Enjoyable running races across the country, with a fantastic atmosphere

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Szabó Sára

Nekem a Balaton (Nánásiék) Taco Truck Halászcsárda Vylyan Szőlőbirtok és Pincészet Orfűi Malmok és GARAT Hertelendi Termálfürdő és Szaunapark Anyukám Mondta ISZKOR - Mályinka Macok Bisztró Ikon Restaurant Zemplén Kalandpark

Sporting events aren’t just about the competition. This is particularly true of cross-country and road races, where the accompanying programmes and the route itself deserve top marks. In some places, you can jog amongst vineyards turning to autumn colours; in others, you can marvel at the unrivalled panoramic views of Lake Balaton; and there’s even a vegan dog-friendly running race. Get your diaries out – we’ll show you which ones are worth signing up for!

What exactly will we talking about?

Wine Run Mád: a run combining wine and gastronomy
FutaVillány-Futabor: a run through the Villány vineyards
UltraBalaton: an ultra-marathon around the lake and Lake Balaton activities
Pécs–Abaliget Half Marathon: vegan and dog-friendly races

Perhaps the craziest running event of the autumn, the Wine Run Mád

In Mád, a unique village in the Tokaj-Hegyalja region, a running event combined with gastronomic delights is being organised. At this October event, gastronomic programmes will play a key role alongside the sporting activities: the Wine Run is a world-renowned and popular event format, now available in Hungary, too. Organised by the Mád Wine Community and the University of Debrecen’s Mád Wine Academy, and thanks to the collaboration of the Association of Stylish Country Restaurants (SVÉT), participants can look forward to delicious food and drink alongside the run every year.

There are two distances to choose from: participants can complete either 6.5 or 12 kilometres whilst exploring one of the most beautiful villages in this historic wine region. At the refreshment points, you can sample wines and a variety of dishes, whilst the programme is enlivened by mini concerts. It’s well worth taking part in the event not only as a runner but also as a supporter, as there are plenty of additional activities to choose from in the Tokaj-Hegyalja region and the Zemplén Mountains. For families, the Zemplén Adventure Park’s cable car, climbing walls or bobsleigh track are great options, but a leisurely paddle on the River Bodrog followed by a pleasant lunch would also fit nicely into the weekend.

FutaVillány-Futabor: An adventure through the Villány vineyards, with a splash of rosé

FutaBor is an increasingly popular race amongst runners. What makes this event special is that, due to the summer heatwave, few running races are organised at this time of year, whilst FutaBor traditionally takes place over the weekend of the Villány Rosé Festival in early July. Setting off from the centre of Villány, the festival venue, the runners head towards the Villány vineyards, passing through the extremely steep section known as Ördög-árok (‘Devil’s Ditch’).

During the race, participants can cool off with ice and water sprayed from fire engines, whilst a foam party at the finish line brings the run to a close. Along the route and at the finish line, you can also sample rosé wines and baked goods from local producers. The FutaVillány-Futabor takes place every year on the Villány vineyards, whilst the programmes of the Rosé Festival offer further leisure opportunities for runners and their companions visiting Villány during the FutaBor weekend.

Hungary’s most gruelling around-the-lake ultramarathon, the UltraBalaton

Popular amongst Hungarians and international runners alike, UltraBalaton is one of Hungary’s most challenging ultra-marathon races. The popularity of this 209-kilometre race around Lake Balaton is evident from the fact that, every year, places for the next event sell out in a matter of minutes once registration opens. Entries are open not only for individual categories but also for relay teams, allowing participants to share the kilometres amongst themselves. What’s more, those who wish to cross the finish line on two wheels can also complete the distance: as part of the McDonald’s BringaMánia Ultrabalaton Bike Tour, you can take part in the race by bicycle.

The atmosphere at the relay points around the lake is usually electric, with numerous eateries preparing to welcome runners and supporters. For example – to name just a few – the Halászcsárda in Keszthely, the Nánásiék-style ‘Nekem a Balaton’ café in Balatonakarattya, the Taco Truck in Szigliget and the Varga Winery in Badacsonyörs will all be open for this special event.

Vegan dog-friendly half-marathon between Pécs and Abaliget

Following in the footsteps of the successful Pécs–Orfű Half-Marathon, the Pécs–Abaliget Half-Marathon is back, with entries open for both individual runners and relay teams. There are also options for children and runners opting for shorter distances. The half-marathon route starts from the grounds of the Pécs University Wine Estate, which is why the organisers have named the distances after famous Pécs wine varieties and new varieties developed at the research institute. Those who cross the finish line will also be treated to a glass of fröccs (spritzer).

The shorter race and the dog-friendly run start from the Orfű Mills, which are known for their traditional sourdough bread, mill tours and workshops. The finish line is at the Abaliget Campsite, where a vegan lunch is served to competitors every year. To wind down, we can relax at the Hertelend Thermal Baths, where, amongst other things, we can take part in special sauna sessions. We can even plan the programme to last the whole weekend, as the Abaliget Stalactite Cave and the Magyarhertelend Brewery are nearby, and we can also sign up for a cave tour or a dragon boat trip.