Kékestető summit run

Itinerary

• From the starting point all the way to Kékestető, follow the P markings.
• From the summit, heading back, we join the K markings for a few kilometers.
• Turn left onto the K+ markings and follow this back all the way to the starting point.

Detailed description of the run

Right at the start we cross a bridge over the Bene stream, then sharply turn right and begin the run following the P markings. By the time we warm up a bit, we reach another stream crossing. We balance on the stones to cross to the other side, where steeper terrain awaits us. After climbing a strong ascent, we get the first glimpse of the watchtower standing at the highest point of our running circuit—and the country—Kékestető. Continuing to jog, we proceed on a narrow path where during rainy weather we may encounter water flows and larger puddles in the rocky streambed. For a longer stretch, we run embraced by densely newly planted trees, then after a few kilometers, the landscape changes; now we cover the meters among older, mature trees. In the terrain without undergrowth, only grass and rocks can be seen on the ground, but the characteristic landscape still presents a picturesque view.

We arrive at a six-way intersection where a constructed rest area awaits tired hikers—or in our case, trail runners. Turning left, we follow the familiar P markings. The previous kilometers’ challenging but runnable profile now becomes a serious challenge: the 10-20% inclines force even the fittest runners to walk for longer or shorter periods. Even if this section is hard, let's see the positive side: from here it’s only three kilometers to the summit! In fact, we cover the last kilometer already reaching the top, where we can catch our breath. Exiting onto asphalt, only the final bends remain, and the iconic lookout tower comes into view, with the obligatory photo object at its base—the summit stone.

Heading down, we start jogging on the asphalt, then turn right into the forest following the K markings. After another asphalt intersection, we arrive at Hungary’s second highest spring, the Javoros spring. After the water utility facility, stay alert; soon we switch left onto the K+ markings from where we run down a perfectly even descending ridge. An atmospheric, single-track path with rocks here and there keeps us attentive with every step and prevents boredom. On the left, the landscape opens up from among the trees, and for the sake of a photo, we must stop briefly to enjoy the panorama.

Running straight ahead, the next point of interest is the ruins of Benevár; the wall remains along the path date back to the 13th century. However, not only the history of the ruins will be memorable for us, but also the following descent, as we face a very technical, rocky section. Eventually, the path calms down, and then the Bene stream appears, signaling that after a few minutes of jogging we return to the starting point.