The trail and the legends

Krali Marko Trails is the largest trail running event in Macedonia (this year taking place for the seventh time), named after a Balkan historical and legendary figure, Krali Marko, known for his heroic feats. He ruled from Marko’s Towers, the hill and fortress above the city of Prilep (where all the trail running races pass). All the races lead you through Marko’s Towers, a natural rock formation that consists of giant granite stones scattered all over the hills. A lot of these rock formations have their own names inspired by real-life objects and animals: the Elephant, the Turtle, the Lion etc.

In 2016, more than 300 runners from 13 countries and and 100+ kids participated in the races.

The races

There are a handful of different all-ages races, as well as a special kids’ race.

– Krali Marko Ultra Trail: 110 km, 5300 m of denivelation, start 22 September, 2017, 11 pm local time, 5 points for UTMB – Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc – ITRA verified.

– Kozjak Trail: 65 km, 3000 m of denivelation, start 23 September, 2017, 8 am local time, 4 points for UTMB – Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc – ITRA verified.

– Kamena Baba Trail: 31 km, 1250 m of denivelation, start 23 September, 2017, 10 am local time.

– Treskavec Trail: 16 km, 800 m of denivelation, start 23 September, 2017, 10 am local time.

– Markukule Trail – Kids’ race: 1 km, start 23 September, 2017, 10:30 am local time.

The trails are quite technical and distinctive, sometimes carved into stones and granite boulders.

When and where: 22/24 September, starting and finishing in the city of Prilep in the southern part of Macedonia. Registration is open from April 1 until September 1.

Courtesy of Krali Marko’s Trails

Courtesy of Krali Marko’s Trails

Courtesy of Krali Marko’s Trails

Courtesy of Krali Marko’s Trails

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La Tomatina (Spain)

This is the biggest tomato fight. Every year, thousands of tomato fans arrive in the village of Buñol, close to Valencia, Spain to take part in the epic tomato fight – La Tomatina. More than 30,000 people wait impatiently for the flare signalling the start the fight, and several trucks haul the tomatoes used in the fight. It takes place on the last Wednesday in August.

Burning Man (USA)

This festival is a must for every free spirit. It’s hard to put into words, so you have to be there to understand what exactly this event is all about. For two weeks each year, tens of thousands of people gather in the desert near the city of Reno, USA, to create a temporary metropolis dedicated to exchanging knowledge, skills, creativity and art. Nothing is sold, there are only acts of gift giving. The culmination of the event is the symbolic ritual burning of a large wooden effigy – “the Man”, from whence comes the name of the festival.

Holi (India) 

Holi, the colorful Indian festival

Every year during this joyful festival, the streets of Indian towns fill with people who throw colored powder and colored water at each other. No one gets out dry and uncolored! The holiday is dedicated to fertility. The date varies, it’s usually in March.

Songkran (Thailand)

Songkran, the Thai New Year

The New Year in Thailand, celebrated on 13th April, has turned into great fun for locals and visitors. The Thai people pay reverence to Buddha, clean their houses and pour water over elders as a way to show respect. Over the past years, though, the tradition has become a bit wilder – whether you’re an elder or not, expect water gun shoot-outs in the streets, whole buckets of water to be amicably poured over you or water balloons to be thrown at you.

READ MORE: Where to see Rafflesia in Thailand – the biggest flower in the world

Up Helly Aa (Scotland)

Up Helly Aa Festival in Sctoland

This is the name of the biggest fire-Viking creation of Scotland. A festival where every year a whole galley (Viking long ship) is burnt down. In the Scottish town of Lerwick there is a procession of burning torches and the term “Viking drinking spree” acquires whole new dimensions. It’s always held on the last Tuesday of January.

Menton Lemon Festival (France)

The Lemon Festival in Menton

In February the French Riviera will surprise you with a refreshing dose of vitamin C – a three-week, open-air festival, where scantily-clad dancers move to the rhythm of Brazilian music among huge sculptures of oranges and lemons. Each statue takes weeks to make, and the theme is different every year – from an round-the-world trip to Disneyland to antique heroes.

The post In for a thrill: six of the craziest festivals in the world appeared first on 203Challenges.

There are many attractions which stay open even when it’s dark outside. There are also events specially created to make your night more interesting. It’s a different world when you trade the light of the sun for the light of the moon and the stars. Here are a few examples just to kick off. 

Late night events:

European Night of Museums – This is the night when many museums and galleries in Europe remain open until midnight and host special events. All comes with a sweet free entry. It takes place every year on the Saturday closest to 18th May – the International Day of Museums. Official website is here. 

European Literature Night – Celebrities read excerpts from European works of art. It takes place in May. Official website is here. 

European Theater Night – Theaters and opera houses open their doors for tours and special events. Plays are sold at special prices. It’s held in November. Official website is here.

European Researchers’ Night – research centers and museums open doors to show their achievements (every year in late September.

Open-air cinema – enjoy a movie under the stars at the closest cinema near you.

Attractions open during the night:

The Colosseum – Every summer from May until October the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, is open until midnight on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (reservation necessary).

The Brooklyn Museum – In New York, the Brooklyn Museum has free admission until 11 p.m. the first Saturday of each month (except September).

The Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center offers 70th floor views of Manhattan until midnight (last elevator up is at 11 p.m.).

The Empire State Building’s observation deck is open until 2 a.m.

Night markets in Thailand – in Bangkok, Thailand, every district has its own night market where you can find all kinds of food, goods and fun activities, at the same time immersing yourself the best way possible into local life. Try the biggest market, Rot Fai, or the bohemian JJ Green Night Market.

Other night adventures:

Join a night sky watch through a telescope – find the nearest astronomical observatory and check possible dates.

Organize a night picnic with lanterns/candles/campfire.

Go far from the city lights to watch the Perseid meteor shower in mid-August.

Take a night hike through the mountains – Under the only light of the moon or a headlamp – with an experienced guide or along trails you know like the back of your hand. 

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