Kékes Iconic Trail.
It is barely over ten kilometres, yet no distance at the Kékes Iconic Trail climbs more per kilometre than the Halálka. Two climbs set the terms: the first goes straight from Mátraháza to just above 1,000 metres, and the second waits at the very end, carrying you steeply to the finish.
Kékes Iconic Trail 2027: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
From the competition centre in Mátraháza the course drops gently for half a kilometre, then the main climb starts at once: just under three kilometres at a little over eleven percent on average, up to the high point of the loop at just above 1,000 metres. Almost at the top, at km 3.5, stands the only aid point on the course.
From there the route falls steadily to km 9, interrupted only by a nearly level kilometre at around 640 metres. The end of the descent, at 520 metres, is the lowest point, and it is where you learn why this loop is no sprint: the last kilometre and a half or so averages 14 percent, steeper than anything before it, back up to Mátraháza.
This is a mountain loop in the Mátra, marked with ribbons and signs. Start and finish share one site, with changing rooms, bag storage and toilets. The field is capped at 125, and the early March date makes the Halálka a mountain race you prepare for in the middle of winter.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 0.5 | 2.9 km | 11.3 % | 23 % | +325 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 9 | 1.4 km | 14.3 % | 24.5 % | +197 m | Cat. 3 |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace Kékes Iconic Trail.
Start under control
The first climb starts before you are warm, and it is long enough to overdraw you early. Take it so that you can run again the moment you reach the top. The steepest parts exceed 20 percent, and there a strong walk costs less than a forced run gains.
Hold your rhythm
The trap is the descent. More than a third of the course falls steeply, and almost 500 metres of drop invite you to bank time. Every hard braking step, though, comes straight out of what you need at the end. Stay light with short strides, and use the level stretch around km 7.5 to loosen your legs.
Spend what is left
The race is decided on the closing ramp from km 9. It is steeper on average than the first climb and meets you on tired quads. With no aid after km 3.5, drink enough at the top. Whoever can still hold a firm rhythm here gains more in 1.4 kilometres than on the entire descent.
Training plan for Kékes Iconic Trail: 12-week build
Build the base
Expect roughly 1:15 to 2:00 hours. On paper that is a short run; in practice it is two hard mountain blocks joined by a long descent. You work near threshold on both climbs, and while your breathing recovers on the way down, your muscles do not.
Train race pace
The Halálka therefore asks for two things: working steadily uphill on steep ground for about half an hour without overreaching, and then attacking a shorter, steeper slope after the descent has hurt your legs. The second is the rarer skill and it settles the finish.
Rehearse the course
Build in hill intervals of 15 to 25 minutes on slopes around ten percent, mixing running and fast walking. Once a week, have one session copy the race order: run downhill, then go straight up about a kilometre of steep ground at the bottom. Add strength work for the quads, especially eccentric, so the descent does not cost you the closing climb.
Arrive fresh
The 6 March date puts the key weeks in winter. Do the downhill sessions outside on trails anyway, because a treadmill cannot supply that load. Also rehearse one session with a single drink stop after the first climb, because in the race that stop has to carry you all the way to the finish.
Courses
Download the Kékes Iconic Trail course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Let YOUB adapt your plan for Kékes Iconic Trail dynamically
Ben connects your goal, the course, current load, recovery, and calendar. Your plan stays pointed at race day even when real life is not perfectly plannable.
Everything about Kékes Iconic Trail.
How long is Kékes Iconic Trail?
Kékes Iconic Trail is 10.4 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Kékes Iconic Trail have?
Kékes Iconic Trail has around 547 m of elevation gain over 10.4 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Kékes Iconic Trail?
Kékes Iconic Trail is classified as Mountainous, averaging 53 vertical metres per kilometre. 3% of the route is flat, 14% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 32% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Kékes Iconic Trail have?
The hardest climb of Kékes Iconic Trail starts at kilometre 0.5, runs for 2.9 km at an average of 11.3% and gains 325 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 2. 2 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Kékes Iconic Trail a loop course?
Yes, Kékes Iconic Trail is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Kékes Iconic Trail course?
Yes. The Kékes Iconic Trail course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Kékes Iconic Trail?
Preparation for Kékes Iconic Trail should account for 10.4 km, 547 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Kékes Iconic Trail?
The pacing strategy for Kékes Iconic Trail should reflect 10.4 km, 547 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Kékes Iconic Trail take place?
Kékes Iconic Trail takes place on March 6, 2027.
Where does Kékes Iconic Trail take place?
Kékes Iconic Trail takes place in Gyöngyös, Hungary.
Which distances does Kékes Iconic Trail offer?
Kékes Iconic Trail offers 4 distances — Halálka — 10.4 km: 10.4 km; Kishalál — 17.5 km: 17.5 km; Nagyhalál — 27.5 km: 27.5 km; Kínhalál — 39.9 km: 39.9 km.
How do I register for Kékes Iconic Trail?
Registration runs through the organiser: kekesiconictrail.hu. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
