The second edition of Big Bear’s Ultra Trail Race took place on September 21-22, 2024, amidst the picturesque hills and mountains surrounding Žilina, under perfect clear skies.
In the main event, the BBU100+ (118 km / 6,300 m), Ján Virostko claimed victory, finishing ahead of fellow Slovaks Vladimír Hnojčík and Milan Králik. On the women’s side, defending champion Eva Mareková (SVK) showcased her dominance once again, securing first place. She was followed by Czech runners Kateřina Smišková and Adéla Jemelíková, who completed the podium.
The shorter ultra, BBU60+ (62 km / 3,500 m), welcomed its first international winners. Michal Hruška (CZE) triumphed in the men’s race, with Slovaks Miroslav Bednárik and Juraj Lednický finishing in second and third, respectively. In the women’s race, Kateřina Pospíšilová (CZE) took top honors, followed by Nóra Juhász (HUN) and Tatiana Rakytová (SVK).
In the BBU20 (20 km), Pavol Orolín (SVK) claimed the men’s title, while Viktória Nyikos (HUN) won the women’s race.
The fiercely competitive BBU RELAY (118 km / 6,300 m), featuring four-member teams, was won by Team Ultroni, led by last year’s BBU100+ champion, Adam Drga.
RESULTS
BBU100+
Men:
1. Ján Virostko (SVK) – 16:54:30
2.-3. Vladimír Hnojčík (SVK) – 17:07:49
2.-3. Milan Králik (SVK) – 17:07:49
Women:
1. Eva Mareková (SVK) – 19:51:49
2. Kateřina Smíšková (CZE) – 23:39:06
3. Adéla Jemelíková (CZE) – 23:56:10
BBU60+
Men:
1. Michal Hruška (CZE) – 07:50:01
2. Miroslav Bednárik (SVK) – 08:33:08
3. Juraj Lednický (SVK) – 08:46:39
Women:
1. Kateřina Pospíšilová (CZE) – 09:00:03
2. Nóra Juhász (HUN) – 09:12:32
3. Tatiana Rakytová (SVK) – 09:14:45
BBU20
Men:
1. Pavol Orolín (SVK) – 01:21:42
2. Martin Šišovský (SVK) – 01:33:51
3. Ján Benedikty (SVK) – 01:34:48
Women:
1. Viktória Nyikos (HUN) – 01:57:32
2. Martina Škovranová (SVK) – 02:11:51
3. Jana Bielická (SVK) – 02:11:57
BBU RELAY
1. Ultroni – 13:50:17