkpoint for resetting, refueling with food (soup, water, electrolytes), checking gear, and changing shoes or socks if needed.
From here, the true "crown" of the race begins – entering the full Kamena Baba Trail (40K) course.
4. Second Loop: Marko's Towers, Crvishte, and Treskavec (Again)
Leaving Varosh, runners enter the core of the rocky labyrinth of Marko's Towers, passing ancient ramparts and the rock section equipped with a fixed steel cable.
The route continues via Crvishte, climbs up to Treskavec Monastery for a second time, and descends to Dabnica. This segment tests mental grit, as runners have already covered over 35–40 kilometers before confronting the highest points of the day.
5. Climb to Edinak, Kamena Baba, and the Finish
From Dabnica, the course heads toward the southern flanks of Edinak Ridge (~1,250 m.a.s.l.) – the highest section of the race featuring a series of short, steep, and technical ridge lines.
Next come the striking traverses across the Glajca elevation and the rocky ridge of Kukul (Kamena Baba), offering sweeping views over Pelagonia before the final kilometers.
After climbing from Dabnica toward Nakovalna and bypassing Marko's Towers from the northwest side, a final fast 1.5 km descent leads directly into the schoolyard in Varosh for an epic finish!
Key Technical Sections
First 25 km: Technical trail running in reverse direction through the hills and the climb to Treskavec.
Climb to Treskavec (Twice): Each climb demands approx. 500–600m+ of vertical gain.
Descent and Climb at Edinak (approx. km 40–45): The crucial point where fatigue peaks and the technical terrain requires maximum focus and foot stability.
Checkpoints and Aid Stations
Start/Finish (Varosh): Timing, full meals, fruit, water, electrolytes, hot meal (beer and bean stew), first aid, and drop-bag zone.
Zagrad, Treskavec Monastery, Dabnica, Kukul: Timing checkpoints, water, dried fruit, gels, electrolytes, and medical support.
Feel the myth squared – run the ultra-legend of Krali Marko Trails 60K!
