site.btaVihren Peak Speed Ascent Makes Comeback

The Vihren Tourist Association in Bansko and the Bulgarian Tourist Union are reviving the speed ascent competition of Vihren Peak on September 20, 2025, the Municipality of Bansko, Southwestern Bulgaria, said Monday. The last edition of the race was held in 2010.

The competition returns with a new name - Vihren: Vertical Kilometre 2025, aiming to establish itself as an annual sporting event of national importance, according to the municipality.

The route is 3 km long with an elevation gain of 950 m, ending at Vihren Peak (2914 m) – the highest point in the Pirin Mountains. There will be two designated aid stations along the route, at the Kabata area and on the peak itself.

The organizers invite all mountain tourism and sports enthusiasts to join the initiative, which combines sportsmanship with a responsible attitude towards nature.