treskavec trail

Detailed Course Guide – Treskavec Trail 23K

Treskavec Trail 23K is the classic mountain race of Krali Marko Trails, offering a perfect balance of history, technical terrain, and long, runnable sections. With a length of approximately 23 km and a total elevation gain of around 1,300–1,400 m D+, the course connects Prilep with Treskavec Monastery and the rocky landscape of the protected area of Markovi Kuli.

Start location and opening kilometers

Location: Amphitheater in the Varosh neighborhood (690 m a.s.l.), Prilep – a millennia-old quarter beneath the Markovi Kuli fortress.

From the start, the route climbs uphill on cobblestones, and after several hundred meters enters a narrow goat trail that steeply ascends toward the Markovi Kuli fortress. The course passes through the remains of ramparts and towers, creating the first strong visual and historical impression of the race (~2.5 km, 945 m a.s.l.).

Shared section and movement toward Treskavec

The first ~8 km are shared with all race distances. From Markovi Kuli, the trail continues over the peak of Zelenik (993 m a.s.l.), past the area of Nakovalna, following a centuries-old and well-trodden hiking path toward the location of Crkvishte (1060 m a.s.l.), where there is a spring and a small aid station.

At 6.2 km from the start lies the most adventurous section of the shared route: a steep granite rock face approximately 50 meters high, equipped with a fixed safety cable for ascent. This section requires full concentration and careful movement.

At the 8th kilometer, there is a split:

runners in the 23K and 40K races continue straight ahead, heading west toward Treskavec Monastery,

while runners in the 13K race turn left (south) and descend toward Markovi Kuli and Prilep.

Toward Treskavec Monastery

From Crkvishte, the trail joins a centuries-old ancient road that leads through the pass between Zagradski Steni and Javi Steni toward Treskavec Monastery. This section represents the longest continuous climb on the course, with approximately 600 m of positive elevation gain. The final 700 meters before the monastery follow the asphalt road.

Treskavec Monastery (~13.5 km, 1256 m a.s.l.) is one of the key points of the course, featuring a full aid station and spectacular views over Pelagonija. Here, the race reaches one of its highest points and offers a brief moment to reset before the technical descent.

Technical descent toward Dabnica

From the monastery, a long, technical, and dynamic descent follows along an old mountain road toward the gravel road leading to the village of Dabnica (~18 km, 742 m a.s.l.). This section allows for fast running but requires stability and caution due to the rocky terrain and water-cut grooves along the trail.

Final ascent and return toward Prilep

After a short flat section, the course climbs again along an old goat trail back toward the Markovi Kuli massif. An ascent follows over the rock of Nakovalna (900 m a.s.l.), after which the trail skirts Markovi Kuli from the northwestern side.

In the final ~1.5 km, a gentle and fast descent leads into the Varosh neighborhood and the finish at the Amphitheater—an ideal setting for a strong finish.

Elevation profile and terrain

The terrain of Treskavec Trail 23K ranges from approximately 690 m a.s.l. to over 1,250 m a.s.l., featuring dominant gneiss-granite rock formations, narrow mountain trails, and historic transport routes. The course is diverse, technical in places, yet sufficiently runnable for those who know how to manage their pace.

This is not just a race—it is an encounter with history, wild nature, and personal endurance.

Feel the myth – run the legend and experience Treskavec as only Krali Marko Trails runners can.