If you love running and pristine nature, then you’re in the right place. We feature fantastic running adventures on which you will cross rivers, primeval forests and mountain ridges, run along the Adriatic coast and even into an abandoned mine.
Tie your laces and - on your marks, get set, go!
Why bother running uphill when you can walk, nice and slow, on the level land? Slovenians well know why. How wouldn't we, when our ancestors explored the vibrant natural environment long before it was considered cool. The popularity of trail runs has risen to another level in recent years. Slovenians can boast of not just following global trends, but also of contributing to creating these trends involving active leisure time spent outdoors. We have selected some of the most interesting events that you can mark on the calendar from spring to late autumn.
Vipava Valley Ultra Trail: along the peaks around the blooming valley
24 - 26 April 2026
Distances: 10, 15, 30, 59, 110, 165km, hike
Transform into legendary warriors of the Roman era and take on the diverse terrain in the picturesque Vipava Valley. The supreme edition, which starts in Ajdovščina, includes the 165-kilometre Emperor Run with 6,400 metres of ascent and 6,710 metres of descent, for a route which the toughest have 46 hours to complete. It takes the quickest runners around 20 hours to complete the longest route that encircles the gorgeous Vipava Valley. If you’re not up for the toughest challenge, you can choose from shorter routes or venture on a hike and simply enjoy the great outdoors.
Vipava Valley – a world of flavours and experiences for all days of the year
The Vipava Valley is not for homebodies. It’s an ideal location for those looking for an unforgettable experience at any time of the year. With the warm influence of the Mediterranean climate, it is an excellent venue for outdoor activities, even when people elsewhere are still hiding in the warmth of their homes. Add a colourful palette of rich flavours and indigenous wines to the mix, and you can be sure that you’ll not be bored there.
Kočevje Outdoor Festival: do you run faster if there’s a bear on your heels?
29 - 31 May 2026
Distances: 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 km
Slovenia is known for its forests, but the Kočevje region is the record holder: its forests account for 91% of the entire area. Many running trails zigzag under this green canopy for those willing to accept a daring challenge. The Kočevje forests are namely the kingdom of the brown bear, so don’t be surprised if you come cross their paw prints. A bear paw symbol also marks the well-known Rog Hiking Trail, which running trails cross several times. The end of the run is refreshing, as the finish line is at Lake Rudnik.
Welcome to the vast forests of Kočevje, where oases where no human has ever set foot still exist. This is home to many plant and animal species, reigned over by the undisputed ruler of the Kočevje forests – the brown bear. Many paths, each providing you with a green shelter and peace, will take you around its kingdom. The forest is full of secrets that await your discovery.
Podbrdo Trail Running Festival: up and down, and up and down …
19 – 21 June 2026
Distances: 10, 20, 42, 70, 103 km
If you know how narrow a valley the village of Podbrdo is crammed into and what mountains surround it, you won't be surprised that the 103-kilometre run features more than 6,500 metres of ascents and just as many descents. In addition to the toughest course, you can also choose shorter ones that won’t prevent you from enjoying the pristine nature.
I know that once I find my rhythm, a rhythm that I can keep up for hours and which I have been working on for many years, I not only notice and appreciate this whole paradise around me, but I become a part of it. I can't explain why, but probably the secret is in deep breathing, an increased heart rate and the absence of heavy worries, which you can easily cast aside when running uphill as if you were taking off a sweaty shirt.
An anonymous runner on why he loves mountain runs
Soča Outdoor Festival: a party for the whole family
26 - 28 June 2026
Distances: 5, 10, 15, 25, 35, 50 km, Vertical
The Soča Outdoor Festival is about more than just who will be the fastest to cover the picturesque route along the slopes of the Soča River Valley. The location at the confluence of the Soča and Tolminka rivers is fabulous, as are the trails that take runners through mountain pastures and secluded villages on the outskirts of Triglav National Park. Irrespective of which distance you tackle, you’re in for an energising refreshment at the end when crossing the Tolminka River.
The world along this beauteous emerald river is full of adventures that await you – in the steep mountain slope, between wild rapids and narrow gorges. The roar of the WWI Isonzo Front has been replaced by a wild heartbeat during unforgettable, adrenaline-fuelled adventures in the fabulously beautiful mountain scenery. And the sighs of gourmets as they taste heavenly cuisine, spiced up by Michelin stars. A variety of festivals with a unique natural backdrop add their own flavour.
K24: have you ever run in a mine? We didn't think so.
7 August 2026
Distances: 24, 50, 100 km
The enthusiastic organisers of this legendary run have added another dimension to the breathtaking panoramas of the five peaks (Peca, Olševa, Raduha, Smrekovec and Uršlja Gora) and the freshness of the wild forests in Koroška – dark depths! With as many as 6.5 kilometres of the route going through the abandoned Mežica mine, K24 is a unique running event on a global scale, so it's no wonder that more than 500 competitors come to challenge the terrain in Koroška every year. The time for the "hundred" is limited to 28 hours.
One of the most forested Slovenian regions is embraced by the UNESCO Geopark Karawanken, the green Pohorje Hills and the Drava River valley. You will be enchanted by the views from the peaks and the mysterious world below the surface, which you can explore on foot, by bicycle or in kayak. The legendary King Matjaž sleeps under the Peca Mountain, while lonely farms watch over the rounded hills where the rich flavours of Koroška are born.
As the highest Slovenian peak and a major symbol of Slovenia, Mt Triglav plays a central role among the Slovenian mountains. That’s why the organisers of the Triglav Trail Run placed it in the centre of the action. Don't worry, you won't have to climb all the way to the top of the highest Slovenian peak, while the routes take you around it and its vicinity, from where you'll have a wonderful view of the "three-headed rock giant". The starting point is at the Slovenian Alpine Museum in Mojstrana, where you can start tackling the distance and cumulative elevation gain of your choosing.
Ultra X Slovenia: an amazing running experience in Western Slovenia
From 5 to 6 September 2026
Distances: 50, 110, 220 km
If you like taking on the biggest running challenges, then you've probably heard of the Ultra X World Championships, which take place in some of the most beautiful corners of the globe. And now it’s coming to Slovenia! The scenic route of the five-day run will take you from the stunning mountain scenery of the Soča Valley to the picturesque wine-growing Vipava Valley. The 220 km run also counts as a World Championship and is open to runners who have already participated in an Ultra X race. Otherwise, you can choose between two shorter challenges – a one-day 50-kilometre challenge or a two-day 110-kilometre running adventure.
The event, which is situated in an idyllic environment of Triglav National Park, is one of the most recent in the country, but due to the exceptional location and scenic trails it quickly became one of the 30 elite runs of the UTMB World Series. The longest route will take you from Kobarid round the entire area of the Julian Alps and along the ridge of the western Karavanke to the finish line in Kranjska Gora, whereby you’ll overcome more than 8,000 metres of height difference. The starts of shorter routes are arranged in the charming historical town of Radovljica, the idyllic town of Žirovnica under Mt Stol and the famous mountain ski resort of Kranjska Gora. This experience, which will bring you closer to the gems of the highest Alpine massif in Slovenia, will stay imprinted on your heart forever.
Julian Alps – the world of the highest Slovenian peaks
The highest mountain range in Slovenia stands tall in the north-western corner of the country. The king of the Julian Alps is the 2,864-metre high Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia, which also has an important symbolic role for Slovenians. In addition to the mighty peaks, the world of the Julian Alps is also adorned by picturesque valleys with iconic lakes and rivers of world renown.
What’s the appeal of a running adventure in the heart of the Julian Alps?
The Julian Alps Trail Run has become one of the most popular running adventures in recent years. The race’s main attraction is the breathtaking natural scenery, which unveils itself as an endless series of priceless natural and cultural treasures. To find out more about what makes this race so attractive, take a look at the special brochure.
Obala Ultra Trail: extend the season on the Adriatic coast
6 – 8 November 2026
Distances: 12, 18, 35, 65, 100km
Haven’t had enough of running challenges? OK: those who love to run up hill and down dale all year round can extend the season in the milder climate of the Slovenian coast. And if this is precisely what you love – the coast, choose one of the shorter runs (12, 18, 35 km), as the longer ones lead away from the sea to the hidden corners of romantic, hilly Istria. There is a chance that you’ll fall in love with the hills, return and want to get to know Istria at the pace at which the locals experience it, which is a shade more relaxed than a runner's.
Slovenian Istria – from the sunny hills to the coast
While the Slovenian coast may not be very long, it features so many pleasant corners and charming places that you can easily fall in love with it. Rising above it are the picturesque hills where the best flavours of Istria bask in the sun.
This cross-country running adventure in Bela Krajina takes you through the Lahinja Landscape Park, one of the smallest but most picturesque nature parks. It is not just another trail run, it is much more, as this is where sport blends with environmental care. The Lahinja Trail is an excellent example of a zero waste campaign and is the first three-star zero waste event in Slovenia. Although it is one of the newest trail runs, the organisers have very quickly managed to vastly reduce the amount of waste per participant. They involve the local community and make sure that the event does not have an excessive impact on the sensitive and unique biodiverse ecosystem. Runners can also enjoy the pristine nature and picturesque landscape outside the main season, as the run takes place in November.
Slovenians love to run and every year there are more and more people active in this sport. Running is an exceptional outdoor form of relaxation that has a number of benefits for your overall well-being. Running is also becoming an increasingly popular form of socialising, as many recreational running events do not have only a competitive character, but also a social note as they are accompanied by a number of other events and activities.
A thousand and one reasons for an active break in Slovenia
With its diversity, Slovenia invites you to enjoy active outdoor experiences, so it will be difficult for you to find an excuse to be lazy. Sport is in our blood, and this also shows in the numerous achievements and medals won by Slovenian athletes in international competitions. Feel the invigorating energy and embark on an active adventure yourself.
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