After an eight-year hiatus, Stirnu Buks returns to Latgale with the 76-kilometer “GARMIN FĒNIX Vylks” distance
Text: Stirnubuks.lv
On May 25th in Dubuļi, the third stage of the “Stirnu buks” trail running series for the 2024 season, known as “Dubuļu Styrnu buks,” will occur. This event is notable for two reasons: after an eight-year break, the series returns to Latgale, and this stage will host the Latvian 2024 championship in the ultra-long trail running discipline! The ultra-long distance runners competing in the approximately 76km “GARMIN fēnix Vylks” will start at 6 AM near the Jugendstil gem of Latgale – Lūznavas Manor, and finish in Dubuļi, the highest village in Latvia, located in Kaunata Parish, Rēzekne District, where participants of all other distances will also complete their runs.
“We are very pleased that one of the ‘Stirnu buk’ series stages will finally take place in our region – the land of Latvia’s Blue Lakes and Green Hills. It is very symbolic that the epicenter of the run will be near the village of Dubuļi, the highest of all villages in Latvia. I hope this run will be a new starting point and will help popularize the trail running series among the youth and residents of the Rēzekne District,” notes Aldis Ciukmacis, Director of the Rēzekne District Sports School.
In the Stirnu buks run, trail runners will also have the opportunity to participate in the usual distances starting in Dubuļi – the “KARTE VESELĪBA Začs” 15-kilometer run, the “VENDEN Styrnu buks” 25-kilometer challenge, the “Vuovere” 6-kilometer challenge, the equally long LVM school championship run, and of course, the one-kilometer “GARDU MUTI Susurs” course for the little ones. Fans of the “ENEFIT Hiking distance” will have 15 and 25-kilometer distances available this time. After the award ceremony, participants are invited to a green ball at Lūznavas Manor in the evening.
Participants who complete their third stage of the season in Dubuļi will also receive special attention in this stage. This means they will have the opportunity to receive a large medal in the shape of the Latvian contour, into which they can insert the badge earned at each stage.
In this stage, as in Alsunga, participants and supporters can leave their cars at home and travel to Latgale by bus in collaboration with braucamkopā.lv. Transporters promise to provide a unique rest area and changing rooms. Register for the bus by logging into your Stirnu buks profile at www.stirnubuks.lv.
Event organizers emphasize that this is a specially protected natural area and being in Rāzna National Park is a special privilege! Participants are encouraged to leave the trail clean, bring their water containers during the run, stay on the marked trails, respect the environment, and follow the rules that help preserve the surrounding beauty.
- The “Stirnu buks” trail running series is the largest public sports series in Latvia. Each stage offers runners, Nordic walkers, and participants of hiking distances without time control the opportunity to explore Latvia’s most beautiful and scenic places and forests. The Stirnu buks season starts in March and ends in October, offering seven different stages in various scenic locations throughout the season. The distances are suitable for young and old buks who have been physically active for a long time and those who have only recently started to develop their abilities.
Previous “Vilks” stage results and winners:
- Opekalns, Alūksne District. Distance length 86km. Started 191, finished 176 participants.
Winners: Andris Ronimoiss and Agate Armane.
- Strīķupe, Cēsis DistArtūrs Vadzisrict. Distance length: 73km. Started 181, finished 159 participants.
Winners: Artūrs Vadzis and Amanda Krūmiņa.
- Sigulda, Sigulda District. Distance length: 83km. Started 154, finished 143 participants.
Winners: Gvido Kalniņš and Ilze Limanāne.
- Zvārtes iezis, Cēsis District. Distance length 71km. Started 190, finished 187 participants.
Winners: Artūrs Vadzis and Anete Švilpe.
After a short break, the next four stages of the season will take place on July 6 in Vecpiebalga, August 17 in Ventspils, and September 14 in Tukums. The trail running series will conclude on October 12 near Madona.
Competition “Dubuļu Styrnu buks” information page: HERE,
Competition “Dubuļu Styrnu buks” program: HERE!
Remaining stages of the season:
- May 25: “Dubuļu Styrnu buks”, Dubuļi, Rēzekne District
- July 6: “Vecpiebalga Stirnu buks”, Vēveri, Cēsis District
- August 17: “Piejūras Stirnu buks”, Piejūras Open Air Museum, Ventspils
- September 14: “Sveikuļu meža Stirnu buks”, Sveikuļi, Tukums District
- October 12: “Smeceres sila Stirnu buks”, Smeceres forest, Madona
These stages provide a variety of scenic routes that cater to different levels of runners, from beginners to seasoned athletes, in some of Latvia’s most picturesque environments. Each event challenges the participants physically and allows them to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the regions.
