From 30 May to 1 June, Kočevje will once again become the epicenter of the trail running community as the Kočevsko Outdoor Festival hosted by I Feel Slovenia returns to the ancient forests of southern Slovenia. Renowned as the wildest trail running event in the country, the festival will take runners deep into the heart of Kočevski Rog, along the edges of the Rajhenav primeval forest, and through the mysterious woodlands of Kočevsko. This year, over 1,100 trail runners are expected to take on its wild and scenic trails.
Now in its fourth edition, the festival continues to attract trail enthusiasts from across Slovenia and abroad. More than 22% of international participants from 20 countries will join the event this year, further confirming its growing international reputation.
The Kočevsko region, with over 90% forest cover, is home to some of the last remaining virgin forests in Europe. The festival route runs along the edge of one such forest, offering participants a unique opportunity to experience the wild, yet welcoming Kočevsko.
This year’s edition introduces a new and exciting challenge – the SELECTBOX Vertical Fridrihštajn run. Held on Friday, this vertical race will take runners and hikers to the 978-metre-high hilltop overlooking Kočevje. The short but intense 2.6-kilometre course includes nearly 500 metres of elevation gain and promises a breathtaking experience both in terms of views and achievement.
In addition, the event will once again feature five well-established race routes, designed for runners of all levels. The 5 km Triglav Bambi Trail, 10 km Ford Fox Trail, and 15 km SPORT VISION Lynx Trail are shorter distances suitable for beginners in the world of trail running, while more experienced runners can take on the 30 km Salomon Wolf Trail or the 60 km I Feel Slovenia Bear Trail. The latter, the longest of the routes, mostly follows the Roška Trail, which in recent years has become known primarily thanks to the “Following the Bear’s Footsteps” hike, taking place along the same path.
The entire event will be based around Kočevje Lake, providing a scenic and inviting hub for runners and visitors alike. Race routes will guide participants through the vast forests of Kočevski Rog, along lesser-known trails skirting the edges of the Rajhenav virgin forest – a landscape of outstanding natural value that offers runners a rare chance to connect with nature in its most pristine form.
The event weekend will offer more than just trail races. On Friday, the traditional charcoal pile lighting will take place – a symbolic nod to Kočevsko’s cultural heritage, which will burn throughout the weekend. Saturday will feature a trail running expo, children’s activities and childcare, a kids’ run, guided tours, and sightseeing excursions, culminating in a live evening concert by Myuzika by the lake.
The festival is organized by an experienced team also behind the Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB and the I feel Slovenia Soča Outdoor Festival, with over 15 successful trail running events to their name. The co-organiser Zavod Kočevsko holds a key role in the event, with its deep knowledge of the local environment ensuring authenticity and high quality of the event.
Registrations for all five distances will also be possible on the day of the event, directly at the venue.
Uroš Kožar, Kočevsko Outdoor Festivala hosted by I Feel Slovenia race director:
“Kočevsko is truly a remarkable destination, perfect for enjoying trail running in nature. Even as organizers, we were captivated by Kočevsko’s picturesque landscape and mysterious forest – and I believe runners will love it just as much. We’re incredibly pleased with the amazing response, as this year 1,100 runners from 20 different countries will be taking part. This year, they’ll be exploring the hidden forest trails across six different distances, experiencing the authenticity of this landscape for themselves. In addition to the trail runs, we’ve once again prepared a special programme for families and children, who will also join in the fun with a kids’ race. The event will also feature a local food festival, a fair, and evening concerts. We truly can’t wait to share the enchanting charm of Kočevsko with a wider audience through this event.”
More about Kočevsko Outdoor Festival: kocevsko-outdoor.si/en
More information: Uroš Kožar, kocevsko@trailrun.si
Photos, available for media use (photo: Jure Lenarčič, Luka Fabčič and Martin Fettich): bit.ly/43vfFwV