Sept 6, 2025 – High Scardus Ultra
On 6 September 2025 the High Scardus Ultra returns to southern Kosovo — a mountain running festival built around the jagged ridges and glacial lakes of the Balkan Sharr (Shar) Mountains. The fourth edition this year offers three distances (an 11 km Bear Trail, a 35 km Oshlak Skyrace and the long Scardus Ultra of roughly 56 km/60 km), and once again links the city of Prizren with the high alpine terrain along the Kosovo–North Macedonia border. (High Scardus Ultra)
Showcasing Kosovo
The race is much more than a sporting test: organisers and local partners position the High Scardus Ultra as a showcase for Kosovo as a destination for mountain sports and active tourism. The event brings international athletes, visitors and media to Prizren and nearby mountain resorts, helping put the Sharr massif — its national park, alpine lakes and summer pastures — on the trail-running map of the Balkans.
Routes & race facts information
Date: 6 September 2025.
Distances: 11 km (Bear Trail) — fast, technical city-to-foothill loop; 35 km (Oshlak/Skyrace) — ~2,000 m+ elevation; 56/60 km (Scardus/Ultra) — the cross-border long route across the highest ridges.
Start/finish: events centre on Prizren with stages traversing high passes and, for the longest route, crossing into/finishing on the Macedonian side of the Sharr ranges. The course information and ITRA listings show the international/cross-border nature of the long course.
Certification & safety: the race is organised to ITRA standards and is listed on ITRA, which helps with international recognition and participant confidence.
Practical info for travellers & runners
Registration: open now on the official race pages — for example the Bear Trail shows a modest fee (example listed €15 for the 11 km) and registration windows (check the race site for exact deadlines). (High Scardus Ultra, bashke.app)
Where to stay: Prizren is the natural base — charming old-town hotels, guesthouses and the festival atmosphere make it ideal. For high-altitude acclimatisation consider nearby mountain hubs (Prevalla, Brezovica, Popova Šapka on the Macedonian side).
Weather & terrain: early September typically offers mild days and cool alpine nights; expect technical trails, steep ascents, exposed ridgelines and sudden weather changes — standard mountain race kit and careful pacing recommended. (Race pages and previous editions describe rocky, path-only terrain and significant elevation gain.)
Cross-border logistics: the long course crosses the border with North Macedonia — organisers handle official route permissions, but international participants should check travel documents and any temporary border or admin requirements before arrival.
Why runners love it
Participants praise the raw Balkan landscapes — high ridgelines, alpine lakes and wildflower meadows — and the event’s friendly, grassroots vibe. The race’s mix of short city trails and high-altitude ultras attracts both weekend trail runners and seasoned ultra athletes from across Europe and beyond.
A chance for Kosovo tourism
Beyond sport, High Scardus Ultra is a platform for sustainable tourism: it channels visitors into lesser-known natural areas, supports local guides and accommodation, and raises awareness of the Sharr Mountains National Park — a strong selling point for Kosovo’s growing outdoor tourism offer.
