The Julian Alps and their surroundings offer everything that trail running is all about – mountain trails where easier and more runnable terrain intertwine, with some more technical terrain in between.That is why the Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB, the biggest Slovenian trail running event in 2021, could hardly have found a better location for the event than Kranjska Gora, which is right in the heart of Slovenia’s mountains and a highly recognisable tourist destination at the same time.
This year, the event will take place from 16 to 18 September. Runners can already register for the event and choose between six distances: 10, 15, 30, 60, 100 and 170 kilometres. This way, beginners in trail running as well as experienced ultra-marathoners will be able to find a distance that suits them and their running fitness.
The Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB is the only Slovenian running event that is part of the UTMB® World Series. The UTMB World Trail Running Series brings together 24 of the best trail running events in the world. This puts the Slovenian Trail Run and Kranjska Gora alongside iconic outdoor events and destinations such as the Lavaredo Ultra Trail in the Italian Dolomites and the Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc in Chamonix, France.
UTMB World, on the occasion of the Julian Alps Trail Run’s inclusion in the World Series, said of the event that the Slovenian running event represents a golden cave of authentic nature. “Slovenia’s leading trail running event offers runners a unique opportunity to run in tranquil nature and explore incredible trails close to the country’s most majestic mountains. Named after the mountain range it runs along the edge of, the run is a unique combination of technically challenging mountain trails and accessible trails, and has something to offer for every runner,” they added.
The Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB brings together the sustainable destinations of Kobarid, Radovljica, Žirovnica and Kranjska Gora, which is also the main venue of the event, into one event. The organisers are expecting around 2000 runners from 40 countries to take part in this year’s event.
Tentative programme of the event, subject to change until September:
Thursday, 15 September: collection of starting numbers in the Vitranc Hall
Friday, 16 September:
12.00: Start of the Ultra Trail Julian Alps in Kobarid
17.00-20.00: Collection of start numbers in the Vitranc Hall and official opening of the event
20.00: Start of the Ultra Sky Trail in Radovljica
Saturday, 17 September:
6.00-9.30: Collection of start numbers in the Vitranc Hall
7.00: Start of the Sky Trail in Žirovnica
9.00: Start of the Sky Race at Planina pod Golico
10.00: Start of the Speed Trail in Kranjska Gora
10.30: Start of Funny Trail in Kranjska Gora
