Through the lens of passion: How Marko Davidović captured the spirit of I feel Slovenia Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB®

Nature. Emotion. Action. Three words that best describe the work of Serbian trail running photographer Marko Davidović. Ahead of I feel Slovenia Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB® 2026, he reached out to us with a wish to photograph our event. And although our official photography team was already complete, he came to the Julian Alps anyway, followed his passion, and created an extraordinary collection of photographs that tell a story far beyond the finish line. His persistence, dedication, and unique perspective through the lens truly impressed us.

Every year, Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB® brings together thousands of people who share a passion for the mountains, trail running, and adventure. And sometimes, the stories that stay with us happen beyond the race itself.

This is one of them.

Just days before JAT by UTMB 2026, we received an email from Serbian photographer Marko Davidović. He introduced himself, shared his work, and expressed his wish to join our official media team. Unfortunately, our photography and video team for the event was already complete. But that wasn't the end of the story. Marko came to the Julian Alps anyway. Camera in hand, he headed out onto the trails, capturing everything from dramatic mountain landscapes and runners disappearing into the mist to the energy of the night starts and the emotions along the course.

After the event, another email from Marko arrived in our inbox. This time, with a link to his photographs. And we were blown away. Not only by the quality of his work, but by the story behind it. His initiative, determination, and genuine passion for what he does reminded us of something we deeply believe in.

The Spirit of the Ibex isn't just about running mountains. It's about following your passion, embracing challenges, and finding your own way forward. And in many ways, Marko's story reflects exactly that spirit.

We wanted to give his work the recognition it deserves. So, we invited him to share a little more about himself, his experience at JAT by UTMB 2026, and the stories behind his photographs.

Marko's photography journey began in Serbia in 2017, driven by a desire to capture nature and landscapes. Over time, his interest expanded to portraits and human emotions. In 2021, an opportunity to photograph his first trail running race changed the direction of his career. Already passionate about hiking and spending time in the mountains, he quickly discovered that trail running photography brought together everything he loved.

"Trail running has given me a career I love—one that inspires me as an artist and brings me joy every single moment, even when I have to carry a heavy backpack full of lenses up to a mountain pass."

Today, the mountains are both his workplace and his greatest source of inspiration. And the trail running community has become an important part of his life.

Although 2026 was Marko's first time photographing Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB®, the event had been on his radar for years. He first explored the Julian Alps in June, spending several days hiking, visiting Lake Jasna and Kranjska Gora, and climbing Mount Prisojnik. The experience left a lasting impression. When he returned in September, this time with his camera and surrounded by runners and supporters, he was ready to experience the mountains from a whole new perspective.

"I had been following JAT for several years and really wanted to be a part of it and leave my own mark. This year, that opportunity finally came, and I am so happy I got to experience this incredible atmosphere and capture it through my lens."

Of all the moments he experienced during race weekend, one stood out. High on the Golica ridge, Marko found himself surrounded by a landscape that seemed almost unreal. Thick fog covered the northern slopes, while views of the Julian Alps and villages in the valleys opened up on the other side. As runners began appearing along the ridge, the mist moved around them, creating a scene he would not soon forget.

"My standout experience was on Golica, standing on the ridge with the northern side completely swallowed by fog—I felt like I was floating above the clouds, while on the other side, stunning views of the Julian Alps and the villages down in the valleys opened up."

It was the kind of moment that perfectly matched his photographic vision.

Looking through Marko's gallery, it's easy to notice his distinctive style. Dramatic landscapes, atmospheric light, unexpected compositions, and runners who sometimes appear almost insignificant against the mountains surrounding them. But behind these images lies something more than a search for beautiful scenery. Marko approaches photography much like storytelling in cinema. Rather than simply documenting what happened, he wants viewers to imagine the experience, feel the atmosphere, and connect with the people in his photographs.

"I love showcasing every emotion a runner goes through—from happiness and suffering to the sadness and pain experienced on the course."

For him, the beauty of trail running lies in its honesty. The physical effort, the uncertainty, the determination, and the emotions that emerge along the way.

"I believe the beauty of a human being is so much more than a simple 'say cheese' moment."

And perhaps that is exactly what makes his photographs so powerful. They remind us that behind every race bib is a person experiencing their own unique journey.

We asked Marko to select three photographs from JAT by UTMB 2026 that best represent his work. Choosing only three wasn't easy. But together, they reflect the three elements that define his approach to trail running photography.

After years of photographing trail running, Marko still finds something new to discover at every race. New landscapes, unexpected moments, and emotions that challenge him to keep growing as a photographer. For him, it's not simply about capturing the perfect shot. It's about telling the whole story of an event and allowing people to experience it through his photographs, almost as if they had been there themselves.

"Every time, new situations unfold that push me to grow and become a better photographer."

And then there are those special moments when everything comes together. The light, the movement, the emotion. That one photograph he had imagined and hoped to capture. But perhaps what best explains his passion is how naturally trail running connects everything he loves.

"Trail running is the bridge linking my lifestyle with my photography and career."

When Marko first reached out to us before JAT by UTMB 2026, he simply wanted an opportunity to capture an event he had admired for years. What followed was a reminder that passion and determination can lead to something special, even when things don't go exactly as planned. His photographs gave us a new perspective on the Julian Alps, but his story reminded us of something just as important: The Spirit of the Ibex lives in the people who follow their passion, embrace challenges, and keep moving forward.

And we're happy that Marko's journey became a small part of ours. Thank you, Marko, for your persistence, generosity, and for sharing the Julian Alps through your eyes. 💙

Discover more of Marko's work

Marko Davidović - Outdoor & Sports Photographer

Full JAT by UTMB 2026 photo gallery: HERE

Email: marokanacmedia@gmail.com

Instagram: HERE