Petrich hosts record-breaking Samuil's warriors hike

More than 1,500 participants took part in the 13th annual “In the footsteps of Samuil's warriors” national hike near Petrich, Bulgaria. This year set a record for attendance, surpassing last year's figure of 1,400 participants.

The five-kilometer historical and tourist route ran from the Samuil's Fortress National Park-Museum to the village of Klyuch. The route passes through areas associated with the ancient fortress walls and historical battles between the Bulgarian and Byzantine armies.

Dimitar Brachkov, the Mayor of Petrich, noted that the event carries a heightened emotional significance this year, following the recent return of Tsar Samuil's remains to Bulgaria. Gergana Sandachkieva of the “Young Mountaineer” association, one of the organizers, added that the official celebrations in Sofia provided additional momentum to the initiative. The participants included families, children, hikers, and athletes from across the country.