The Scale of the Challenge

The race spans a grueling 209-kilometer route around the shores of Lake Balaton, passing through more than 50 towns and villages.

The logistics required to support such an undertaking are significant:

Participants: A record 35,100 people have registered, including 433 individual runners taking on the full distance alone.
Support Crew: A staff of over 1,000 will manage 58 refreshment and transition points.
Fueling the Fleet: Runners are expected to consume over 45,000 liters of water and nearly 8 tons of bananas throughout the weekend.

Pushing the Limits: #Projekt418

To mark the 20th edition, five ultra-runners—Linda Boros, János Bogár, István Csingár, Ádám Kertész, and Róbert Varga—are attempting an even more extreme feat. As part of #Projekt418, these athletes will attempt a double lap of the lake, aiming to cover more than 400 kilometers in a single, non-stop effort.

Race director Róbert Kulcsár noted that the event has evolved into more than just a competition, representing a community that consistently "pushes boundaries" and brings people together through sport.

Running for a Cause

The anniversary also marks a decade-long partnership with the BioTechUSA Group. To celebrate their 10th year as the event's refreshment partner, the company is adding 18 million forints (€49,500) to the event’s traditional charity campaign.

The Ultrabalaton charity initiative has a strong track record of impact:

Past Success: To date, 100,000 runners have helped raise funds to support the medical treatment of 12 children and provide critical resources for 15 hospitals and NGOs.

How to Help: This year, participants can donate by waiving the deposit fee for their timing chips. As a gesture of thanks, BioTechUSA will distribute 18,000 custom shakers to those who contribute to the cause.

Whether you are heading down to the "Hungarian Sea" to compete in a team or simply to cheer from the sidelines, the 20th Ultrabalaton promises to be a high-energy weekend showcasing the best of Hungary’s endurance sports community.

More: 
https://ultrabalaton.com/