New: Generali Investments In the Tracks of the Jizerská 50. Try the Legendary Course Even Before the Start of the 59th Edition

ČEZ Jizerská 50 is introducing a new feature that connects the present with the event’s history while also responding to the wishes of many cross-country skiing enthusiasts. One week before the main race weekend, Generali Investments In the Tracks of the Jizerská 50 will take place — a challenge that allows participants to complete the legendary 50 km course, or a 25 km option, individually and independently, yet with almost the same level of comfort as during the classic race, including official timekeeping.

This new event is part of a long-term partnership with the main partner Generali Investments, whose cooperation has been extended until 2029 and ranks among the most significant collaborations of the Jizerská 50. The launch of this new format is also welcomed by Marek Beneš, CFO of Generali Investments:

“We are proud that, as part of our long-term partnership with Jizerská 50, we can introduce Generali Investments In the Tracks of the Jizerská 50. We believe that combining historical tradition with modern timing and an individual approach will appeal to and open Jizerská 50 to a wide range of skiers. The extension of the partnership until 2029 further confirms our commitment to supporting this legendary race and enabling as many people as possible to experience the Jizerská 50.”

From 23 to 25 January 2026, skiers will be able to choose any start time and set out onto the legendary 50 km route, or the 25 km half-distance. The entry fee will be the same for both distances, and each participant may even decide which route to complete during their loop, depending on their strength. All that’s needed is to arrive in Bedřichov, pick up the race package, and head into the tracks — official timing will be recorded just like in a regular race. However, participants must finish no later than 17:00. It is also important to expect that the Jizerská trail system and surrounding parking areas will be busy not only with other participants but also with regular mountain visitors.

This format is ideal for skiers who cannot take part in the standard race day, who want to test the course in advance, or who prefer to experience the Jizerská 50 at a calmer, more enjoyable pace — without pressure for results and with fewer fellow competitors. Participants will not miss out on the classic race services: they can look forward to a race package, their own bib number, a medal, official timing, and inclusion in a dedicated results list — complete with a Generali Investments results analysis, just as racers know it from the mass-start events of the ČEZ Jizerská 50. Hot tea will be available at the start and finish. While there will be no traditional refreshment stations on the course this time, proper nutrition should not be underestimated even during a “test run” of the 50 km. Nutrition packages will therefore be available for purchase directly in the SportID registration system.

This is not a random experiment. The idea draws inspiration from the tradition of the 1970s and 1980s, when — thanks to the then-rarely groomed trails — a free event of the same name was held after the Jizerská 50, organized by Turisté Ještěd Liberec and the Plastimat militia.

Skiers could choose from routes of 5–30 km, recording their own start and finish times, collecting stamps at checkpoints, and receiving tea, a wafer bar, and a badge at the finish. The event was aimed mainly at families, youth groups, and hiking clubs, and fostered a strong community atmosphere in the Jizera Mountains.

Generali Investments In the Tracks of the Jizerská 50 builds on this tradition, bringing it into modern form with safely groomed trails and proper timekeeping. The new format expands participation opportunities in the week before the main race and complements the full programme of events. At the same time, it supports the organizers’ long-term strategy: to enable as many people as possible to experience the legendary Jizerská 50 firsthand — whether as a race, training session, or personal challenge.