Leki Ještěd SkyRace 2027

Forget flat, asphalt paths and park walkways. If you’re looking for a race that will redefine the concept of “burning quads,” Leki Ještěd SkyRace near Liberec is an absolute classic of Central European skyrunning and mountain running. This is an event for people who love technical terrain, huge elevation gain, and breathtaking Krkonoše–Jizera panoramas.

The main arena of the challenge is the distinctive mountain ridge and the summit Ještěd (1012 m a.s.l.) itself. The event usually offers the flagship SkyRace route (about 21–22 km with a brutal elevation gain of around 1200–1350 meters) and a shorter, more dynamic Trail version (about 11–12 km, about 700–950 m of elevation gain). The course is a true rollercoaster: technical descents over loose rocks, steep climbs up forest cutlines, grassy ski-slope hillsides, and the iconic rocky grind right up to the TV tower at the summit.

After the titanic effort, running back down to base, and collecting your well-earned, unique medal, your legs will need a solid dose of recovery—and your stomach some serious carb loading. Liberec and the surrounding area have some fantastic attractions to offer:

The iconic Ještěd summit: If during the race you only had time to look at your feet (which is highly recommended at this pace and on these technical rocks), come back to the top at a relaxed pace. The futuristic TV tower, resembling a landing spaceship, is the symbol of the region. From the terrace you’ll get a stunning panorama of the Jizera Mountains, the Krkonoše Mountains, and the Polish and German borderlands 🗼.

A well-deserved reset at Centrum Babylon (Wellness Centrum): Your tired, tight muscles after those brutal descents will be begging for rescue. The Wellness Center here is a gigantic complex styled like ancient baths. Saunas, steam baths, salt caves, aromatherapy, and warm-water pools are absolute heaven for a runner after a tough sky run 🌊.

A stroll around the Liberec Town Hall: Liberec’s historic center charms with its architecture. The impressive Neo-Renaissance town hall resembles buildings from Vienna and looks spectacular in the evening. The atmospheric, modern specialty cafés around the square are perfect spots for a morning coffee and celebrating your running success 🏛️.

A skyrunner’s feast for a massive hunger: The SkyRace course burns thousands of calories. Head to a traditional Czech pub and order something hearty and filling. A warming garlic soup (česnečka) with croutons and cheese is perfect, and for a main course—a classic gulaš s knedlíkem or crispy fried cheese (smažák) with fries and tartar sauce. Add a mug of cold local Konrad beer from the Liberec brewery or the famous Svijany beer to toast conquering Ještěd! 🍲🍻

Pack shoes with an aggressive tread, bring trail poles, get ready for a proper grind, and go face to face with a legendary Czech summit at Leki Ještěd SkyRace!