Kranjska Gora Impressed Runners With Stunning Views and Fantastic Atmosphere

This past weekend, Kranjska Gora hosted Slovenia’s largest trail running event—the I Feel Slovenia Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB. Around 3,500 runners explored scenic mountain routes ranging from 10 to 120 km, enjoying panoramic views of the Julian Alps. Nearly 5,000 spectators filled the town, creating a unique international atmosphere. The day was crowned with beautiful sunny weather.

The event kicked off on Friday at 9:30 PM with runners tackling the 120 km course, starting from Radovljica. Local residents contributed to the atmosphere by sending the runners off with traditional music and folk costumes. The following day, at 7:00 AM, participants in the 80 km race joined at Bled, followed by the 50 km runners starting at 9:30 AM in Žirovnica. Throughout the day, runners also embarked on the 25 km, 15 km, and 10 km circular routes around Kranjska Gora.

The organisers also catered to the youngest runners, who eagerly awaited the start of the 200 m children’s race at 3:00 PM. At the finish line, the children proudly received one of their first medals, a keepsake that will undoubtedly remind them of their achievement and joy.

The weather posed some challenges for organisers in the days before the event, with snow in the higher regions forcing changes to the longest routes. However, the event was held under sunny skies and comfortable temperatures, creating a fantastic running experience with breathtaking scenery, even in slightly demanding conditions.

“The race was amazing, everything fell into place for me. In ultra races, it has to, otherwise, there’s no chance for a win. The first part was very runnable and fast, I had no problems there, it felt almost like a walk. Then things got tough. Up on the ridge, conditions were rough. It was slippery on the rocks, and we faced a lot of mud, but from around the 25th kilometre, I think I was in the lead. Casper and I were neck and neck for the last 40 kilometres, but when I reached Dovje, I knew I was going to win,” said Aleš Svetina, the fastest runner in the 120 km race. He completed the 120 km course, with over 5,000 meters of elevation gain, in just 12 hours and 44 minutes.

A significant number of runners attended the bib pick-up on Thursday at the Vitranc hall, where a diverse selection of event partners awaited them at the EXPO. Many international participants came to Slovenia several days early to explore Kranjska Gora and its surroundings, demonstrating the destination’s attractiveness for active experiences and providing excellent promotion for Slovenia. This weekend, the combined total of foreign runners and their companions from over 80 countries reached nearly 6,000. At the same time, the organisers welcomed 2,000 local competitors and their supporters, resulting in nearly 10,000 visitors to the event.

Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB 2024 results:

I Feel Slovenia Ultra Trail Julian Alps 120 km:

Women:

1. Paulina KRAWCZAK (14:09:23) (Poland)
2. Susanne ZAHLAUER (14:43:12) (Germany)
3. Esther FELLHOFER (14:57:50) (Austria)

Men:

1. Aleš SVETINA (12:43:53) (Slovenia)
2. Casper HÖGLUND (12:49:10) (Finland)
3. Marcel GEIßLER (13:13:57) (Germany)

Lake Bled Trail 80 km:

Women:

1. Agate ARMANE (08:28:50) (Latvia)
2. Katarzyna WILK (08:41:36) (Poland)
3. Claudia ROSEGGER (08:42:12) (Austria)

Men:

1. Žan ŽEPIČ (07:05:32) (Slovenia)
2. Marcel HOECHE (07:11:55) (Germany)
3. Johannes LOW (07:21:12) (Germany)

Sky Trail 50 km:

Women:

1. Eliska SIEGLOVA (06:23:21) (Czech Republic)
2. Anne BARBER (06:26:33) (Germany)
3. Federica ZUCCOLLO (06:26:36) (Italy)

Men:

1. Francesco PUPPI (04:31:15) (Italy)
2. Hayden HAWKS (04:52:51) (United States of America)
3. Dimitri CHAPELLE (05:08:03) (France)

Kranjska Gora Trail Run 25 km:

Women:

1. Franziska ALTHAUS (02:00:10) (Germany)
2. Kitti POSZTOS (02:07:44) (Hungary)
3. Jarmila KRAVCOVÁ (02:10:18) (Slovakia)

Men:

1. Patrik Akos JUHASZ (01:48:32) (Hungary)
2. Victor DA COSTA MENDOZA (01:49:41) (Spain)
3. Luka Kovačič (01:50:40) (Slovenia)

Intersport Speed Trail 15 km:

Women:

1. Aleksandra JĘDRZEJEWSKA (01:19:52) (Poland)
2. Ashley HAWKS (01:24:59) (United States of America)
3. Maruša CIJAN BRKIČ (01:30:57) (Slovenia)

Men:

1. Dušan KRSTIĆ (01:14:00) (Serbia)
2. Jakub BARTECKI (01:14:13) (Poland)
3. Benjamin ČRV (01:15:15) (Slovenia)

Abba Nutrition Trail 10 km:

Women:

1. Julija BRUS (00:53:43) (Slovenia)
2. Kateřina VALENTINOVÁ (00:58:50) (Czech Republic)
3. Maruša POVŠE (00:59:49) (Slovenia)

Men:

1. Tadej VEHOVEC (00:44:34) (Slovenia)
2. Rok MARINIČ (00:45:57) (Slovenia)
3. Jakub SKALKA (00:47:14) (Czech Republic)

The only Slovenian event in the prestigious world series

The Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB connects the Julian Alps with the destinations of Radovljica, Bled, Žirovnica, and Kranjska Gora, where the main venue is located. For the third year, the event includes Slovenia in the elite UTMB World Series, which unites the 50 most prestigious trail running events worldwide. This positions it alongside renowned events like the Lavaredo Ultra Trail and the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc.