Leki Ještěd SkyRace

Forget flat, asphalted paths and park strolls. If you’re after a race that will redefine what it means to have “burning thighs,” Leki Ještěd SkyRace in the Liberec area is a total classic of skyrunning and mountain running in Central Europe. It’s an event for those who love technical terrain, massive elevation, and breathtaking panoramas over the Giants Mountains and the Jizera Mountains.

The main battleground is the characteristic mountain ridge and the summit Ještěd (1012 m asl). The races typically offer the flagship itinerary SkyRace (about 21–22 km with a brutal elevation gain around 1200–1350 meters) as well as a shorter, more dynamic version Trail (about 11–12 km, roughly 700–950 m of elevation). The course is a real rollercoaster: technical descents on unstable rocks, steep climbs via forest tracks, grassy ski-slope gradients, and the cult, rocky ascent to the television tower at the summit.

After a titanic effort, the descent to the base and collecting your unique, well-earned medal, your legs will crave a serious recovery, and your stomach – a hefty dose of carbohydrates. Liberec and its surroundings boast superb attractions:

The iconic Ještěd summit: If, during the route, you only had time to look at your feet (which is highly recommended at this pace and on these technical rocks), come back to the summit calmly. The futuristic television tower, looking like a spacecraft landing, is the symbol of the region. From the terrace, you’re treated to a breathtaking panorama of the Jizera Mountains, the Giants Mountains, and the Polish-German border 🗼.

A well-deserved reset at the Centrum Babylon (Wellness Centrum) : Your tired, sore muscles from the brutal descents will be begging for help. The Wellness Centrum is a vast complex inspired by ancient baths. Saunas, steam rooms, salt caves, aromatherapy, and hot pools: absolute paradise for a runner after a challenging skyrun 🌊.

Stroll around the Liberec City Hall : The historic center of Liberec charms with its architecture. The impressive Neo-Renaissance town hall recalls Vienna’s buildings, and at night it’s spectacular. Modern, charming specialty cafes around the Market Square are perfect for a morning coffee and celebrating your athletic success 🏛️.

A feast for skyrunners to satisfy a huge appetite: The SkyRace route burns thousands of calories. Head to a traditional Czech inn and order a hearty, satisfying dish. A comforting garlic soup (česnečka) with croutons and cheese will be perfect, then for the main course – the classic guláš s knedlíkem or crispy fried cheese (smažák) with fries and tartar sauce. Add to that a chilled local Konrad beer from Liberec Brewery, or the famous Svijany beer, to toast to conquering Ještěd! 🍲🍻

Get ready with aggressively studded shoes, bring trekking poles, prepare for a serious effort, and come test yourself against the legendary Czech summit at the Leki Ještěd SkyRace !