IAU Balkan Express Cup

IAU Continues to Develop Ultrarunning: The Launch of the IAU Balkan Express Cup

Following the previous success of the IAU Cup in the Nordic region, we are excited to announce its continued commitment to the development of ultrarunning through collaboration with local organizations. This year, we take the opportunity to expand our reach and establish the IAU Balkan Express Cup, new competition that will showcase cooperation in the Balkan countries.

The development of any sports starts at the grassroots level. Ultrarunning is no exception. The success we have seen in the sport over the years has been due to the promotion of ultrarunning in the local and regional levels. The IAU Balkan Express Cup will bring a series of races across neighbouring countries and create a competitive and challenging platform for athletes in the Balkan regions to compete in. We look forward to seeing another chapter in the growth of global ultrarunning. 

Nadeem Khan, IAU President

The IAU Balkan Express Cup aims to create a platform for athletes from diverse backgrounds to come together and compete in various ultramarathon disciplines. The competition system of the IAU Balkan Express Cup consist of 5 races in the region, each of the race holding IAU label. Each race is rated equally, regardless of the discipline, allowing runners to compete in various formats without the pressure of complex scoring systems. The disciplines featured in the Cup include 6H, 12H, 24H, 50 km and 100 km.

Ranking in the Cup is based on the best three races by points accumulated throughout the season. This system ensures that every athlete has a fair chance to accumulate points, even if they face challenges in certain races (details are provided at Cup website).

The IAU Balkan Express Cup is open to all participants, regardless of their club or country affiliation. This inclusivity enhances the competitive spirit and allows for a rich exchange of experiences among runners from diverse backgrounds.

One of the standout features of the IAU Balkan Express Cup is its integration with World or European Championship races. This year we include 2025 IAU 24H World Championship in Albi, France. This championship not only attracts top talent but also elevates the Cup competition.

The 2025 season of the IAU Balkan Express Cup features an exciting lineup of races:

More information is provided on Cup website

https://balkan-expres.run/

At the conclusion of the IAU Balkan Express Cup the top three male and female participants will be recognised. They will receive cup and will be granted free entry for all IAU Balkan Express Cup races in the region in the following season.

Jacek Bedkowski

IAU Director of Communication