Petar Hristov sets new record on Bulgaria's E8 route

Ultramarathon runner Petar Hristov has set a new record for the fastest traversal of the Bulgarian section of the E8 European long-distance path. Hristov completed the 420-kilometer route through the Rila and Rhodope Mountains in 3 days, 16 hours, and 9 minutes.

Starting from Borovets and finishing in the village of Mezek, the achievement improved his previous personal best by more than 14 hours. The trek involved significant physical and mental challenges, including technical terrain and harsh weather conditions such as sub-zero temperatures and strong winds.

The E8 route is part of an international network of hiking trails stretching from Ireland to Bulgaria. This specific challenge was part of the long-term project ‘E8 – the route to the soul of the Rhodopes’, which aims to promote the route and improve tourism infrastructure in the region.