Four destinations, one shared story of the Julian Alps

I feel Slovenia Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB® is one of the few sporting events that takes place across four destinations, bringing them together through one shared trail running story. Radovljica, Bled, Žirovnica and Kranjska Gora each reveal a different side of the Julian Alps, creating a unique experience for runners and their supporters. Each distance starts in a different location, taking runners through a distinct part of the region. In a single weekend, they can experience the medieval old town of Radovljica, Lake Bled, the Završnica Valley beneath the Karawanks and the finish-line atmosphere of Kranjska Gora – together with the diverse landscapes, cultural heritage and hospitality that define the Julian Alps.

It is precisely this connection between four destinations that makes the event so unique. "Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB® clearly shows what the Julian Alps are all about. It is not simply a major sporting event, but a story that connects valleys, lakes, mountain ridges, historic towns and tourist destinations into one shared experience. Radovljica, Bled, Žirovnica and Kranjska Gora are not presented as separate places, but as parts of the same landscape," says Klemen Langus, Coordinator of the Julian Alps Community.

The story begins in Radovljica

The longest race, I FEEL SLOVENIA 120K, begins in one of Slovenia's best-preserved medieval towns. Among the historic streets of Radovljica, runners take their first steps on a 120-kilometre journey that leads them along the Sava River, across the Jelovica plateau, past Lake Bled, over the Karawanks and all the way to the finish line in Kranjska Gora. Radovljica is the runners' first encounter with the story of the Julian Alps and the opening chapter of the event's longest challenge.

"In Radovljica, we are delighted that the longest race starts right in the heart of our historic old town. Events like this show visitors that, in addition to being a culinary and cultural destination, we are also an important part of the sporting story of the Julian Alps. The combination of history and nature provides the perfect setting for the beginning of the longest course," says Kaja Beton, Director of JZTKR.

Lake Bled as the backdrop to the start

Just a few kilometres away, on the shores of Lake Bled in Mala Zaka, the LAKE BLED 80K begins. One of Slovenia's most iconic views sets the scene for a demanding journey towards the Vintgar Gorge, Žirovnica and the panoramic ridges of the Karawanks.

"Starting beside Lake Bled reveals another side of Bled – not only as one of Slovenia's most recognisable tourist attractions, but also as a gateway to actively exploring the Julian Alps. Trail running encourages visitors to experience the area through movement and direct contact with nature," says Blaž Veber, Director of Bled Tourism.

Entering the Karawanks through Završnica

The SKY TRAIL 50K begins in Završnica beneath Mt Stol. From the very first kilometres, runners climb towards Zelenica and the highest peaks of the Karawanks, opening up sweeping views across much of the Julian Alps.

"For Žirovnica, it is a great honour to host the start of the SKY TRAIL 50K. Završnica is one of the most beautiful natural gems beneath Mt Stol and provides a natural gateway into the world of the Karawanks, where runners can experience an authentic Alpine environment from their very first steps," says Matjaž Koman, Director of the Žirovnica Institute for Tourism and Culture.

All trails lead to Kranjska Gora

Regardless of the chosen distance, Kranjska Gora is the heart of the event, the finish line for all longer races and the starting point for the KRANJSKA GORA 25K, INTERSPORT SPEED 15K and FUNNY 10K.

During race weekend, Kranjska Gora becomes the centre of the action, bringing together runners, supporters, volunteers and visitors from around the world. Beyond the races themselves, the venue comes alive with children's races, a sports expo and a varied programme of accompanying activities.

"After hours of effort on the trails, runners are welcomed by cheering spectators, supporters and a special atmosphere that turns crossing the finish line into one of the most emotional moments of the entire event. In Kranjska Gora, runners experience more than simply reaching the finish line – they experience the culmination of their entire journey through the Julian Alps," they emphasise in Kranjska Gora.

One shared story

I feel Slovenia Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB® demonstrates how collaboration between destinations can create something much greater than a sporting event. Radovljica, Bled, Žirovnica and Kranjska Gora each contribute their own chapter to the story, while together they give visitors the opportunity to discover the Julian Alps through movement, nature, local communities and authentic experiences.

This connection is one of the defining features of the event and one of the reasons why runners from more than 80 countries around the world return to the Julian Alps and Slovenia year after year.