Run!
Step behind the starting line of the Maratonman Spring Run on Sunday, 20 April. The route was only partly determined on the basis of safety: organizers made sure to include the most beautiful parts of Balatonfüred and that family members and fans can contact participants easily throughout the race. Some support is always handy during a marathon, but a high-five is also a great boost in a half-marathon, and the 10.5-km or the 6.5-km distances. Further help includes refreshment stations, secured route, and the bogrács party afterwards.
For adrenalin junkies, we recommend the Hungarian leg of the international obstacle race, Spartan Race on Saturday, 26 April. Women and men of steel test their speed and skills against each other, running, swimming and crawling in the mud on the course full of natural obstacles in Eplény. Registration in teams or individually; separate categories for young Spartans, based on age.
Friendly atmosphere, new, additional competitions, a fair, paper-making, a petting zoo and an asphalt drawing competition for kids, not to mention the pasta dinner for participants - all this at the 6th Káli Run in Kővágóörs. The half-marathon, the 8-km race, and the 500- and 1000-m youth races start at 11 AM on Saturday, 24 May. You can also join an amateur cycling half-marathon and the orienteering event. The latter accepts teams, families and individuals as well on two distances (3 and 6 km). See other cycling tours and races here.
If you're up to an extreme challenge, try the Ultrabalaton running competition on the last weekend of May. The race starts from Balatonaliga at 6 AM on 31 May and returns to the same place after 212 kilometres. You can participate as a member of a team or individually, and can also choose from the alternative distances of 50, 115, or 156 km. You can also complete the longest, Balatonround distance by bike. You can ride individually or escort a runner, so both of you can enjoy the services of the refreshment stations.
Hiking
If you prefer hiking in company, there are numerous hiking options for you at Lake Balaton in April and May. The fresh air, ideal hiking temperature and rampant nature are all given, so hiking is definitely a great choice of recreation. You won't get lost, because all the guided tours provide you with maps and itineraries.In some cases, participants also receive some chocolate or a glass of wine as refreshments along the way.
On 19, 26 and 27 April, you can participate in guided hikes in teh Keszthelyi-hegység, organized by Forrásvíz Természetbarát Egyesület, while on Wednesday, 28 May, there will be a Nordic Walking beginners' course and tour from Gyenesdiás with the Nordic Walking Sport Egyesület.
Although there is an unswerving strip of asphalt between Siófok and Zamárdi, you can also choose a trail between lakes and forests in the frame of the Cinege Long-distance Hike on Saturday, 26 April. Optional distances: 40, 25, or 10 kilometres
On the very same day (or evening, rather) you can join the Balatonalmádi by night hike of the Mounteverest hike series. The participants receive a detailed map of the 8.85-km route. As it takes only 3.5 hrs, it is also ideal for an evening stroll. Start and finish at Pannónia Culture Centre and Library of Balatonalmádi.
You can also start your long weekend with a night hike. There will be a hike of about 3 kilometres from Felsőörs for teams of 4-5 people at sunset on Wednesday, 30 April. After completeing the hike, participants erect a maypole.
Overtake the narrow-gauge railway on Thursday, 1 May, in the frame of a hike beginning from and returning to Mesztegnyő. Optional distances: 25, 20 or 10 kilometres. Afterwards, you can admire the wonders, including the variegated fauna and vipers, of the Boronkai nature reserve from a coach of the railway.
The following day, the Káli-Tour sets out from the Ábrahámhegy train station on 60, 30 and15-km distances. You can also explore the natural values of the Káli-medence in the frame of 60 and 40-km bike rides.
Be sure not to miss the 18+ night sightseeing of We Love Balaton on Friday, 2 May, where you can get to know the luscious side of Balatonfüred in the frame of the Open Balaton event series.
Alsóörs invites you to a 5-km family hike and a 20-km long-distance hike on Saturday, 3 May. You can eat a nice bowl of bean soup with pork trotters for 500 HUF after the walk.
You just have to complete 100 metres in the frame of the shortest hike of Hungary at the smallest settlement of the country, Óbudavár on Sunday, 11 May. The wild-at-heart can opt for the 1-km walk that goes around the settlement, or upgrade to the 5, 10, 20-km or the marathon distances.
On Saturday, 17 May, you'll have yet again several hiking options to choose from. Explore the surroundings of Balatzonfűzfő in the frame of the 15 and 25-km Jáde hikes, or start out from Badacsonytördemic and discover the Monadnocks in the frame of the pleasant, 8-km Monadnock Round, or a 10, 20, 30, or 50-km long-distance hike. Cyclists can also choose from several options, routes of 70, 50 or 30-km around Badacsony.
