Despite its relatively short distance, this course is demanding due to its high total elevation gain, a steep and sustained climb in the opening section, and varied terrain including forest roads, ecological trails, and technical singletrack. The difficulty comes not only from the terrain, but from the physical load created by concentrating significant elevation gain into a short distance, requiring strong pace and effort management.
The Commando Route 29K is suitable for runners with prior trail running experience and familiarity with high-elevation courses
The Commando Path 29K may appear short on paper, but with nearly 1600 meters of elevation gain, it is a demanding and challenging course.
The race will start at 08:30 on 21st of November from Balçova Therapy Forest enterance.
| CHECKPOINT | DISTANCE (INTER) | DISTANCE | ELEVATION GAIN (INTER) | ELEVATION GAIN | ELEVATION LOSS (INTER) | ELEVATION LOSS | MIN TIME | TIME LIMIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| START | 0 km | 0 km | 0 m | 0 m | 0 m | 0 m | 0 | 09:15 |
| CP1 | 5,5 km | 5,5 km | 760 m | 760 m | 149 m | 149 m | 2 | 11:00 |
| CP2 | 9 km | 14,5 km | 500 m | 1260 m | 330 m | 479 m | 1:30 | 12:30 |
| CP3 | 7,5 km | 22 km | 170 m | 1430 m | 461 m | 940 m | 2:30 | 15:00 |
| FINISH | 6,7 km | 28,7 km | 40 m | 1470 m | 489 m | 1429 m | 1 | 16:00 |
Mandatory Equipment
- A suitable backpack/vest to carry all mandatory equipment
- Bib number placed visibly on the front of the body
- Timing chip (provided by the organization)
- Mobile phone (emergency numbers must be saved, and the phone must be reachable before, during, and after the race)
- Reusable cup (minimum capacity 15 cl)
- Water bottle, flask, or hydration bladder with a minimum capacity of 1 liter (plastic disposable bottles are not allowed)
- Emergency blanket (minimum size 1.40 x 2.00 m)
- Whistle
- Elastic bandage (minimum size 100 cm x 6 cm), plaster(at least 5)
- Food reserve
- Waterproof, breathable jacket with hood, resistant to bad weather conditions (minimum 10,000 Schmerber)
- Cap, buff, or beanie
- Identification (ID)
Suggested Equipment
- Power bank
- Long-sleeve upper layer
- Sunglasses
- GPS watch
- Poles
- Vaseline or similar anti-chafing creams
- Some cash
- Gloves
- Knife or scissors to cut the elastic bandage
- Suitable trail running shoes
Course Details
The race starts at the entrance of Balçova Therapy Forest. Within the first 5.5 kilometers, runners climb approximately 800 meters through a steep and uninterrupted ascent, where pace and effort management are critical from the very beginning.
After the initial climb, the course follows the same Ecotourism path as the 45K route. Although the terrain feels smoother, the climb remains steady and gradually wears down the legs.
At a sharp turn at 17k (1320m+), the route separates from the 45K course and enters one of Balçova’s most beautiful and technical singletrack trails. This narrow uphill section forms the final major climb of the race and requires balance, focus, and mental resilience.
Once the final ascent is completed, the course reconnects with the finish route. The last 8 kilometers feature minimal elevation gain, but maintaining rhythm on fatigued legs becomes the true challenge.
Terrain distribution:
- 70% forest roads
- 30% forest singletrack
Dirt roads, forest ground, and leaf-covered sections define the natural character of the course. From start to finish, the route remains deep within dense forest terrain. No asphalt.
For participation:
A medical certificate valid as of 21 November 2026 and issued within the last 6 months or a valid federation athlete license is required.
Participants aged 65 and over, regardless of the course, may take part in the race only with a medical certificate obtained from a cardiologist, including an ECG (electrocardiogram) report.
THE RULES AND CONDITIONS STATED IN THE GENERAL RACE REGULATIONS ARE VALID.
ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE DEEMED TO HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND ACCEPTED THESE RULES.