Traverse up to historic fortresses with panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor. Trek to the small idyllic village of Perast and enjoy a delicious meal along the water’s edge. Explore the enchanting Reka Crnojevica Delta through lush wetlands, ancient fortresses, and serene Kom Monastery. Journey into the rugged Accursed Mountains of Albania, where you'll push your limits over 10 miles of steep mountain passes and descend into the valleys below. Travel through time in Montenegrin and Albanian villages where centuries-old customs still thrive, and a rich history remains.
In the remote valleys of the Accursed Mountains, where ancient shepherds’ trails cross borders three times in a single day, every run becomes a journey through Europe’s last true wilderness.
Here, in a land where peaks pierce clouds and crystal alpine lakes mirror medieval monasteries, you’ll push your limits on technical mountain passes before descending to villages where centuries-old customs and legendary Balkan hospitality await.
About
Gallery
About The Host
Each person on our small, multinational team brings a unique set of running abilities, travel experience, and guiding expertise to the table, but something that we all have in common is an addiction to exploration, a borderline obsession with running, and a love of helping others experience the world in this very unique way. Our guides are certified Wilderness First Responders, practice Leave No Trace principles, and have guided well over 200 running trips combined. When you join a trip you’ll be traveling, running, and exploring with at least one (if not 2 or 3) of us.
Itinerary
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
Why choose a running tour in the Balkans?
The Albania-Montenegro mountain range offers one of Europe’s last untouched wilderness experiences. This Balkans running tour takes you through stunning landscapes where you can still find solitude and breathtaking nature.
Albania, now one of Europe’s safest and most welcoming destinations, combines the allure of the unknown with incredible hospitality and landscapes that will make you fall in love with the region.
What's included in the Run the Balkans trip cost?
The run tour price includes pre-trip communication & guidance, airport transfers, 7 nights accommodation, all meals from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the final day, transportation, drivers, experienced running guides, local logistics team, organized supported runs, a rafting trip, drinking water, and Rogue Expeditions swag.
Almost everything is covered for your Balkan running adventure!
How far do I need to be able to run?
This Balkans run tour is designed for experienced runners with a good fitness level. The longest run is about 9 miles with significant elevation gain, and some days involve long hikes up to 12 miles with 4,000 ft of elevation gain. Multiple distance options are always available for our run days, but the two days of hiking are point to point and require the fitness to complete the full route (or skip and transfer by van to the next accomodation). You should be comfortable with consecutive days of mountain terrain and significant elevation changes.
What sort of terrain will we be running on in the Balkans?
Expect diverse and challenging terrain throughout your Balkans running tour. You’ll encounter mountain trails, forest paths, rocky terrain, and some road running. The routes include single-track trails, dirt roads, and possibly some paved sections. Be prepared for rough and technical terrain, especially in the Albanian Alps.
What will we do when we aren't running?
Your Balkans run tour includes activities such as rafting on the Tara River, exploring historical sites like Fort St. Andrija, and experiencing local culture and cuisine. You’ll also have time to relax and recover in beautiful settings like Skadar Lake and the Valbona Valley.
What is the weather like for running in the Balkans?
Weather can vary significantly given the diverse terrain. Generally, expect mild to warm days and cooler nights. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for sudden changes and potential rain during your Balkans running tour.