Sports tourism, which is comparatively new to Bulgaria, has been growing more and more popular at a rapid rate. Runners of all distances take part in various events, and they come not only from Bulgaria, but from other countries as well, public service TV BNT reports.

• 500 runners to take part in the Christmas “Nessebar half marathon”
• Dunav Ultra – the biggest cycling challenge with a cause starts at Vidin
• PirinRun 2020 attracts mountain runners, cyclists for 7th time

In 2023, more than 5,000 runners from over 55 countries took part in the 2023 Sofia marathon alone.

• Participants from 57 countries to run at the 40th Sofia Marathon

The event has grown to be highly popular, and is on the world athletics calendar. Runners from other countries usually come to Bulgaria with their families, or with friends, and they spend more than one day here to take a tour of different landmarks in the country. Bulgaria’s 2024 sporting calendar offers a diversity of events. The Sofia marathon attracts the highest numbers of runners from abroad, followed by the marathons – Persenk, Pirin, Tryavna, Tran Ultra Run, Dunav Ultra and the emblematic Vitosha 100.