The Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB is Slovenia’s biggest trail race event and features a range of races from 10km to 120km. Set in the Slovenian Alps, the event is part of the UTMB World Series giving competitors the opportunity to secure UTMB Running Stones.
Here is our guide to learning about this UTMB World Series event, following it live or even taking part.
Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB Route
The 120km Ultra Trail race involves 5,000 metres of ascent and is worth four UTMB running stones.
Runners begin in Kobarid, before embarking into Soča Valley. The route continues towards Tolmin, where the challenge really begins which takes runners above Podbrdo and Črna prst towards Soriška planina.
The breathtaking views along the way, including Slovenia’s highest mountain Triglav, will spur on the runners as they make their way through the tricky course. The route continues across the ridge towards Ratitovec, before descending to Jelovica and Babji zob.
The route heads onwards to Žirovnica, beneath the Karawanks peaks, before an ascent towards the highest peak Stol which offers stunning views of Julian Alps, before heading across the ridge to Golica and Dovška baba.
From there athletes face a downhill trek to Mojstrana. A flat section follows next, before a further climbs aims to break the spirit of the runners.
Climbing in Gozd Martuljek then going towards Srednji vrh, it is all downhill to the finish in Kranjska Gora.
The 80km Ultra Sky Trail race features 3,500 metres of ascent and is worth three running stones.
The race begins in Radovljica along Sava river before climbing towards the Jelovica plateau. A trek through the forests on the way to Babji Zob follows before a trip around Lake Bled.
The biggest climb of the race awaits after Lake Blef – involving 1700 meters of elevation gain from Žirovnica towards Stol – one of the most stunning Slovenian mountain ridges. From Stol, along Golica, Hruški vrh and towards Dovška baba – almost 30km of incredible trails right at the top of the ridge.
Descending into the valley, the race follows the river Sava once more, with the finish in Kranjska Gora.
The 53km Sky Trail race, with 2,700 metres of ascent is worth two UTMB Running Stones
Beginning in the village of Žirovnica, the cultural capital of Slovenia, the route also ascends the peak of Stol before following the remainder of the 100km and 170km routes along the stunning ridge and in Kranjska Gora.
Facts, Tips & FAQ
The 120km will begin on Friday September 20 at 21:30 that evening.
The remaining races will begin on Saturday September 21.
The climate of Kranjska Gora is moderately continental, characterised by cold winters, with temperatures often below freezing, and mild or pleasantly warm summers.
How to qualify and enter the Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB
Runners were required to complete an online registration form to enter the race with the only requisites being the paying of the registration fee and runners being in ‘good physical shape’.
Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB kit list
Runners are required to wear and carry certain kit, while other items are recommended.
Mandatory kit
- * BIB number that must always be visible
- Appropriate running shoes
- Water reserve for the time between aid stations (1L)
- *Cup (15 cL minimum)
- Head lamp
- *Additional batteries for your head lamp
- Survival blanket (1,40 x 2,0 m minimum)
- *Hooded jacket
- Whistle
- Mobile phone
- Food reserve
- *Basic first aid kit
- *Long trousers or leggings
- *Additional warm middle layer
- Hat/buff and gloves
* BIB number must be placed at the front of your body, to your t-shirt or a belt
* You need to bring your own drinking cup (15 cL minimum). There will be no plastic cups at aid stations, so each runner must provide their own.
*Additional batteries for your head lamp – you must carry additional batteries or an additional head lamp.
* Hooded jacket. The jacket must have a hood and must be waterproof.
* Basic first aid kit, which must have at least one or two gauzes, one elastic bandage and a packet of plasters.
* Long trousers or leggings, which fully cover your skin.
* Additional warm middle layer, which covers your arms in full.
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