Ultra Balaton is a 220km ultra marathon in Balatonfüred, Hungary. Distance: 220km. Elevation: 2,200m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 33/100). DNF rate: 30%. Time limit: 36h. Surface: mixed. Established 2007.
Ultra Balaton
Balatonfüred, Veszprém, Hungary
"Circumnavigate Central Europe's largest lake — 220km around Lake Balaton in 36 hours."
A flat 220km circumnavigation of Lake Balaton — testing pure endurance around Central Europe's largest lake through Hungarian wine country.
The Course
A complete circumnavigation of Lake Balaton, Central Europe's largest lake. The course follows shoreline paths, vineyards, and small Hungarian towns. Despite being flat, the 220km distance and 36-hour time limit make this a serious endurance challenge.
flat
loop
18
350m
Runner Experience
Solid aid station network with 18 stops along the course. Standard ultra fare — food, electrolytes, first aid.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
12°C
5° – 18°
70%
35%
October in Hungary. Cool but pleasant for running. Night temperatures can drop significantly. Wind off the lake can be cold.
Stats & Records
2007
500
32:00:00
17:30:00
Tamas Bodnar (2022)
21:15:00
Andrea Mattyus (2023)
Entry
HUF 30000
March
months
Lore & Trivia
Ultra Balaton circumnavigates Lake Balaton — Central Europe's largest lake and Hungary's holiday destination — in a 220km non-stop footrace. The course follows the lake's shoreline through wine villages, thermal spa towns, and the volcanic hills of the Balaton Uplands. Hungarian ultra running is growing fast, and Balaton — with its flat, runnable course and the psychological anchor of the lake always visible — is the country's flagship event.
- ▸ Runners circumnavigate Lake Balaton, Central Europe's largest lake at 79km long.
- ▸ The course is almost entirely flat but the 220km distance creates its own brutal challenge.
- ▸ Hungarian wine regions along the north shore provide a scenic backdrop of vineyards.
- ▸ The large field size (800 runners) creates a unique community atmosphere for a 200km+ event.
- ▸ Established in 2007.
Running around Europe's largest lake — 220km of Hungarian countryside, thermal villages, and vineyards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Ultra Balaton? +
Ultra Balaton is a 220km (220km) ultra marathon with 2,200m of elevation gain. The course is loop on mixed terrain.
How hard is Ultra Balaton? +
Ultra Balaton is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 33/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 30%. Runners have 36 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Ultra Balaton? +
Average temperature is 12°C (range 5°C to 18°C) with 70% humidity and a 35% chance of rain. October in Hungary. Cool but pleasant for running. Night temperatures can drop significantly. Wind off the lake can be cold.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Ultra Balaton? +
Crew access is allowed. Pacers are allowed.
What is the course record for Ultra Balaton? +
The men's course record is 17:30:00 set by Tamas Bodnar in 2022. The women's course record is 21:15:00 set by Andrea Mattyus in 2023.
What is the average finish time for Ultra Balaton? +
The average finish time is 32:00:00. About 500 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 30%.
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