Experience the majesty of the granite peaks amidst 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 coastal 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.
Race Distances
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.
We’ve curated this experience to be more than just a race. It’s a rare opportunity to run with purpose in one of Europe’s true wildernesses.
Costs
Race registration for either distance is only $140USD. With package prices starting at as low at $990USD, this is an opportunity to experience a unique corner of the world at your own pace without breaking the bank.
Social Development Project
When you travel with us in Albania, 5% of your booking goes directly toward supporting a small but vital health center 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.
The Weekender
The perfect itinerary for those strapped for time and looking to pack in as much as they can from 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 Trailblazer
For those looking to delve deeper into the rich culture Albania has to offer. An action-packed 10 Day/9 Night Itinerary designed to leave you feeling relaxed, energised and enriched from your Balkan experience.
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. From Shkoder, a transfer to the seaside town of Shengjin and a relaxed check in to the local guesthouse.
DAY 5 | 28.09 | Rest Day in Shengjin
After the intense adventure in the mountains, a well-deserved, full day to unwind by the coast. Take a swim, rest, or go for a light walk in the seaside town of Shengjin. Local seafood options available nearby.
Day 6 | 29.09 | Shengjin to Tirana and Mount Dajti
Travel to Tirana with a stop at Mt. Dajti, looming large over the nation’s capital. Take the cable car up for panoramic views over the city. Overnight in Durres at a local guesthouse.
Day 7 | 30.09 | Durres
Enjoy a day to yourselves relaxing by the coast line or option to add on a day trip to Berat for a wine tasting tour and lunch at a local guesthouse.
Add on $TBC
DAY 8 | 01.10 | Skenderbeu Distillery & Durres Walking Tour
Tour of the historic Skenderbeu distillery followed by a walking tour through Durres' Roman and Ottoman heritage sites. Afternoon free to relax or visit the beach.
DAY 9 | 02.10
Day trip from Durres & celebratory last dinner all together.
DAY 10 | 03.10 | Departure from Tirana
Transfers to Tirana Airport or onward travel as needed.
Event's current local time: 4:49 PM AET
