Malokarpatská Vertikála 2026

Malokarpatská Vertikála is a small, friendly ultratrail held in Plavecké Podhradie, within Slovakia’s Little Carpathians, typically in October. The current long route covers approximately 56 km with around 2,700 m of elevation gain, positioning it within the 50K ultra category rather than a short mountain race. Organizers note its amateur-run nature, highlighting its value as a challenging training day for athletes preparing for demanding trail events. The course begins and ends in Plavecké Podhradie, connecting forest roads, trails, steep ascents, and runnable sections through locations like Mesačná lúka, Sološnícka dolina, Veľký Petrklín, Vysoká, Hubalová, Zochova chata, Čermáková lúka, sedlo Skalka, and Vápenná. A key feature is the continuous alternation between runnable terrain and sections too steep or rugged for regular running, including a specific Vertikálna diretissima climb. Aid stations are situated roughly every 8 to 11 km. The event originated as a much shorter local race with few participants, evolving into a longer mountain ultra that has also been recognized with a UTMB Index, while retaining the atmosphere of a low-key event for mountain runners and skilled amateurs.