Soča Valley to Host One of Europe’s Most Scenic Trail Running Festivals
Published:
26.5.2026
Soča Valley to Host One of Europe’s Most Scenic Trail Running Festivals
This June, the breathtaking Soča Valley will once again welcome thousands of runners, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts for the I Feel Slovenia Soča Outdoor Festival, one of Slovenia’s leading trail running events and a unique celebration of sport, nature, and community.
Held in Tolmin, at the confluence of the emerald Soča and Tolminka rivers, the festival has been combining outdoor adventure with the spectacular landscapes of the Julian Alps since 2013. Over the years, it has evolved into an internationally recognised event attracting participants from across Europe and beyond.
A Trail Running Event for Everyone
This year’s edition is already proving highly popular, with the Continental 10 km and adidas Terrex 15 km races selling out more than a month before the festival begins. Organisers intentionally limit participant numbers to preserve the relaxed atmosphere and authentic experience that have become the festival’s trademark.
“I think the charm of trail running lies precisely in the fact that organised events attract both professional athletes and recreational runners. If I compare our race to ski jumping or a basketball game — there, thousands cheer for a handful of top competitors, which is great, but isn’t it even better that here everyone can stand on the same starting line and run the same trails together?,” says festival director Sara Mavrič.
The festival strongly reflects Slovenia’s outdoor identity and deep connection with nature. Participants can choose from various trail distances, vertical races, hiking experiences along the Juliana Trail, and family-friendly activities, all set against one of Europe’s most stunning alpine backdrops.
Crossing the ice-cold Tolminka River revives exhausted runners.
A Festival Rooted in Local Community
Equally important is the event’s strong community spirit. Local residents actively contribute as volunteers, local businesses support the races, and accommodation providers welcome active travellers from around the world. During the festival weekend, Tolmin and the wider Soča Valley become a vibrant meeting point for runners, hikers, and outdoor lovers.
Inclusion as an Essential Part of the Experience
Inclusion and sustainability also remain at the heart of the event. This year’s programme includes activities for participants with disabilities, including a dedicated race for deafblind runners organised in cooperation with the Dlan Association. Additional inclusive outdoor activities such as stand-up paddling and rafting will also be part of the festival programme.
Building a More Sustainable Outdoor Event
The organisers continue to strengthen the festival’s sustainability efforts through responsible event management, waste reduction initiatives, and encouraging visitors to travel to Tolmin by public transport or shared rides.
Set between mountains, rivers, and forests, the I Feel Slovenia Soča Outdoor Festival offers far more than a sporting competition — it is an invitation to experience Slovenia’s active lifestyle, pristine nature, and welcoming atmosphere firsthand.
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