Dokola Kletě

Dokola Kletě is a spring mountain race around Kleť, the highest point of the Blanský les, a forested range in South Bohemia between České Budějovice and Český Krumlov. Start and finish are in Třísov, at the village swimming area, in the municipality of Holubov. Launched in 2026 by Michal Boška with 53 runners on the start line, the race aims to become the event that opens the trail season in southern Bohemia each year, while keeping things small: the field is capped at 120.

There are two courses with the same character. The mountain ultra-marathon, about 44 km with 1,300 m of ascent, starts at 9:30 and traces a big loop around Kleť. It mixes long climbs, fast and more technical descents, forest singletrack, gravel roads and short tarmac links; much of it is genuinely runnable, but the profile wears the legs down. The mountain half marathon, about 22 km with 800 m of climbing, starts at 11:00: shorter, it keeps the same terrain and is anything but an easy option.

The race is aimed at runners used to trails who want to test their form after the winter, rather than at complete beginners. Both distances have an overall time limit of 17:00, and the ultra has an intermediate cut-off around halfway, four hours after the start. Key junctions are marked, but the organisers recommend carrying the GPX on a watch or phone. The paths stay open to walkers and traffic, who must be respected.

The course crosses the Blanský les Protected Landscape Area (CHKO), which brings strict rules: stay on marked, existing paths, drop litter only at aid stations and the finish, and play no music in the forest; the organisers sweep the whole course after the race. The summit of Kleť, at 1,084 m, carries Joseph's Tower, built in 1825 for Prince Joseph Schwarzenberg and regarded as the oldest stone lookout tower in the country. Třísov itself has the remains of a Celtic oppidum, with sections of rampart and a gate still visible.

On the practical side, bib collection opens at 8:00 at the start area, which has a bag drop, toilets, refreshments, medical cover and the prize-giving. Aid stations serve water, an isotonic drink, sweet and savoury snacks and fruit; a personal cup or soft flask is recommended, along with trail shoes and clothing suited to April weather that can mix sun, rain, wind and cold. Parking is limited, so car-sharing or the train is encouraged: Třísov station is within walking distance. Entries open online at the start of the year, with around twenty places kept back for race day.