THREE WEEKENDS, THREE THRILLING RACES, AND ONE UNFORGETTABLE GOAL! Part 1 CHE TRCHAME PRILEP

DISCOVER SEPTEMBER BY RUNNING ACROSS SUN-DRENCHED MACEDONIA!

As August fades and September dawns, three Macedonian cities come alive with street races. Whether you choose the 5k, 10k, or half-marathon, immerse yourself in the charm of Prilep, Bitola, and Kichevo. Make every stride count by supporting local charities through RUN4.me—upload your race results and turn your fastest post-summer run into a force for good.

Let me share a glimpse of my journey over these past three weeks, as we gently bid farewell to summer and greet autumn—the most magical season for runners.Dive into the excitement of the 'Che trcame' race, inspired by the local word for 'will.' As the starting gun echoes, runners burst onto the course, choosing between 5km and 10km routes. The mostly flat terrain, with just a gentle 50-meter climb, keeps you on your toes. The city center buzzes with anticipation as you race past Alexandria Square and along Goce Delcev Boulevard, where linden trees whisper stories of the past. Landmarks like the Monument to Alexander the Great and the October 11 Museum stand as silent witnesses to history, adding depth to every stride.

The story unfolds as you speed past roundabouts decorated with monuments to Prilep’s defenders from 2001. The Cultural Center rises nearby, hosting Macedonia’s grandest theater festival and reflecting the city’s creative spirit. As the race intensifies, the 5k route draws you toward the city river, where monuments, schools, and the breathtaking Orthodox church of St. Transfiguration await. For those tackling the 10k, the journey repeats, building a steady rhythm of determination.

Each stride through Prilep is a step into a city rich with tradition and culture. Runners might decide to linger beyond the race, drawn by the spirit and history the city generously offers. Positioned in Macedonia's lushest plain, Prilep's economy thrives on tobacco, food industries, beverages, and its world-acclaimed white marble, which graces palaces and monuments worldwide. As dusk settles, the sense of reward culminates with a lavish spread of local delights. Consider exploring the Museum of Uprising - Uchashtak or the world-renowned Tobacco Museum. For the adventurous, Marko's Fortress present an ascent to ancient fortress ruins, and in June, the Vojdan Chernodrinski Theater Festival enlivens the town.

Beyond Prilep's heart, one can discover Blaže Koneski’s memorial house, a nod to the intellectual who pioneered Macedonian literacy, a mere 17 kilometers away. Autumn bouldering near Marko's Fortress presents another adventurous facet. Religious tourism thrives here with a hike to St. Archangel Michael monastery for panoramic city vistas or a scenic bike ride to Zrze village for breathtaking valley views and monastery-made sweets. As the sun sets, savor the finest Macedonian barbecue at local cafes or join the July beer festival for music-filled nights under the stars. Kalinka cafe bar keeps spirits high with live rock, jazz, and blues performances by local talent on weekends, ensuring that the journey from start gun to sunset feast is as fulfilling as the race itself.If you participate in the official race at the end of August, organizers provide a comprehensive starting package. Each registered competitor receives a t-shirt, an electronic chip for time verification, energy gels, and sponsor products. You also get a package of digital photos from your race to download afterwards. Every finisher receives a medal, beautifully designed with one of the monuments from the Park of the Undefeated in the foreground: Mogila, a large monument to the Hero City. Prilep has ten national heroes from World War II. Visit this site for its cultural value and impressive design. It is also a great place to warm up before the race, with an excellent path in the park's center, a running route of about 700 -800 meters through the beautiful park forest that offers beautiful panoramas of the city and Mark's Towers.On RUN4.me, You can download the race route in GPX format and run the race when you are in the city, but you can also upload your running route through Prilep and receive discounts and prizes at local RUN4.ME partners, of course, support the noble cause of GGR - a Prilep-based non-governmental organization that cares for orphaned children in Prilep. While in town you can stay in Prilep in one of the hotels in the city center or choose one of the apartments in Prilep on Airbnb.We highly recommend starting your three-week running adventure from Prilep - the hero city, the city of tobacco, beer, and white gold marble that will house and feed you and will become an indispensable destination for every snowy ČE run route.With run4me you get the opportunity for different running packages, accommodation, and entry to events while you are in the city, so don't wait, take advantage of the discounts and the opportunity to become part of this beautiful city - run its streets and hidden beauties!