Races

Letecka Stovka

SlovakiaMarch

Slovakia, March. 104 km on 75% trail. +8,314 ft of climbing. 21 hours cutoff.

65 mi+8,314 ft-8,501 ft21 hours4,190 ft to 4,753 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookWSER qualifierMarch
Distance65 mi
Gain+8,314 ft
Loss-8,501 ft
Altitude4,190 ft to 4,753 ft
Technicality5/10
Air40°F to 80°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start4,377 ft
  • High4,753 ft
  • Low4,190 ft
  • Finish4,190 ft

Geometryderived

Steepest drop446 ft-3.7% over 2.3 mi
Night miles25 misunset near 18:00 local

The cruxForest trails, rolling cols, and weather swings (near mile 42)

Course DNA

The Course

Letecka Stovka runs 104 km through Slovakia. +8,314 ft gain and -8,501 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Forest trails, rolling cols, and weather swings. High point near 4,753 ft. Low near 4,190 ft. March temps run 40°F to 80°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 32.

The Work

Train for 8,314 feet of climbing across 104 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 21 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 42.

Kit

March in Slovakia: plan for 40°F to 80°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 21 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 16. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 32.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 16. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 32. Forest trails, rolling cols, and weather swings near mile 42 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 21 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

Letecka Stovka