Kernave-Vilnius Trail

Find out about Lithuania’s most significant ultra trail event where the blend of history and nature provides an unsurpassed running experience. The Kernavė - Vilnius Trail Race is the journey between the historic Kernavė roots of Lithuania’s capital of the 13th century, the capital of today, Vilnius, and excitement with its street life. Meandering over 80 km, the course goes beyond the 35 km between the cities, traverses river bends, picturesque fields, dense forests and over old mounds, and the new 160 km (100-mile) Vilnius - Kernavė - Vilnius route is now up for exploration, which is sure to make seasoned runners sweat. Of the trail, about 80% will be in the forest and participants will have the chance to get immersed in Lithuania’s lush green landscapes such as paths along the Neris river, wild meadows and quaint local settlements. Rolling hills, tortuous river valleys, and significant elevations round out the course, which tops out a 100 miles with a 3,600 meter vertical climb.

For those less desperate but not less beautiful world, a trail marathon of 42 km starts in ethnographic village of Šilėnai is waiting. The ultra-trail becomes the marathon course as it converges for the most scenic and difficult portions of the course, ending in the capital of Vilnius. This marathon may neither make us great again — in terms of time — but the memories that it will deliver of a great trail and scenery are going to make this a highlight in any runner’s trek. This Lithuanian adventure is scenic and awe inspiring and was made to embrace a decade of trail racing excellence.