The High Scardus Ultra held its fourth annual race on 6 September 2025. It was another successful day for the High Scardus Ultra, with 148 runners from 17 countries testing their limits as they experienced the beauty and splendor of Kosovo’s Sharr National Park.
Success reflects race leadership (Butterfly Outdoor Adventure and Shar Outdoors), our partners Mbrotja e Natyres se Kosoves, Parku Kombetar Mali Sharr, Sherbimi i Kerkim Shpetimit Malor KS, Lumbardhi, and support from our sponsors: the German Embassy, Red Bull, dea, AllgaSun, Algrda, and Scardus. The race would not have been successful without the committed team of volunteers, who gave their time and enthusiasm to the race.
Consistent with previous years, the High Scardus Ultra offers participants their choice of three races, ensuring there is an event for everyone.
- The Bear Trail, also known as the Fortress Loop, was a 10k race, offering runners a shorter, but scenic course. Half of all runners participating in the High Scardus Ultra run the Bear Trail.
- The Oshlak Skyrace was a 35 km loop that began and ended at the Prizren Fortress, taking runners all the way to Oshlak Peak (2,2212 m) and back. This distance and course was an ISF Certified race.
- The Cross-Border Race started in Popova Shapka, North Macedonia, and ends at the Prizren Fortress in Kosovo, taking runners 56 km across international borders. Runners taking on the challenge of Cross-Border Race ran from North Macedonia to the summit of Oshlak Peak, before winding down to the finish line at the Prizren Fortress.
Consistent with years past, many things make the High Scardus Ultra a special event, starting with the dramatic beauty of the Sharr National Park. Participants of all three races experience Kosovo’s dramatic terrain as they run along ridgelines, past alpine lakes and through wildflower meadows. Reviews of the race praise the supportive and low-key vibe of the event, as well as the refreshments and lively atmosphere at the finish line.
The High Scardus Ultra is also an International Trail Running Association accredited event. By meeting these standards, runners are ensuring that the course will be safe and the event will be professionally managed. Runners can also use the High Scardus Ultra to strengthen their rankings.
Beyond sport, High Scardus Ultra is a platform for sustainable tourism: it channels visitors into lesser-known natural areas, supports local guides and accommodation, and raises awareness of the Sharr Mountains National Park — a strong selling point for Kosovo’s growing outdoor tourism offer.
The Utalaya Foundation congratulates – and thanks – all runners who participated in the 2025 High Scardus Ultra. Below are the top finishers in the 2025 High Scardus Ultra for each event (10, 35, and 56) in both the female and male categories. Full results are available online.
High Scardus Ultra – 56k, 3214 m
Top Female Finishers Overall
- Elisabeth Schleich – 10:22:06
- Eva Simonse – 12:48:09
- Verona Kamenica – 13:13:54
Top Male Finishers Overall
- Martin Schulatte – 08:14:01
- Aguron Hoda – 08:23:54
- Yili Selmani – 08:58:47
Oshlak Skyrace 35K 2291 m
Top Female Finishers Overall
- Nita Latifi – 05:50:47
- Enkeljete Ademi – 06:40:23
- Pranvera Selmi – 06:45:51
Top Male Finishers Overall
- Erzen Zyberaj – 05:50:47
- Shaban Cerkini – 06:40:23
- Fatmire Ismajli – 06:45:51
Bear Trail 10K 450 m
Top Female Finishers Overall
- Albine Ademi Bytci – 1:03:54
- Rukiji Becaj – 01:05:48
- Shkurte Lluminca – 01:15:57
Top Male Finishers Overall
- Shekelqim Sopjani – 00:48:23
- Suat Idrizi – 00:50:50
- Adrit Kraja – 00:51:11
Information for the High Scardus 2026 will be available soon!