Official Program of the KÉSZ Group Balatonfondo 2026

April 30, 2026

12:00–21:00: Race pack pickup for pre-registered participants + on-site registration
Location: Partitura - Balatonfüred, Zákonyi Ferenc street 12.
14:00–20:00: KÉSZ Group Balatonfondo Expo with exhibitors and discounts
Location: Balatonfüred, Vitorlás Square

May 1, 2026

06:00–07:30: Race pack pickup for pre-registered participants + on-site registration
Location: Partitura - Balatonfüred, Zákonyi Ferenc street 12.
08:00–09:30: Kids race registration
Location: Partitura - Balatonfüred, Zákonyi Ferenc street 12.
08:00–16:30: KÉSZ Group Balatonfondo Expo with exhibitors and discounts
Location: Balatonfüred, Vitorlás Square
08:00: KÉSZ Group Balatonfondo – Granfondo & Mediofondo start
Location: Balatonfüred, Zákonyi Ferenc Street
08:30: KÉSZ Group Balatonfondo – Piccolofondo tour start
Location: Balatonfüred, Vitorlás Square, Tagore Promenade
09:20: Expected first finisher (Mediofondo)
Location: Balatonfüred, Zákonyi Ferenc Street
09:47: Course split time limit
Location: Tótvázsony
10:30: Free kids race
Location: Balatonfüred, Terasz Restaurant parking & finish straight
11:25: Last finisher within time limit (Mediofondo)
Location: Balatonfüred, Zákonyi Ferenc Street
11:30: Mediofondo award ceremony
Location: Balatonfüred, Vitorlás Square, stage
11:50: Expected Piccolofondo finish
Location: Balatonfüred, Vitorlás Square
12:15: Expected first finisher (Granfondo)
Location: Balatonfüred, Zákonyi Ferenc Street
13:00: Kids race award ceremony
Location: Balatonfüred, Vitorlás Square, stage
15:30: Last finisher within time limit (Granfondo)
Location: Balatonfüred, Zákonyi Ferenc Street
15:35: Granfondo award ceremony
Location: Balatonfüred, Vitorlás Square, stage
16:00: Raffle draw with valuable prizes
Location: Balatonfüred, Vitorlás Square, stage

Race Pack Pickup

Due to high demand, race packs can also be collected by someone else with a photo ID of the participant (ID card, driver’s license, or passport containing all personal data).

On Thursday, pickup is extended until 21:00 to accommodate those arriving after work.

Strongly recommended: collect your race pack on Thursday.

Friday morning may be crowded, and despite increased staff, pickup before the start cannot be guaranteed for everyone.

Start Blocks & Line-up

A major new feature this year: start blocks.

Block 1: first 500 registrants + those who purchased priority start
Block 2: next 500 registrants + priority upgrades
Block 3: all remaining participants

Start line stretches from Zákonyi Ferenc Street to the Balatonfüred pier. Blocks are clearly marked by colors and signage. Your wristband and bib color match your start block — wearing it is mandatory for entry.

Line-up opens at 07:00.

Positions are first come, first served within your block.

Know the Course

Download the .gpx route files from the website and study the course.

The updated route includes several changes — preparation is key.

Course split point:

Tótvázsony (~42 km) — decision point until 09:47. After that, only the shorter route is available.

Hazardous Sections (selected)

20–21 km: steep descent with left turn
34–35 km: sharp right at bottom, then sharp left uphill
60–62 km: forest road (improved surface)
152–155 km+: multiple fast, steep descents
171 km: sharp right turn from descent

Refreshment & Waste Zones

Stay fueled to the finish

Granfondo: 4 stations
Mediofondo & Piccolofondo: 2 stations each

Waste disposal allowed only in designated zones. Protect the Balaton Highlands.

Race Center Update

We’ve outgrown the Kisfaludy Gallery New race center location:

Partitúra Balatonfüred, Zákonyi Ferenc u. 12.

Expo remains at Vitorlás Square.

Road Closures & Traffic

Start/finish area closed: 06:00–14:30
Then one-way traffic toward Tihany

Main road 71: continuous traffic with partial closures

Full closure on the course for ~15 minutes after the lead group, then partial reopening.

Follow all police and marshal instructions.

FAQ Highlights

Registration deadline:

Online: until April 29, 23:59
On-site: April 30, 12:00–21:00

Family programs?

Yes — Minifondo (kids) and Piccolofondo (guided tour)

Can I change distance mid-race?

Yes, until Tótvázsony (09:47)

Start procedure?

Line-up from 07:00, color-coded blocks, wristband required

Refreshments?

Gels, isotonic drinks, sweets, pastries, salt, boiled potatoes

Transfer entry?

Only if Flexi option was selected during registration

News

All key race information in one place