The first and unique race of 100 miles in Montenegro, 21 peaks, 177km, 6 ITRA points and 11,000m of ascent. Sky & Ultra plus, from Rožaj to Gusinje, from Hajla to Trojan

The mountain that’s a “GAME CHANGER” for skyrunning and trail running in the Balkans! A cult race in the region, renowned among mountain runners worldwide after hosting the 2023 European Championship.

In the next edition, it continues to push boundaries and make history in these areas.

Starting in 2025, there will be three distances, ISF international scoring, ITRA/UTMB, and Montenegro’s first 100-miler! And what a race it will be—the world’s most famous format. Rožaje and Gusinje, July 25–27, 2025. The Hajla Sky Race covers 32 km with a 1,700 m ascent, the Prokletije 100 miles spans 177 km with an 11,000 m ascent and maximum ITRA points (6), and the Gusinje Sky Ultra offers 53 km with a 3,200 m ascent. All routes have international certification, and if the 100 miles race has at least 100 finishers, it will automatically become a qualifier for the Western States (USA).

The race is back to its original time slot when everyone is safe above 2,000 m altitude. Main sponsors include the cities of Rožaje, Gusinje, and the National Tourism Organization of Montenegro, while the race passes through two additional municipalities, Plav and Berane.

The Prokletije 100 Miles

The moment has finally arrived—after ten years of work, this is the only race format we haven't yet organized. For those in this sport, no explanation is needed. We’ve always been there to innovate, break new ground, and choose the most beautiful, challenging, and captivating locations. This course has a whopping 21 peaks, 11 checkpoints and refreshments, one so-called “life station,” 11,000 m of ascent, and a 48-hour limit, all packed into 177 km. Maximum ITRA points (6), UTMB 100M.

The race is more challenging than UTMB based on ITRA parameters. From Rožaje to Gusinje, from Hajla to Trojan! The northern section of Prokletije offers a world-class adventure and conditions, spanning four municipalities. There’s also Plav and Berane, with five checkpoints and refreshment points, including the life station.

There will be two categories: solo and team. Teams may consist of two to three people, but two team members must reach the finish line. The top three in both men’s and women’s individual categories receive cash prizes, while only the first team receives a cash prize (€1,000) regardless of gender mix, with the second and third teams winning sponsor gifts. Individual category prizes are €750/€500/€250 for both genders.

The race also includes four age categories for men and women:

  • 40–45 years
  • 45–50 years
  • 50–55 years
  • 55+ years

Anyone finishing as a team member also receives the ITRA and UTMB index as if they raced solo. This race requires more than just registration and payment; you must have completed at least one race of 80+ km in the last two years.

Distance and Elevation:

Total: 177 km with 11,000 m ascent/descent. Highest peak: 2,403 m altitude.

Race Start:

The race begins on July 25 (Friday) 2025, in downtown Rožaje at 5 p.m.

Course description:

The race starts at the central square, with around 3 km of asphalt before reaching dense forests leading to Bandžov and across Bjeluško Hill. At Bandžov, 8.5 km from the start, there’s a sharp uphill left turn to CP1 Grope near the well-known mountain lodge, where you’ll find the first water stop and refreshments. Stock up here, as the next water source is 25 km into the race.

From there, the course heads to the top of Hajla at 2,403 m altitude along the ridge, moving westward. Here you’ll witness a spectacular sunset. The initial part of the race includes the highest elevation point and the longest ascent. Moving along lesser-known trails in Prokletije, passing Maja Dermadol (Maja e Dromodolit) toward Košutina Lokva, you enter Berane municipality. At the Murgaš pass, there’s the first water source at 25 km, marked clearly. Hydrate and refill here before continuing across Mečkin Kamen and the Glođije pasture toward CP2 Kaludarske Kape at 32 km and 1,750 m altitude, with a substantial 2,350 m ascent, where you’ll find significant refreshments.

The route then moves towards Usovište and the peak of Mala Kula. From CP2 to the race’s end, you’ll encounter springs along the route, providing ample water. Passing Mokra planina, Mašnički, and Vulev katun, you enter Plav municipality. Continuing towards Vaganički krš and the famous Čakor pass, a historic pass of the former Yugoslavia at around 1,920 m altitude, CP3 awaits at 49 km. This is the first sight of asphalt and the first point where participants can drop out if needed.

From here, the course ascends toward Djevojački krš and Starac, with a stunning view of Bogićevica, the “jewel of Prokletije.” Following the ridge trail below Maja Rops toward Tromeđa, you continue near the Albanian border toward B28, descending through Hridski krš pass to Hridsko Lake, Bajrovića katun, and Samelovi huts at CP5 (85 km, 5,300 m ascent).

Runners pass by multiple control points and aid stations, with a crucial “life station” at CP6 Gradine (97 km) for food, rest, showers, and medical care.
This is also the first and only "life station" on this race. Here, you can shower, eat a hot meal, sleep in cabins, and access your drop bag. A massage therapist and an ice bath are also available.

You will return along the same trail, going less than a kilometer uphill, then continue toward Kofiljača. Spectacular new viewpoints open up, and you descend toward Husejinovići and the Đurička River, where you'll find CP7 at 116 km, with 6,700 meters of ascent covered so far. After that, the route continues through Vardište and Karaula, eventually reaching peak Bor, where it merges with the famous SkyUltra in Gusinje. Near the summit, you cross from Plav Municipality into the Gusinje region. The route heads toward Ćafa Borit, where on the right is the Fush Sirme mountain pasture, CP8 at 135 km, with 8,100 meters of ascent completed at this point.

You continue along the well-known SkyUltra trail (with a few modifications, including the addition of Fush Sirme and the rearrangement of CP stations and refreshment points). This is a mix of option B from 2024 edition due to snow and the old route from the European Championship. So, from Fush Sirme, you go toward Vusanje, the Ali Pasha Springs, then the Vezirova Brada pass (skipping the Mali Karanfil peak), then head to Dolja and the Branko Kotlajić Mountain Lodge in Grebaja, which is CP9 at 154 km (with 9,300 meters of ascent so far). Next, you follow the single-track classics Volušnica – Talijanka – Popadija to CP10 at 161 km (with 10,300 meters of ascent so far).

You ascend back along the border trail to Žuta Prla and Trojan (the final peak on the route), passing through the surreal Šuplja Vrata (Trojan’s Pass). Passing the Balić mountain pasture, you reach Kodra Barjovića, the last CP11 at 170 km, where you will have completed 10,900 meters of ascent! A descent follows, through the Rahine forest, and then a straight path to the finish in the center of Gusinje!

One of the most important aspects we considered when mapping the route and strategically choosing CP points was that each has good vehicle access and network coverage with a 5G signal or Wi-Fi. Also, each CP has substantial refreshments and unlimited drinking water.

This race carries 6 ITRA points (maximum), a "Mountain level" of 9, and a finisher index of 450! It is also listed on the UTMB web site https://utmb.world

Time limits:

  • CP-1 – Grope, Rožaje 11 km of the race, 8:00 PM Friday (3 hours from start)
  • CP-2 – Kaludarske kape, Berane 32 km of the race, 2:00 AM Saturday (9 hours from start)
  • CP-3 – Čakor, Plav 49 km of the race, 7:00 AM Saturday (14 hours from start)
  • CP-4 – Hako Babino Polje, Plav 65 km of the race, 12:00 PM Saturday (19 hours from start)
  • CP-5 – Samelove Kolibe, Plav 85 km of the race, 5:00 PM Saturday (24 hours from start)
  • CP-6 – Gradine, Plav 97 km of the race, 9:00 PM Saturday (28 hours from start)
  • CP-7 – Đurička River, Plav 116 km of the race, 2:00 AM Sunday (33 hours from start)
  • CP-8 – Fush Sirme, Gusinje 135 km of the race, 7:00 AM Sunday (38 hours from start)
  • CP-9 – Grebaja, Gusinje 154 km of the race, 11:00 AM Sunday (42 hours from start)
  • CP-10 – Popadija, Gusinje 161 km of the race, 2:00 PM Sunday (45 hours from start)
  • CP-11 – Kodra Barjovića, Gusinje 170 km of the race, 4:00 PM Sunday (47 hours from start)
  • Finish – Gusinje center 177 km, 5:00 PM (48 hours from start)

If conditions are deemed too hot or otherwise challenging, the organizer reserves the right to extend the limit to 50 hours from the start.

You are permitted to withdraw at CP 3, 6, and 9. Detailed rules, recommendations, and information will be provided in the Race Guide.

Race profile, GPX, and map: https://tracedetrail.fr/en/trace/272164

Hajla SkyRace

A new skyrace of exceptional beauty. Ridge segments, long alpine ascents and descents, with incredible views of all the surrounding mountains. The course is key-shaped, reaching a peak over 2,400 meters above sea level. Slightly easier than the well-known Gusinje SkyRace over Mali Karanfil.

Distance and Elevation:

Total length is 31 km with 1,650 meters of ascent and descent. Notably, in the first 14 km, you’ll climb 1,450 meters.

Race Start:

The race is scheduled to start on July 25th (Friday), 2025, at 5:00 pm from the center of Rožaje, together with the 100-mile race!

Course description:

The starting line is at the main square in downtown Rožaje. The course follows the same route as the 100-mile race until about the 19th km (refer to the 100-mile race description). CP1 (11 km) is also at Grope, and after the Hajla peak, there's a right turn downward to Bandžov just under 5 km later, where CP2 will be located at the 23rd km. Here, you’ll rejoin the same path back to the town center. The last 7-8 km is identical. The finish line is in the center of Rožaje.

ITRA Points, GPX, Map, and Profile: https://tracedetrail.fr/en/trace/273840 The race carries 2 ITRA points, a "Mountain Level" of 5, and a "Finisher Level" of 280.

Time limits:

  • CP-1 – Grope, 11 km, 7:30 pm (2.5 hours from start)
  • CP-2 – Bandžov, 23 km, 10:00 pm (5 hours from start)
  • Finish – Rožaje town center, 12:00 am (midnight, 7 hours from start)

You have the option to withdraw at any CP.

Gusinje SkyUltra

Repackaged Ultra. A hybrid of the original route and option B from 2024. It turns out that Fush Sirme is a much better option for both competitors and us than the steep descent through the overgrown trails of Bor. You will certainly encounter the entrance to Albania, crossing peaks over 2,200 m above sea level with plenty of ascents. The trail could earn a "Lord of the Rings" certificate as it passes through rocky outcrops, century-old pines, and sharp ridges.

Before you enter the realm of raw limestone, with the most beautiful viewpoints towards Popadija and Talijanka—two of Montenegro's most stunning valleys (Ropojana and Grebaja)—you will first encounter Bor!

Our GPS recording indicated even more ascent, so keep that in mind!

Distance and Elevation:

Total: 57.5 km with 3,500 m of ascent and descent

Race Start:

Scheduled for July 27 (Sunday), 2025, at 7 AM from the center of Gusinje.

Course description:

The start is at the Gusinje municipality, where you immediately turn towards Vusanje and Ali-Pasha's springs, then veer left before Ali-Pasha's springs.

You head towards Bor, reaching the peak of Ćemen at 2,036 m above sea level. You will traverse the main ridge of Bora and head towards the famous Ćafa Borit pass, sharply turning right towards the Fush Sirme shepherd's hut (the same position as in 2024).

Thus, you will find CP1 Fush Sirme at 15 km into the race, where there will be control and refreshments. After that, descend towards the center of Vusanje, winding through the village and past the climbing area until you arrive at Ali-Pasha's springs. Here, at CP2 Ali-Pasha's springs, you'll find control and refreshments at 24 km into the race. From here, continue towards Vezirova brada.

As you ascend, a spring awaits you right on the trail (whether it will dry up by then remains to be seen; you'll receive info in the final email). This won’t be the only spring along the way. Near the shepherd's hut, another spring awaits you along with a stunning view of the surroundings. At the saddle of Vezirova brada, you’ll now take a dirt road down towards Dolja (you'll remain on the same trail as your colleagues in the 100-mile race; the peak Mali Karanfil has been omitted due to difficulty and technical sections). You’ll arrive in Grebaja at CP3 (Grebaja) at 35 km into the trail, where there will be strong refreshments and water refill at the mountain hut along with a drop-bag.
The route leads you to the most famous trail in the Prokletije National Park, heading towards the peaks of Volušnica, Talijanka, and Popadija. Here, you'll encounter the most beautiful views, strong ascents, the border trail with Albania, and again, an ascent to over 2,000 m above sea level. At the summit of Popadija, you'll find CP4 (control only) at 40 km.

From the summit of Popadija, you'll descend to the Popadija shepherd's hut below the peak of Karaula (there are remnants of the old lookout point in the hollow) where refreshments await you (at 42 km). From there, you’ll head towards Trojan, towards Albania. At this refreshment point, you must ensure you hydrate and replenish, as there will be a longer stretch without water and refreshments due to the inaccessible terrain.

You will return to the border trail and head towards the Trojan pass, from where tourists come from Ljepuša. This section is extraordinary, with sheer peaks surrounding you and pines all around. After passing the first peak in the Trojan ridge (which is also the most beautiful), you will reach the saddle and then "climb" to the very top. The views are fantastic; the summit is at 2,200 m above sea level and here will be CP5 Trojan at 46 km into the race (control only). From here, you descend along the ridge and sections towards the Trojan pass (rocky outcrop, a fairy tale!). On this segment, strictly follow the flags; on your left side, there will be an abyss. Focus must be maximal. After the rocky outcrop, you will go through scree and a fantastic slope full of century-old pines towards the old lookout point, where only the foundation remains, and then to the Balića shepherd's hut. Here is 49 km into the race, and a spring will be marked. From there, you’ll slowly descend towards the Kodra Bajrovića hut where CP6 Kodra Bajrovića is located at 51 km into the race. Refreshments and control await you here. From there, everything gets easier: downhill on a dirt road, just like the colleagues in the SkyRace. The section before Gusinje is very interesting, leading you through dense pine forests known as Šume Rahine. CP8 will be located at 54 km (control only). The finish is at the Gusinje municipality, where the start was held. It’s worth mentioning that this section from the Balića hut to Gusinje is full of bears, and those who are afraid should go in a group or carry a bell. A part of the organization and Mountain rescue will be deployed along the stretch from Trojan to Gusinje. Special attention will be paid to this part of the trail.

Link for ITRA scoring, GPX, profile, and map: https://tracedetrail.fr/fr/trace/273841 - the race carries 3 ITRA points and "Mountain level" 7! The "Finisher index" is 410. It can also be found on the UTMB web site. https://utmb.world

Time limits:

  • CP-3 – Grebaja, 35 km into the race, 13:30 (6 hours and 30 min from the start)
  • CP-4 – Popadija, 40 km into the race, 15:30 (8 hours and 30 min from the start)
  • CP-6 – Kodra Bajrovića, 51 km into the race, 18:00 (11 hours from the start)
  • Finish – center of Gusinje, 19:00 (12 hours from the start)

Mandatory equipment:

Survival blanket, rain/wind jacket, mobile phone, cup (can also be a flask or bottle, of course), and a whistle are required for all races. Any missing item will result in disqualification. Runners in the 100-mile race must also have a headlamp with spare batteries, a first aid kit, a power bank, and a GPS device is mandatory!More details will follow for 100 miles in RACE GUIDE.
Runners in the Hajla Sky race must have headlamp too.

We recommend trekking poles, but you cannot leave them at the checkpoints. Specifically for the Sky Ultra, we recommend a GPS device with the race route uploaded! You must be semi-autonomous (water, gels, etc.). All additional information about the race will be presented through the final email and race guide (Prokletije Race Guide 2025) and at the technical meeting in Rožaje and Gusinje (Friday and Saturday).

Packet Pickup:

There will be two race offices (race bases) in Rožaje and Gusinje (more about everything in the guide).

Packages must be picked up in person, and a medical certificate, not older than one year, is mandatory for ALL races.
Registrations open in October and close on June 25, 2025 (Wednesday) at 4 PM (this means payments must be settled by then). Teams for the 100-mile race must register separately and will receive specific protocols afterward.

In the participant package for the 100-mile race, the runner receives a finisher's medal, an active Woolona shirt, and a vest.

In the participation package for the Sky Race, the runner receives a unique finisher's medal and a cotton T-shirt.

In the participant package for the Sky Ultra, the runner receives a finisher's medal and an active Woolona shirt.

Registration fees:

SKY – 3,000 dinars (25€) until November 10, afterward the fee is 4,200 dinars (35€).

ULTRA – 4,800 dinars (40€) until November 10, afterward the fee is 6,000 dinars (50€).

100 MILES – 14,000 dinars (120€) until November 10, afterward the fee is 19,000 dinars (160€).

Registration at https://trka.rs/events/617/

Teams must send a separate email to the organizer to notify their start numbers from the trka.rs site, as well as their history and links to races of around 80 km in the past few years. Send everything to skyrunning.montenegro@gmail.com

Rules:

Every competitor must wear the start number in a visible location, on the chest or belt, headlamp. It must not be covered by a jacket! Losing the start number results in automatic disqualification. Leaving poles or part of a pole on the course also leads to DSQ (disqualification).

The right to appeal is via our email – skyrunning.montenegro@gmail.com within 48 hours after the race. Appeals made after that will not be considered.

All formats have an alternative route (option B) in case of bad weather. Although the chances are very low in July.

Accommodation:

We recommend that all runners book hotels, weekend houses, and eco-cabins as soon as possible, especially due to the expected arrival of many foreigners. You can initially contact the local tourist organizations:

TO Rožaje turizam-rozaje@t-com.me

TO Gusinje turizam@opstinagusinje.me

Useful information:

The award ceremony:

Center of Gusinje, in front of the municipality. All details will be published in due time.

Get ready for the most beautiful and attractive mountain in the Balkans! The last unexplored mountain range in Europe.

See you on Prokletije!