The medium course of the Parva Pushka Trail offers a combination of technical terrain, steep climbs, and views towards several mountains.
It starts from 20 April Square, and after a short lead-out of the town you’ll pass the monument to Georgi Benkovski. From there comes a long (but gentle) forest climb. Around 4.5 kilometres after the start, you’re already in the heart of Sredna Gora. The trail runs just beneath the peaks of Sveti Iliya and Beliya Kamak, while Bogdan peak comes into view in the distance. And that’s where the course leads you.
Next come 7 relatively flat kilometres, where the terrain constantly shifts between meadows and forest. On this stretch you can work out your strategy for the rest of the course, namely the ascent of Bogdan peak. It begins around 11.5 kilometres after the start and continues for 2 kilometres. Bear in mind that Bogdan is not a typical mountain summit. The high point sits in forest, and it would be entirely possible to miss it if it weren’t for the pyramid marking the top.
After you’ve conquered the highest peak of Sredna Gora, a technical descent follows towards the meadow that holds the remains of the burned-down Bogdan hut. This is also where the aid station is, where you can refuel for your remaining 10 kilometres or so.
From the Bogdan hut meadow to the finish, a long and gentle descent remains. In good weather, the Rhodopes are visible to the south, and to the north, the ridge of the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina). The descent is not technical and offers the chance to build up real speed. The only technical section is at the 21st kilometre and lasts about 1 kilometre. The trail is wide but steep, so approach it with care. Next comes a crossing of Kriva Reka and a flat 2 kilometres to the edge of the town. The last 1.5 kilometres run along the cobbled streets of Koprivshtitsa. The course passes several landmark buildings and finishes back at 20 April Square.
In short:
- 770 D+
- Start date/time: 07.11.2026, 10:00
- Cut-off time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Ascent to Bogdan Peak (1,604 m)
- UTMB Index
- GPS Track