LION HEART is a competition setting out to look for the unlimited human potential through the natural wealth of Strandzha and the cultural heritage of Primorsko. This exceptional challenge provokes us to believe in our super powers and to overcome our own limits. Inspired by the great tales of Strandzha’s heroes and the epic past of this sacred region we invite everyone who is ready to join us against 3 km swimming in the sea, 116 km mountain biking and 21 km trail running. Embrace the competition to see if you shall find your lion heart too.
From the Lion Heart team
The competition starts in the northern part of the Pearl Gulf in Primorsko, on the beach near the “Lion Heart” base camp. It includes two laps of 1500 m each. The trace marked by buoys is parallel to the shore at distance of 100 m from it. For the safety of the swimmers teams of Bulgarian Red Cross Life Guards will watch over with kayaks and motor boats. The depth is about 4 m and goes above the ruins of the sunken ancient Thracian city of Ranuli, the main entrance to the former lands of the Asti tribe.
After finishing the swimming leg the athletes go through base camp and continue with the cycling leg.
Dismiss
Cycling starts from the Lion heart base camp, follows the coast alley of Primorsko, crosses the city park and through the streets reaches the road fork to Pismenovo. This village marks the 11th km of the route where the first reinforcement checkpoint is. The road leads via the village of Visitza to the second checkpoint in Zabernovo at 22th km. The lion hearts can then enjoy a long downhill section through the millennial forest of Paroria reserve and the famous Thracian Camp at Kachul area. After crossing the bridge of Veleka river the road becomes flat along the right side of the river to the third checkpoint at Kosti at the 75th km from base camp. After climbing on a smooth asphalt road through the amazing natural reserve Silkosia a thrilling downhill takes the riders to Tissovitsa natural reserve and Fazanovo village. There lies the last checkpoint of the cycling leg at the 100th km. Then the route goes directly to Lion heart base camp for the final leg – running.
The final stage starts at Lion heart base camp in the northeast direction passing by the residency Pearl. The route crosses picturesque crags and fresh broad-leaved forests to cape Maslen nos and the sacred sanctuary Beglik Tash at the 9-th km. This is the last reinforcement checkpoint. The athletes follow the markings to the intimate beach of the gulf St. Paraskeva and back via forest pathway to the Ropotamo reserve. In 1929 the Bulgarian sailor Kostadin Georgiev sacrifised his life to save the crew of the French ship Jacque Frassine, crushed not far from this place. We bow our heads to his memory and after a short run on the asphalt we start the climb to the astonishing stone phenomenon Lavskata glava (Lion’s head).
This is the last trial for the lion hearts, however the prize is well worth it. After the uphill comes the most panoramic part of the competition. We stop to take a deep breath and enjoy the magnificent view of the whole Arkutino gulf, lying behind the Lion’s head to the north and the coast of Kiten and Primorsko to the south. Energy is literally swarming from these sacred lands.
What follows is a pleasant, long descend via the not-so-well-known parts of Ropotamo, where herds of roes and deer can be seen, back to the “Lion heart” base camp through a splendid final sprint.
The whole competition was unique – awesome emotion and organization. Everyone had a huge smile and was very positive. Whenever I see a smiling volunteer, I always smile back!
Mihaela PetrovaThe experience cannot be put into words. Not a single day passes by that I don’t remember this competition.
Pavlin GeorgievThis was my first triathlon ever. Lion heart unlocked my new-found love for ultra cross triathlons so the adventure is just beginning. A big thank you to every lion heart that took part in this challenge!
Vasil DinevThe enormous amount of devotion is evident, especially the attention to the participants’ security and health. Тhe motivation of your team is so inspiring that it spreads like a wildfire throughout the athletes. It was a pleasure to be part of this grand adventure!
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