Behaj Lesmi

About the Behaj Lesmi series

Behaj Lesmi is a series of 7 races in unique natural locations some of the most beautiful places in Slovakia. The races always offer a choice between the medium Lesnícka route of around 10km, a longer route of around 20 km and the UniCredit Bank family run of around 5 km. Naturally, there are also Dr. Max children’s races as well as team competitions.

Each stop on the calendar offers an unforgettable experience and its own dominant landmark. During the season, runners visit the romantic Smolenice Chateau, the picturesque village of Čičmany, explore the wild nature of Veľká Fatra and the surroundings of the mysterious Beckov Castle. One of the biggest attractions is an exclusive run directly along the Treetop Walk in BACHLEDKA, a route through the wine-growing region in Topoľčianky and the entire series culminates in a spectacular run through the historic Devín Castle.

Majestic Bachledova dolina was taken over by a forest pack. Runners were stopped by neither extreme heat

A cable car to the start, mountains stretching into infinity and a programme full of new features. This year’s Behaj Lesmi stop in Bachledova dolina had it all, including extremely hot weather. But the forest pack did not give up! The runners’ determination overcame all obstacles and brought a record-breaking attendance of 1,171 runners to the location.

Race overview and official results

As is customary at Behaj Lesmi events, the race day was opened by the youngest participants. Their courage came to show 297 young forest runners, who competed in six age categories on routes measuring 100, 500 and 1,000 metres. The children showed tremendous heart and, with their boundless energy and fighting spirit, provided motivation and a fantastic atmosphere for runners on the other routes.

The main programme continued with the start of the longest route. Exactly 20-kilometre runners set off on the challenging mountain-profile course, including 200 brave runners. In the men’s category, the clear winner was Michal Morvay with an excellent time 01:33:27. Among the women, the clear winner was Tatiana Rakytová, who crossed the finish line in 01:49:13.

This was followed by Lesnícka 10, chosen this time by as many as 315 competitors.
The fastest man on this course was Dominik Bobalik with a time of 00:45:16. The women’s category was won by Andrea Palowska with a time of 00:58:49.

The Lesnícka route was followed by the UniCredit Bank family run 5 km, which attracted 323 participants. The winner among the men was Lukáš Gdovin with a time 00:24:14. Among the women, an exceptionally fantastic performance was delivered by just eight-year-old Rozárie Horecká, who beat the competition with a time 00:31:29.

Special sections on the course

Runners in Bachledova dolina could also test their strength on special timed sections. The traditional speed bonus CONTI SPEED SECTION from Continental measured 150 metres, and the fastest man and woman on both routes won a valuable voucher for tyres.

This year's hot new feature of the series was not missing under the Tatras either. It was the JOJ ŠPORT FINISH SECTION – this 500-metre timed section just before the finish thoroughly tested the remaining strength of all participants in the hot and demanding mountain terrain. The three fastest women and three fastest men from each course will be evaluated on social media and subsequently rewarded with a voucher.

New features

A major premiere at this year's event in Bachledova dolina was the non-competitive activity UniCredit Bank Nordic Walking. This entirely new format showed that Behaj lesmi is truly for everyone. For the first time, it was joined by 36 enthusiastic walkers, who could enjoy the majestic mountain surroundings at their own pace.

The event partners also played an important role, contributing to the overall experience of the participants. The exceptional and family-friendly atmosphere was present not only on the course, but also in the event facilities. A refreshment gate from the brand Garnier.

provided the participants with perfect refreshment in the hot weather. UniCredit Bank added to the great experience with a stand offering a rich programme for the whole family. Children found the Timeline of Courage moments here – innovative digital kiosks featuring a graphic story about a local entrepreneur, through which they discovered the milestones of his career in a fun way. By taking part in the activity at the kiosk, they received a token for the adjacent Smoothie Bar. The children were also rewarded with the same healthy prize for creative drawings on the theme of what they would like to become when they grow up.

The logistics company DPD Slovenskoalso became a new supplier and partner of the series. Thanks to the exceptional reliability of its couriers, all event materials and media outputs are always delivered on time and safely.

Run for Karolínka

By taking part, participants traditionally also contributed to charitable causes. In Bachledova dolina, the aid was directed to three-year-old Karolínka, who has bravely been fighting three serious diagnoses since birth – childhood autism, epilepsy and a congenital deformity of the foot, pes equinovarus.

In the first days of her life, the little fighter had to undergo casting of her foot, followed by several demanding operations and long periods of intensive rehabilitation. Karolínka is non-verbal, does not understand everyday communication, cannot manage basic self-care activities, and her overall development is significantly affected by the combination of these serious diagnoses. Her health condition requires continuous, 24-hour professional care. Her family is doing everything possible to provide her with accessible therapies – from rehabilitation and sensory therapies to educational aids.

Thanks to contributions from the organisers of Behaj lesmi and the racers, a sum of 1 171 euroswas raised for Karolínka's family, helping her in the fight for a better quality of life.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks go to the resort BACHLEDKA, Treetop Walk and the Prešov Self-Governing Region for their significant support and cooperation in organising the event. Thank you for your help, goodwill and for creating the conditions that contributed to its successful course.

The forest pack will soon face the wildest and toughest stop of the entire series! They will have the opportunity to experience the Slovak wilderness in Veľká Fatra on 18 July.

Behaj Lesmi series races

Smolenice – 02.05.2026

Beckov – 16.05.2026

Bachledova dolina – 27.06.2026

Veľká Fatra – 18.07.2026

Čičmany – 22.08.2026

Topoľčianky (Night race) – 12.09.2026

Devín – 26.09.2026

Videos from previous editions

See the atmosphere of previous editions of Behaj Lesmi - Bachledova Dolina.

Behaj Lesmi – Bachledova dolina 2026

Behaj Lesmi – Bachledova dolina 2025

Behaj Lesmi – Bachledova dolina 2024

Behaj Lesmi – Bachledova dolina 2023

Behaj Lesmi – Bachledova dolina 2022