Experience the Granite Peaks of the Accursed Mountains
Find your race amongst the Balkans’ wildest and most beautiful landscapes. Tackle a challenging single-day mountain marathon or ultra that traverses the spine of the Accursed Mountains.
Let us take care of the details as you travel by ferry through dramatic canyons, share meals in remote villages or allow yourself to explore deeper with our trailblazer add-on through authentic towns, vineyards, and lakeside cities.
Along the way, you'll connect with local communities, learn about their traditional methods of production, and directly support rural medical care through our social development program. It’s a rare blend of endurance, culture, and impact; designed for those seeking purpose-driven, adventure travel.
Costs & Accommodation
Race registration for both marathon and ultra distances are only $140USD. With 4D3N inclusive add-on package prices for just $990USD (The Weekender), take the opportunity to experience a unique corner of the world at your own pace without breaking the bank. Accommodation will be in twin share 3 or 4 star hotels and local guesthouses when in the mountain regions.
Race Day
We’ve curated this experience to allow you to run with purpose in one of Europe’s true wildernesses.
Starting early in the Valbona Valley, you’ll ascend quiet alpine trails surrounded by sharp peaks as you delve deep into the infamous Accursed Mountains. Both the 42km (2020m+) and 62km (3700m+) distances traverse remote, technical terrain, from Valbona over high passes through Theth and on to Vusanje in Montenegro with the addition of a final mountain pass for the ultra distance.
You’ll climb through forest and rock, pass alpine lakes, and move across ridge lines that were, until recently, closed to the public. Soak in the granite peaks and expansive greenery as you overcome 3700m+ of elevation gain, racing to the finish line before the setting sun.
RACE ONLY INCLUSIONS
* Race entry and gpx. file
* Race day medical assistance and aid station nutrition
* Finish line drop bag
* Race finisher t-shirt and photo package
* 5% Social Development Project (SDP) contribution
* Post-race recovery breakfast and presentation
EXCLUSIONS
* International flights to/from Albania
* Accomodation
* Transport to/from start/finish line
* Travel Insurance
The Weekender 4D3N
The perfect itinerary for those looking to pack in as much as they can in a long weekend away.
DAY 1 | 24.09 | Arrival in Tirana & Transfer to Shkoder
Meet in Tirana. All transport is arranged by our team. We’ll head north to Shkoder where you’ll check in at the Rose Garden Guesthouse. The afternoon is free to explore the city or relax after travel.
DAY 2 | 25.09 | Shkoder to Valbonë via Lake Komani Ferry & Lekbibaj SDP
We leave early for the Lake Komani ferry - one of the most scenic routes in Albania. After navigating the canyons by boat, we stop in the village of Lekbibaj to visit our social development project to see where 5% of your booking is being contributed! We transfer through the mountains to Valbonë and check in at Rilindja Guesthouse. In the evening, enjoy a traditional çifteli (Albanian lute) performance, group dinner and pre-race briefing.
DAY 3 | 26.09 | The Peaks Ultra: Valbonë to Vusanje (42km or 62km)
Race day. Both race distances (42km/62km) start in Valbonë and pass through Theth and Qafa e Pejes before finishing in Vusanje, Montenegro. Aid stations will be manned by local villagers and healthcare professionals. Those not racing will be transferred to Vusanje and enjoy a visit to the spring Oko Skakavice. Overnight in guesthouse.
DAY 4 | DAY 27.09 | Recovery, Transfer to Shkoder via Montenegro
Start the day with a recovery breakfast and short presentation celebrating all runners. After check-out, we transfer from Vusanje back toward Shkoder. On the way, we stop in Virpazar, Montenegro for sightseeing and lunch. A short walk to the natural spring Oko Skakavice is also included. Participants ending their trip are dropped off in Shkoder. Those leaving from Tirana airport will have transport organised by the FCT crew.
THE WEEKENDER INCLUSIONS
* RACE ONLY Package plus:
* Pre-race briefing, welcome dinner and performance
* 3 nights accommodation (twin share 3 or 4 star hotels)
* All ground transportation, fuel and drivers (Including boat)
* Airport transfers to/from Tirana or Shkoder
* All activities as outlined in itinerary
EXCLUSIONS
* International flights to/from Albania
* Travel Insurance
* Gratuities for guides
Social Development Project
When you travel with us in Albania, 5% of your booking goes directly toward supporting a small but vital health centre in the remote mountain village of Lekbibaj. On Day 2 we will visit Lekbibaj and give our guests the opportunity to see for themselves where their contribution is making a difference.
This clinic serves several isolated communities along the Komani Lake route, near Fierza. With limited resources, just two doctors and a few nurses walk long distances every day to reach people who can’t afford to travel to the city for treatment. They provide care for everything from injuries and infections to chronic illnesses and children’s seasonal fevers often with very few medical supplies.
Your contribution helps provide essential medicines, equipment, and transport support for the medical team, ensuring that the people of Lekbibaj receive the care they need.
Refunds & Cancellation
View our full policy conditions here
Event's current local time: 12:31 AM AET
