Absolute Biokovo Challenge

About the Event

The Absolute Biokovo Challenge is a premier skyrunning event scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, on the rugged Biokovo mountain range in Croatia. Known as the mountain "with its feet in the sea and its forehead in lightning," Biokovo offers one of the most technically demanding terrains in the Mediterranean. The race features four distinct distances, all traversing the Biokovo Nature Park, characterized by steep limestone cliffs, karst sinkholes, and breathtaking views of the Adriatic islands.

Race Category	Distance & Elevation	ITRA Points / Limit
Extreme Challenge	45.4 km / 4,480m D+	3 Points / 14:00h
Sky Challenge	27.2 km / 2,900m D+	2 Points / 9:00h
High Challenge	14.0 km / 1,720m D+	N/A / 5:00h
Vertical Challenge	5.0 km / 1,150m D+	N/A / 3:00h

Makarska is the central hub for the event, a coastal town in the Split-Dalmatia County with an estimated population of 14,100 residents. The region is famous for the Makarska Riviera, where the proximity of the high mountain peaks to the shoreline creates a dramatic microclimate. The demographic profile is predominantly Croatian, with a local economy almost entirely reliant on tourism and maritime activities. The median household income in Croatia is approximately €15,000. Biokovo's highest peak, Sveti Jure (1,762m), is a focal point for the longer races, offering panoramic views that can reach as far as Italy on exceptionally clear days.

The Extreme Challenge starts at sea level in Brela, taking runners along a 200-year-old Napoleon Road before climbing toward the peaks. Registration fees follow a tiered structure, with "Early Bird" pricing typically set at €50 for the Extreme distance and €35 for the High Challenge if booked before February. The registration includes transport of personal items from the start to the finish at the Vošac mountain hut, as well as return transport for athletes back to Makarska. Organized by Adventure Advisor Croatia, the event emphasizes ecological sustainability within the Nature Park. For technical support or entry inquiries, participants can contact the team at [email protected] or +385 98 1829 644.

Races Offered

Extreme Challenge

May 09, 2026

straighten

Distance — 45.4K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

06:30

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€60.00

Sky Challenge

May 09, 2026

straighten

Distance — 27.2K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:30

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€50.00

High Challenge

May 09, 2026

straighten

Distance — 14K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

10:00

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€45.00

Vertical Challenge

May 09, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

11:00

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€35.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Makarska.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 14.3° / 22.9°

wb_sunny 13.6° / 22.5°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 6.7 /

water_drop 71.3%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 14.3° / 22.9°

wb_sunny 13.6° / 22.5°

air 6.7 km/h

water_drop 71.3%

About Makarska

Learn more about the host city, Makarska.

Makarska is the main city and resort of the Makarska Riviera in Split-Dalmatia, between Split and Dubrovnik on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. It's backed by the rugged Biokovo mountains, a national park, and looks out across a channel to Brač island. It's a popular destination for package tours, with plenty of accommodation, eating places and beach activities.