1000 km Balkan is a cross-border endurance sport and charity event. It lasts for 11 days combining biking and running of near 100 km per day on average without interruption.

PHONE: +359 888 939 947

E-MAIL: dimitrova.stanimira@gmail.com

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Advices for participants

Biking tips
The Two Essentials
  • Bike
  • Helmet
Basic Clothing Choices
  • Long Sleeve Baselayer (thermo layer)
  • Long sleeve cycling jersey
  • Padded thermo bib tights (or padded shorts + tights)
  • Cycling gloves
  • Footwear suited to bike’s pedals
  • Cycling socks
  • Buff / bandanna / skullcap / ear covers
Clothing Options for Variable Weather
  • Rainwear (including waterproof pants)
  • Wind stopper
  • Insulation layer(s) for cool air (long sleeve cycling jacket)
  • Weatherproof, full-fingered gloves
  • Arm/leg warmers
  • High-visibility vest (with reflective inserts)
  • Cycling toe covers / cycling shoe booties
Gear Options
  • Hydration pack
  • Water bottles with cages
  • Saddle (underseat) bag
  • Cycling computer
  • Headlight
  • Taillight (with blinking option)
  • Lock
Core Repair Items
  • 3-4 Spare tubes (and/or patch kit)
  • Pump / CO2 inflator (with 4-5 cartridges)
  • Valve adaptor (Presta to Schrader)
  • Tire levers
  • Cycling multi-tool (with Allen wrenches)
  • Extra tyre (to be stored in the support team’s car)
Personal
  • Eye protection (sunglasses or clear lenses)
  • Identity Card / Passport
  • Travel Insurance
  • Cash (EUR) / Credit Card
  • Lip balm
  • Performance food/gels/drinks
  • Anti chafing cream
  • Baby wipes (popular for cleanups)
  • Survival blanket
  • Map / GPS
  • Cell phone with Roaming
  • Camera
  • Bib number

Contrary to popular belief, the biggest problem with most winter cycling is not keeping warm. The hard part is keeping cool. Cycling in any weather generates a great deal of excess heat. The first mistake of newbie winter cyclists is to dress too warmly. Try not to sweat too much. If you find that you are getting warm to the point of sweating, unzip or peel off a layer. Once you soak your clothing, it loses much of its effectiveness.

Many of you have skiing experience. Try dressing as you would for skiing at that temperature and modify your gear as you see fit. Just make sure that your outfit is aerodynamic.

If you are out for a long time, bring extra gear. As you become tired, you’ll be colder and you’ll appreciate the extra warmth. You might bring some of those toe warmers.

Running tips
Work out regularly and accumulate millage to make your body get used to volume and time on foot.
Zero hard workouts 4-5 days before the race, just easy jog 3-4 km the day before (to prepare muscles)

The start of the running day (some 60 km) shall be slow in order to warm up gradually and gain momentum. Mind the cold mornings at this part of the year.

Muscle heat cream (Ice Power Hot) before running the 60km might be a good idea. We strongly recommend to test it out before hand, not on the running  day.

Do not use brand new apparel on the running day, from nutrition to clothing, socks and shoes. Everything should be tested out in the workouts.

Split the distance into small chunks. Do not think about the whole distance, it is not always encouraging.

Positive thinking is very important. You could try to listen to music if it helps to lift your spirit.

During the 60km, we will arrange refreshment stops in every 5 km. Try to spend not more than 5 minutes a stop, except for the longer lunch stop.

After leaving the refreshment point walk for 1-3min, then ease into running again.

if it’s available try to run on the earth/grass strip on the side of the road, it’s better for your joints.

Good luck!

Services for participants