Smolník Mountain Run 2026
The Smolník Mountain Run (HBS) will mark its 12th edition on November 14 and will once again offer a unique blend of sports, nature, mining history, and an unmistakable community atmosphere. The organizers from OZ Vitalcity expect record-breaking interest and believe they will succeed in surpassing the magic milestone of 1,000 participants.
Following last year’s introduction of the new ultra course, the 2026 edition will focus primarily on refining and improving the successful new features.
“We aren’t planning any groundbreaking changes for this 12th edition, since we introduced the Ultra 50+ course last year. This year, we want to ‘polish’ all these new features.” Of course, we’re also considering longer courses, and we’re open to the possibility of such an HBS update in the future. This year, we’re in a stabilization phase. For the 33-kilometer course, we’re introducing a running incubator; we’ve improved the kids’ races; and we’re also preparing a few surprises for the ultra course. We’re really looking forward to it and believe we’ll surpass the 1,000-runner mark,” reveals Tomi Kovaľ, an organizer from OZ Vitalcity.
Three Courses, Three Challenges – HBS 2026
The Smolník Mountain Run will take place on November 14, 2026, and will offer something for everyone:
• ULTRA HBS 50+ (50 km / 2,100 m / start at 8:00 a.m.) – more than 50 kilometers of mountain trail with 2 ITRA points.
• LONG HBS (33 km / 1,400 m / start at 10:00 a.m.) – a technical ridge run through the Volovské Hills with 2 ITRA points.
• SHORT HBS (11 km / 470 m / start at 10:00 a.m.) – the ideal choice for beginners and recreational runners.
The Ultra course will once again run from Smolník to Chata Volovec and back. The organizers promise several new surprises along the route designed to enhance the experience for all participants.
The long course offers a genuine mountain experience: Pipitka, Osadník, Uhornianske Saddle, Biele Skaly, and Hekerová (1,260 m above sea level) will test anyone who decides to step out of their comfort zone.
The short course is ideal for beginners—it takes them past mining monuments, shafts, the Štós spa, and the Stations of the Cross.
Records That Make History at the Smolník Mountain Run
Every year, the Smolník Mountain Run features impressive athletic performances, but only the very best manage to make their mark on the event’s history with a course record.
On the long course ,the men’s record has been held since 2024 by Patrik Milata with a time of 2:28:09. Among the women , Romana Gajdošová has also been the fastest runner since 2024 , completing the demanding course in 3:02:15.
The record for the short course has been held since 2019 by Michal Lami, who clocked a time of 46:31. Veronika Kozáková set the women’s record in 2025 , crossing the finish line in 58:20.
In the most demanding discipline, the ULTRA 50+, Matej Haulík made history with a record time of 5:05:20, as did Terézia Halajová, who completed the course in 5:44:05.
These performances set the bar that other brave runners strive to surpass each year. The question remains whether someone will emerge at the next edition to push the record times even further.
Trail Incubator to Help Newcomers
The runners from the IT Girls group remain partners of the event this year as well; they will assist with the organization and also prepare the popular “running incubator” for the long-distance race.
Its goal is to help less experienced trail runners tackle their first major mountain challenge safely, at a reasonable pace, and under the supervision of experienced female runners.
New for the little ones: HBS Kids—even the little ones run like grown-ups
This year, the organizers are paying even more attention to the youngest participants. The HBS Kids races will now feature online registration and clearly defined rules so that children, too, can fully enjoy the atmosphere of a major sporting event.
Three age-appropriate courses will be available:
• HBS KIDS 300 – 300 m / +20 m elevation gain
• HBS KIDS 600 – 600 m / +40 m elevation gain
• HBS KIDS 2000+ – 2.2 km / +100 m elevation gain
Online registration will help the organizers thoroughly prepare the course and ensure there are enough volunteers, refreshments, and race kits for all young athletes.
“Children deserve the same attention as adult runners. We want them to feel like they’re part of a major event and to leave Smolník with a positive attitude toward exercise, sports, and spending time in nature. That’s why we’ve prepared several courses based on age and ability, so that everyone can find a challenge suited to them while also experiencing the joy of movement,” says Lukáš Nemčík, coach at the SKI Akadémia Bežkárik.
KetoBox is also a partner of the kids’ races and has prepared a special surprise for the young athletes. Every participant in the kids’ races will receive a MiniBox as a gift after crossing the finish line.
“Good nutrition and healthy habits are established from childhood, which is why we decided to support HBS Kids and reward each participant with their own MiniBox. We believe that the combination of exercise, joy, and quality nutrition is the best foundation for a healthy lifestyle,” said Barbora Suchánek, CEO of KetoBox.
HBS Kids will thus not merely be a side event but a full-fledged part of the Smolník Mountain Run, where even the youngest runners will enjoy their big day of sports.
Sports, History, and Experiences for the Whole Family
The Smolník Mountain Run has long since ceased to be just a sporting event. Every year, it attracts families, fans, and visitors who want to enjoy a day in the Slovak Ore Mountains.
This year, too, a rich accompanying program will be organized in cooperation with the Smolník Brotherhood Mining Association. Visitors can look forward to guided tours of the historic Rotenberg adit, as well as the unique Mining Museum, located directly underground beneath Smolník Square—just a few meters from the finish line, where the race participants will cross the finish line.
Throughout the day, the popular little train will also run from Smolník to the Úhorná reservoir and back, offering visitors the chance to explore the region’s beauty beyond the running courses.
Every participant who registers online will receive a starter pack with a running gift worth 40 euros, a participant’s medal, lunch, and the chance to enter a raffle for attractive prizes, including the grand prize—a gift certificate worth 500 euros for running apparel from Davorin—and many other prizes from our partners.
Invitation to the 12th Annual HBS
The Volovské vrchy Mountains will once again welcome hundreds of trail running enthusiasts from all over Slovakia and abroad. Whether you’re lining up at the start of the ultra course, trying your first 11-kilometer mountain run, or coming to cheer on your loved ones, the Smolník Mountain Run promises an unforgettable experience.
We cordially invite everyone to the 12th annual Smolník Mountain Run, which will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
Register HERE: www.horskybehsmolnik.sk
We cordially invite everyone to the 12th annual Smolník Mountain Run!
Register HERE:Registration
Video invitation to HBS 2026:Invitation 2026
Videos from previous years:Watch
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