Trail Running the Peaks of the Balkans Part 3: The Running

Part 3: The Running

What is the running like in the Balkans? Are the Accursed Mountains good for runners? These were our questions going into scouting our newest trip route, and we’ve answered a few of them below.

In my research for the trip I read about the area as a more rugged and wild version of Europe, and as such I anticipated the running being a little more adventure style. I pictured trails overgrown with grass, unmaintained trails, landslides, and talus. To my surprise, I started out running out the door of my guesthouse in Theth Valley and barely stopped until descending back into same valley several days later to finish the route. While there were obviously sections of steeper climbs (this is the mountains after all) that I hiked, there was more often than not runnable rolling singletrack and wide fire roads of smooth dirt and firmly packed crushed limestone.

Are the trails in the Balkans runnable? We think so. (Cute dog not included).

I was blown away by the ridge running here, and it felt like almost every day had an epic section of dirt singletrack through green grass and trailside wildflowers with views in every direction of jagged limestone mountains shooting up. I was equally in love with the magical sections of birch and beech forests that provided shade in an abnormally hot July and were such a welcome contrast to the open ridge running.

The more wild and rugged side of Europe wasn’t the trails, but instead the lack of crowds and the amenities you can expect to find along the route. While running on my own in the Dolomites or the Alps I rarely carry more than a little water because of the amount of huts and cafes along the route for coffee, cakes, pasta, and more. While running point to point in the Balkans, there were often long sections without much in the way of food or refreshments, and even finding the natural springs with water along the route can be very difficult (and differ season to season). After my first day out in a 17 degrees above average July day 🥵, I learned my lesson and started carrying much more water.

From the peaks and forests to the valleys, the Peaks of the Balkans has some of our favorite running trails ever.

While our self-guided and guided trip is a Level 3 for mileage and elevation gain throughout the week, this is easily our route with the most flowy and runnable mountain trails of any of our trips. Learn more here ✌️

Trip Stats
Level 3 ⛰️ ⛰️ ⛰️
Available in Guided (June 29-July 5, 2025) or Self-Guided (June-Sept)
Accommodations: Hotels and Guesthouses
All Meals Included