site.bta40th Edition of Vitosha 100 Run Kicks Off July 1

The 40th edition of one of the most iconic and most numerous races in Bulgaria - the 100-kilometre Tour of Vitosha will take place on July 1-2. The event, also known as "Vitosha 100", is part of the initiative "Sofia - European Capital of Sport" and will gather several thousand citizens and guests of the city.

The start of the super trial for cyclists is on Saturday, July 1 at 06:00 am, and the start of the super marathon for speed walkers is also on Saturday, but at 11:59 pm. The official awards ceremonies will be on both days at 4 pm.

So far, over 2,500 cyclists and speedwalkers have registered for this year's event, including last year's winner Hristo Tsvetkov, who last summer became the first to run the 100 kilometres in under 8 hours. So far, representatives of at least 24 countries, some of them with entire teams, have confirmed their participation. The total number of foreigners is expected to reach 120, among them employees of a number of embassies in the country. Nearly 120 will try the super challenge "200 km" - to go around Vitosha first by bike and then with the speedwalkers. More and more runners are finding the courage for a new challenge, having previously successfully cycled the route. The organisers believe that the dry weather of the last few days is a prerequisite for new records.

The youngest participant so far in the Tour is a 5-year-old boy who has already cycled 100 km with his father. Six years ago, a 70-year-old completed the biathlon.

The event is again billed as a "litter-free race", so participants are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and pick up their litter during and after the race.  Thanks to the sponsors, there will also be several free bike wash stations and a special plastic bottle recycling machine. There will be 12 refreshment and support points along the route.