Blagoy Solakov: From Zero to Hero, and Back to Sparta Again
Blagoy ultra running journey, from his marathon in 2016 to his comeback to Spartathlon 2026
Ultrarunning is a sport where the line between pain and joy blurs somewhere around kilometer 80. Few people understand this better than Blagoy Solakov, a seasoned ultrarunner from Bulgaria whose story proves that running isn’t just about distance, it’s about determination, family, and maybe even a little bit of chess.
With a UTMB® Index of 563, countless Vitosha 100 finishes, a Spartathlon under his belt, and personal bests that make most runners shake their heads in disbelief, Blagoy has built a reputation for pushing limits while keeping a smile on his face. But what makes his journey remarkable is not just the kilometers he has conquered; it’s the way he balances a demanding corporate career, fatherhood, and the relentless pursuit of endurance greatness.
This is Blagoy’s story, told through his own words and reflections.
Balancing Corporate Life with Ultrarunning Dreams
By day, Blagoy is a Corporate Sales Dealer at UniCredit Bulbank in Sofia. By night (and very early morning), he is logging miles, chasing elevation, and preparing for races that would make most runners break into a cold sweat. So how does he juggle it all?
“Work-life balance is something you have to master in order to be successful at work, a loving husband and father at home, and a dedicated athlete in your time. It’s not free time or hobby time: it’s YOUR time. The most precious hours of the day are when you’re building the best version of yourself.”
Blagoy breaks it down in true banker fashion: 8 hours of sleep, 10 hours of work, 6 hours left. Those 6 hours get divided into family time and training. Weekdays might mean 2 hours of running and 4 hours with his girls, while weekends become a mix of long runs and family hikes.
It’s a structure that keeps him grounded and reminds us that time isn’t something you “find”—it’s something you plan.
++ Curious about how you can juggle training with your career? Check out our blog The Benefits of a 1-on-1 Running Coach for Busy Professionals.
Corporate Skills on the Trail
You might not think a background in sales would help you when you’re halfway through a 246 km race, but Blagoy sees a strong connection between the two worlds.
“For every big race, you have to have the right strategy. You need to do your homework: which means study the terrain, weather, course records. Good preparation is the key for good presentation!”
That mix of preparation, focus, and vision translates into racing success. When fatigue sets in, Blagoy leans on the same mindset he uses in his career:
Envision success.
Believe in the process.
Never give up, no matter how impossible it looks.
It’s not just motivational fluff; this attitude has carried him across finish lines when his body wanted to stop.
Family, Tradition, and the Power of Chess
Running hundreds of kilometers might seem like it would steal time away from family. But for Blagoy, ultrarunning actually makes family time better.
“My ultrarunning passion keeps me healthier, more energetic, and happier. So at the end of the day, the time I spend with my family is much more worthy. It’s not about the minutes, it’s about the intensity and memories.”
One of the most touching aspects of his journey is how memories of his childhood and traditions help him through races.
“Sometimes, when my feet are moving on autopilot, my mind drifts back. I’m playing chess with my grandfather or hiking with him. Those grounding memories give me energy to keep going until the job is done.”
It’s a reminder that ultrarunning isn’t just physical—it’s deeply mental, and personal history can be a powerful source of strength.
From 5K to 100K in Five Months
If you think Blagoy has been running since childhood, think again. His running journey started in 2016 at age 33.
“In February I started running. By April, I ran a half marathon. In May, a full marathon. By July, I thought, why not run 100 km around a mountain? From zero to hero in five months!”
That first Vitosha 100 was brutal. The mountain “punched him in the stomach, muscles, and head.” But after 15 hours and 30 minutes, he crossed the finish line, exhausted but in love with ultrarunning.
Fast forward to 2025: he completed the same race in 10 hours and 5 minutes, finishing 28th overall out of more than 1,000 competitors. That’s not just progress—it’s transformation.
++ Want to learn how to make that leap from short runs to long ones? Read Top 5 Nutrition Tips for Marathon and Ultramarathon Runners.
The Spartathlon Dream
For many ultrarunners, the Spartathlon—246 km from Athens to Sparta, is the ultimate test. Blagoy achieved this in 2022, finishing in 34 hours and 56 minutes.
“After almost 35 hours of running, I was in front of the King Leonidas statue in Sparta. I was deadly tired but emotionally at my high. A dream came true! The impossible was already possible.”
But not every race ends with glory. In 2024, he did not finish the Spartathlon. Instead of disappointment, he walked away with lessons.
“That wasn’t failure, it was the greatest learning. In 2025, I’ll be back faster and stronger. The best is yet to come!”
This resilience is what sets ultrarunners apart. Success isn’t measured by one finish line, but by the ability to return stronger after setbacks.
Secrets to Big Numbers
Blagoy’s personal bests are jaw-dropping:
228 km in 24 hours
133.95 km in 12 hours
100 km in 8h 40m
100 miles in 15h 22m
How does he do it?
“Believe in yourself and visualize success. These races are won in your mind first, and then on the course. Fuel with carbs, stay motivated, and always ask yourself why you’re here. If the answer is convincing, nothing can stop you.”
Will he try longer formats like 48-hour or 6-day races? He laughs, but doesn’t say no. “Most probably, yes. Those might be in the near future.”
++ Interested in recovery and staying injury-free like Blagoy? Read Basic Injury Prevention and Recovery for Runners.
Staying Healthy and Injury-Free
With nearly 30,000 km of running in 10 years, you’d expect some big injuries. But Blagoy has avoided them, thanks to discipline and smart training:
80% of runs at easy pace
Gradual mileage increases
High protein intake
8 hours of sleep
Listening to his body
Strength training for balance
His golden rule?
“Never outrun the joy of running. If you feel tired too many days in a row, rest.”
Future Goals
When asked about the future, Blagoy keeps it simple:
“To be healthy and strong, physically fit and mentally stable. To live a life full of unforgettable moments, enjoy time with my family, and always try to run for fun.”
It’s an outlook that every runner, whether chasing their first 5K or a 200-mile race, can take to heart.
Blagoy’s Advice for New Runners
To wrap up, Blagoy shares his three golden rules for anyone starting out:
Enjoy the process, not only the final goal.
Compete with yourself, not with others.
Be consistent and disciplined every single day.
Simple. Practical. Powerful.
Final Thoughts
Blagoy Solakov is more than just a fast ultrarunner; he’s proof that endurance racing is as much about heart, balance, and mindset as it is about miles. Whether he’s strategizing like a corporate professional, drawing strength from family traditions, or chasing Spartan dreams, he shows us that running is never just running.
It’s about becoming the best version of yourself, one kilometer at a time.
And in 2025, when he toes the line at Spartathlon once again, we’ll all be cheering for him, knowing the best is truly yet to come.
