Course description

In 2026, Rajd Beskidy Short Course invites adventurers to the heart of the Polish Jurassic Highlands – a land of endless pine forests, fantastic rocky formations, and mysterious caves.

The race consists of eight challenging stages: on foot, by bike, and a kayaking section, interspersed with special tasks. Team organization and the ability to switch disciplines quickly will be a key advantage.

Competitors will face navigation and climbing challenges, explore caves, and wade across rivers.

Knowledge of rope techniques, technical mountain biking skills, and strong navigation abilities are required. Some segments of the course will be a true playground for navigators.

Although the race is called “Short,” participants will spend at least 24 hours on the course. Physical and mental endurance, resistance to sleep deprivation, and teamwork will be crucial.

The main map is a tourist map from Compass. In addition, participants will receive a series of supplementary maps: satellite imagery, LIDAR maps, orienteering maps, and even a sketch from the 1950s.

Taking place in May, the race will unfold in a season of vibrant spring greenery. Nature comes alive at this time of year, with fresh leaves, blooming wildflowers, and lush forests that make the landscapes even more breathtaking for competitors on their journey.

The Polish Jurassic Highlands, famous for their natural beauty and medieval castles known as the Eagle’s Nests, provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable race that blends nature, endurance, and exploration. Alongside the main event, there will also be a shorter course designed for couples and individual competitors, offering an accessible but equally exciting adventure in this unique landscape.
The race area is easily accessible by car from most European countries. Kraków Airport is just one hour’s drive away, making it convenient for both local and international participants.

Stage descriptions:

Stage I – Trekking
12 km, 150 m of elevation gain.
10 CPs; free order.
Cave exploration.
Hilly, forested terrain. Forest paths and off-trail navigation.
Estimated time for the fastest team: 2 hours.

Stage II – mountain biking
35 km, 350 m of elevation gain.
15 CPs; given order.
Partially LIDAR map.
Hilly, forested terrain. Mostly forest roads.
Estimated time for the fastest team: 3 hours.

Stage III – Trekking
16 km, 200 m of elevation gain.
16 CPs; free order.
Orienteering map.
Navigation task.
Hilly, forested terrain. Forest paths and off-trail navigation.
Estimated time for the fastest team: 4 hours.

Stage IV – mountain biking
44 km, 250 m.
11 CPs; given order.
A short ride across the desert.
Climbing task - top-rope rocky climbing.
Hilly, partly forested terrain. Mostly forest roads.
Estimated time for the fastest team: 4 hours.

Stage V – Trekking
13 km, 30 m of elevation gain.
6 - 10 CPs (depending on the course variant); free order.
A fragment of a map from 1959.
Flat, partly forested terrain. Several checkpoints can be reached optionally by kayak or on foot. Possible river crossings.
Estimated time for the fastest team: 2.5 hours.

Stage VI – Kayak
18 km.
1 - 8 CPs (depending on the course variant).
A lowland river — narrow, meandering, with obstacles in the current and short portages.
Estimated time for the fastest team: 3 hours.

Stage VII – Trekking
6 km.
2 - 5 CPs (depending on the course variant); free order.
Flat, partly forested terrain.
Estimated time for the fastest team: 1 hour.

Stage VIII – MTB
75 km, 600 m of elevation gain.
22 CPs; the order is mandatory on some sections.
Partially on the orienteering map.
Special task – rappel into a cave and ascend using rope gear; completed by one team member.
Special task – ladder ascent / rope bridge / rappel.
Hilly, partly forested terrain. Mostly forest roads.
Estimated time for the fastest team: 7 hours.

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