5 enjoyable running races where the atmosphere is excellent!

UltraBalaton, one of the most challenging ultramarathon running races in our country, is popular both among Hungarians and among foreigners. The good reputation of the 211-kilometer race around Lake Balaton is also evidenced by the fact that every year, after the opening of entries, the places for the next competition run out almost in minutes. It is worth marking the date in your calendar, because a lot of locations are participating in the competition. Those interested can enter not only in the individual category, but also in relays, thereby reducing the number of kilometres. In 2025, the popular sports event will start for the 19th time, which this time will also include a cycling category. So, in addition to the cyclists accompanying the runners, those who want to complete the distance on two wheels will not be left behind.

At the transition points of the lake circuit divided into 56 sections, the atmosphere is usually frenetic, and many catering establishments receive the runners, their families and fans with open arms. So, for example - to name just a few - the Nánási's Nekem a Balaton café in Balatonakarattya, the Halászcsárda in Keszthely, the Taco Truck in Szigliget, and the Varga Winery in Badacsonyörs are also preparing for the famous event.

The heart and soul of Tokaj-Hegyalja, Mád is not only a magical settlement, but also the home of a great running race. In addition to sports, the event held in October also offers culinary experiences: the Wine Run is a globally known and popular event model, which is now also available in Hungary! Thanks to the teams of the Tokaj Wine Region Mountain Community Council - Mád Mountain Community, the Mád Wine Academy of the University of Debrecen and the Stylish Rural Restaurant Association (SVÉT), the participants do not only enjoy running, but also great snacks and drinks every year.

The focus of the event is gastronomy, all served authentically, directly with the cooperation of the wineries. You can enter in two distances: 6.5 and 12 kilometres can be undertaken by life-affirming participants who, in addition to visiting one of the most beautiful settlements in the historic wine region, can taste super wines and lavish dishes at the refreshment stations, and mini-concerts await them! On behalf of the SVÉT, excellent catering units provide the gastronomic experience, and there is no shortage of wine. It is worth taking part in the excellent programme not only as a runner, but also as a companion, as Tokaj-Hegyalja and the Zempléni mountains offer many unique programmes: for families the Zempléni Adventure Park's chair-lift park, wall-climbing tracks or the bobsled track are not to be missed, and light rowing on the Bodrog is also a good choice and then a pleasant lunch in any of the settlements in Hegyalja, which strive for excellence in gastronomic challenges as well.

If you would like a cross-country race where, in addition to the sporting experience, you can also get to know the gem of the Villány wine region, Palkonya, and the surrounding vineyards, then the Palkonya Vineyard Run is the perfect choice! During the race, we can get an insight into the life of the region where Villány wines are born; the St. Bertalan Chapel, the vineyards of the Vylyan estate, as well as some sections of the Blue Tour, numerous impressive vineyards and their fauna. Of course, the route can also be completed on foot, but we warn you in advance: it will not be easy. The starting point of the race is the natural, green environment on Palkonya Szőlőhegy. Three running tracks of different strengths and distances, as well as a children's race, start from here. The tracks are typically off-road, clearly marked, but you can even download the route to your phone. During the race, you can fill up at refreshment points, but the organizers also offer local delicacies. After the race, we can also participate in yoga, round table discussions, fitness measurements and tastings.

By the way, the event was created by a team of enthusiastic runners - who wanted something special. Their idea was supported, among others, by winemakers and entrepreneurs of Palkonya. It is also interesting that the benevolent organizers support a regional initiative every year that works for disadvantaged children.

Following the traditions of the successful Pécs-Orfű Half-Marathon, the Pécs-Abaliget Half-Marathon will be launched for the sixth time in 2025, where those interested can enter the full distance both individually and in relays, what is more, even children or runners who want a shorter distance can find their account. The half-marathon distance starts from the territory of the Pécs University Wine Estate, so the organizers named the distances after famous Pécs wine varieties and new varieties crossed at the research institute. Finishers will even get a spritzer at the finish line!

The shorter distance and the race with dogs start from Orfűi Malmok - famous for its traditional sourdough bread, workshops and mill tours. The goal is to reach the Abaliget Camping, where competitors are served a vegan lunch every year, which is a real curiosity in terms of the gastronomic offer of running races. And to top it off, you can relax your muscles at half price in the Hertelendi Thermal Bath, where special sauna experiences await. The programme can even be planned for a whole weekend, since the Abaliget Dripstone Cave and the Magyarhertelend Brewery are located nearby, but we can also go on a cave tour or dragonboating - the area offers great recreational opportunities for the whole family!

FutaBor is an increasingly popular race in the running community, after the initial number of 100 people, the 2024 event was already sold out one month before the start, with 500 participants. The special feature of the race is that few running races are organized in the middle of summer due to the hot weather, and FutaBor traditionally starts on the weekend of the Villány Rozé Festival, on Saturday in early July. The runners go from the centre of Villány, the heart of the festival, to the vineyard hill of Villány, which gives an amazing view, touching the extremely steep place called Ördögárok. It is interesting that the traditional quarter-marathon distance is never completed by the enthusiastic summer runners on the same trail.

During the race, the participants can cool off with ice and fire truck sprinklers, and the finishers can relax with a foam party at the finish line. On the route and at the finish line, you can enjoy rosés and baked goods from local producers. The FutaVillány-Futabor will also take place on the wonderful vineyard hill of Villány in 2025, and the programmes of the Rozé Festival will give runner tourists visiting Villány an extra opportunity during the FutaBor weekend.