| Kranjska Gora, September 22, 2025 |
| This past weekend, Kranjska Gora hosted the largest trail running event in Slovenia to date. At the I feel Slovenia Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB, approximately 5,100 runners, including 80% international participants, tackled distances ranging from 10 to 120 km, enjoying trails immersed in nature. The event brought an electrifying atmosphere and unforgettable stories — including that of a runner with a prosthetic leg who completed his very first trail run. |
| Running scheduled from Friday to Sunday |
| On Friday at 8:00 a.m., runners set off from the Završnica Valley near Žirovnica on the Sky Trail 50 km, while in the evening at 9:30 p.m. the most daring participants embarked on the I feel Slovenia 120 km route – a challenge that cost many runners two nights of sleep.Saturday began at 8:00 a.m. with runners on the Lake Bled 80 km trail, and at 3:00 p.m. the youngest participants took part in the children’s run in Kranjska Gora, proudly earning their first medals.Sunday was dedicated to shorter circular routes around Kranjska Gora – 10 km, Intersport Speed 15 km, and 25 km, with starts between 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. The event concluded with the award ceremony and the organizers’ closing remarks. |
| International runners delighted by Slovenia |
| Many international runners arrived several days before the event to explore the country, its capital, and surrounding mountains. Some picked up their race numbers on Thursday and attended a partner presentation in the Vitranc Hall.Robert Hajnal from Romania, the winner of the I feel Slovenia 120 km distance, described his running holiday: “It’s my first time here at the I feel Slovenia Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB. The course was very runnable, and then I was rewarded with the most beautiful sunrise of my life. I’ve never seen anything like it. The whole sky was on fire, and the mountains were truly, truly magnificent.“The total number of international runners and their companions from over 80 countries – including the USA, Australia, Japan, and even Mauritius – approached 8,000 this weekend. Around 2,000 domestic runners and their companions also participated. Weather added the final touch The event was marked by sunny weather with excellent visibility, offering stunning views. Runners enjoyed pleasant temperatures at higher elevations, while it was significantly hotter in the lower sections. This was especially noted by participants on the longer courses, for whom the heat in the final part of the run presented an additional challenge. Event organizers summarized the event: “Runners, visitors, and supporters – it was an honor to host you in the Julian Alps, in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia. We are thrilled to have made such significant progress compared to last year and to see the event grow year after year, both in terms of participants and recognition. This is clearly reflected on social media, where we reach millions of views across virtually the entire world. We are incredibly proud to have once again brought together different communities in the Julian Alps, with more than 5,100 runners and over 500 volunteers – both local and international – taking part.” No home win on the longest course The podiums reflected incredible international diversity, intense competition until the last moments, and finishing times that highlight the amazing capacity of the human body and spirit. Although last year’s winner of the longest course – the I feel Slovenia 120 km, Aleš Svetina – was also aiming to defend his title this year, he unfortunately had to withdraw. The victory went to Romanian runner Robert Hajnal, who finished the race in 13:57:48. Shortly after, Miria Meinheit crossed the finish line as the first woman with a time of 17:16:45, sharing her experience: “I can’t believe how demanding this challenge was. At the same time, I enjoyed your truly stunning mountains – thank you for hosting me. My legs are tired, I can feel every muscle, yet I feel incredibly proud and happy.” Results of the I feel Slovenia Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB 2025 I feel Slovenia 120 km: Women: 1. Miria MEINHEIT (17:16:45) (Germany) 2. Poppy COLLINGWOOD (17:37:14) (United Kingdom) 3. Marina OANA (18:20:05) (Romania) Men: 1. Robert HAJNAL (13:57:48) (Romania) 2. Ramon Nicolas SÁNCHEZ FERNÁNDEZ (14:20:51) (Spain) 3. Andrej VISTICA (14:49:49) (Croatia) Lake Bled Trail 80 km: Women: 1. Juli BRÜNING (10:08:52) (Germany) 2. Audrey VIRGILIO (10:23:38) (Switzerland) 3. Magdalena KRASZPULSKA (11:04:47) (Poland) Men: 1. Karol SIOŁA (08:32:56) (Poland) 2. Edoardo ROSSANO (08:37:50) (Italy) 3. Oliver SHAW (09:11:10) (United Kingdom) Sky Trail 50 km: Women: 1. Natalina NEUENSCHWANDER (05:48:05) (Switzerland) 2. Špela GONZA (06:01:29) (Slovenia) 3. Nadja FAESSLER (06:02:39) (Switzerland) Men: 1. Dawid MALINA (04:45:23) (Poland) 2. Luka MESAREC (05:04:37) (Slovenia) 3. Lucas CLOCHER (05:05:47) (France) Kranjska Gora Trail 25 km: Women: 1. Lucija KRKOČ (02:01:44) (Slovenia) 2. Caterina STENTA (02:05:29) (Italy) 3. Nina ANDREASSEN (02:17:48) (Norway) Men: 1. Wendelin MÖRTENDORFER (01:45:18) (Austria) 2. Pavol OROLIN (01:46:05) (Slovakia) 3. Tadej VEHOVEC (01:51:15) (Slovenia) Intersport Speed Trail 15 km: Women: 1. Julia RATH (01:27:29) (Germany) 2. Barbora HYNKOVA (01:38:21) (Czechia) 3. Anita HOHNEC (01:39:16) (Slovenia) Men: 1. Adrian BRANESCU (01:14:18) (Romania) 2. Uroš ROZMAN (01:14:45) (Slovenia) 3. Andreas ROIS (01:16:19) (Austria) Funny Trail 10 km: Women: 1. Maruša CIJAN BRKIČ (00:51:08) (Slovenia) 2. Charlotte LÖFFELHOLZ (00:53:46) (Germany) 3. Julija BRUS (00:54:19) (Slovenia) Men 1. Tomaž OBLAK (00:43:43) (Slovenia) 2. Mark TRNOVEC (00:48:12) (Slovenia) 3. Balázs VÖLGYI (00:48:41) (Hungary) A local hero overcoming disability Among the event’s many memorable stories stood out Kristijan Tramte, a 23-year-old from Javorniški Rovt, who ran the 10 km course with a prosthetic leg. He lost his right leg, right arm, and left hand during a tragic suicide attempt a few years ago, but today running is his passion and a way to overcome challenges. He shared his impressions after the race, saying: “I was truly surprised by the support of fellow runners, who were incredibly considerate, patient, and kind. Next year I’m definitely coming back for a longer distance. I’m grateful to have been part of this event and to have experienced my very first trail run.” His story is a powerful reminder of how running can be an invaluable tool for mental health and perseverance. Kristijan also set an ambitious goal: competing at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics. This edition breaks records This year’s edition set a new participation record, growing from 3,500 last year to nearly 5,100 runners. Luka Hren, race director, stated:“With our new UTMB website, we reached even greater recognition. More participants meant strengthening our team, logistics, marking, safety, ordering more shirts and medals, and stocking aid stations better. Fun fact – in total, we stocked 386 kg of bananas and 2700 L of cola, with around 50 team members and 500 volunteers contributing. Seeing runners’ satisfaction at the finish and volunteers’ dedication is the greatest reward.” For the fourth year, Slovenia is part of the UTMB World Series, which unites 50 of the most prestigious trail running events worldwide, positioning Slovenia as a top destination for active and immersive vacations. |