Already on Friday evening, the Curonian Spit began to fill with the first participants, and today from 7 a.m. thousands of them set off on the routes. Here are families with little hikers, as well as those who decided to seriously test their limits this weekend.
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32 hours without sleep
This year, “TrenkTuras” dared to do something that had never happened in the entire eleven-year history of the hikes – for the first time, a red and black 120-kilometer route was prepared for the participants.
As many as 650 hikers today chose routes of 82, 100, or 120 kilometers. While most participants will already be resting their legs in the evening, they will turn on their flashlights and continue their journey through the night. The organizers’ team will wait for them at the start and finish zones until 3 p.m. on Sunday – a full 32 hours from the first Saturday starts.
“This year we dared to do something that had never happened in the entire ten-year history of ‘TrenkTuras.’ For the first time, we prepared a 120-kilometer route. To be honest, the hikers themselves asked us for it, so we had no choice but to surprise them. Every year we organize a huge hike by the sea – last year it took place in Liepaja, and this year we returned to our beloved Curonian Spit. We know there will be tough moments, so we wish everyone the greatest endurance and look forward to each person returning to the finish,” says “TrenkTuras” co-founder Deividas Urbonavičius.
The finish is not the end of the day
For the first time, “EINA SAU ISTORIJOS” will sound on the “TrenkTuras” stage today. Conversations will be hosted by Kornelija Jasiūnaitė, and her guests will be people for whom hikes, nature, and adventures hold a special place in their lives.
The General Director of the State Forest Enterprise Valdas Kaubrė will talk about the forests of the Curonian Spit, Mantas Grimalis will answer why vaseline might be needed when walking 100 kilometers, and Alanas and Jonas from “Paskutinė pamoka” will recall their summer adventure when, still students, they walked from Vilnius to Palanga with only a paper map in their pocket. “TrenkTuras” co-founder Deividas Urbonavičius will share how to inspire hundreds of people to voluntarily cover 100 kilometers in a day.
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And for those who chose shorter distances today, the finish will not mean the end of the day. With a hiking medal, participants can enter the “Sveika Neringa” festival concert for free, where Andrius Mamontovas and Giedrė will perform in the evening.
So while some with medals around their necks will dance at the concert, others somewhere on the Curonian Spit will still be placing one step after another towards their 100 or 120-kilometer finish.
Thousands of steps – for a common goal
Today, the kilometers collected on the Curonian Spit have another meaning. Since the beginning of the war, “TrenkTuras” together with its community has supported Ukraine, and when registering for the hikes, participants can additionally donate to the “Blue/Yellow” organization.
There are hikers who miss almost no “TrenkTuras” event and each time choose to contribute to support along with their hike ticket. Today is no exception – the “Coastline Trek” community joins the “Blue/Yellow” initiative “Dronatonas,” dedicated to supporting drones for interceptors and soldier training. Hikers who contribute will receive special “Dronatonas” T-shirts at the start.
Today on the Curonian Spit – 6,500 hikers and thousands of different reasons to hike. For some, the finish will come after a few hours, others will strive for it all night and part of the morning. But one thing is clear – this weekend the Curonian Spit will not sleep until the last hiker crosses the finish line.
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