PEOPLE OF JAT: UNITED BY VOLUNTEERING
When runners cross the finish line, they usually see only part of the story. Behind every smile at an aid station, every marked junction, every peeled banana and every encouraging “Let’s go!” is a dedicated volunteer.
Tone Kert and Darja Žnideršič have been part of this story for many years. Volunteering has not only taken them behind the scenes of some of the biggest trail running events, but has also introduced them to people with whom they have formed genuine friendships.
They have been brought together by long days on the trails, early mornings, late evenings, sleepless nights and unpredictable situations in which teamwork and trust are essential. Today, they share much more than just a few weekends together at races.
Meet Tone and Darja
Tone
- 7 years of volunteering
- Has volunteered at I feel Slovenia Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB since its first edition in 2019, missing only 2020
- Favourite role: course marker
- Between 10 and 15 events per year
Darja
- Has been a volunteer since the age of 16 and has volunteered at sporting events for the past 7 years
- Has volunteered at I feel Slovenia Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB five times
- Favourite roles: registration and mandatory equipment checks, as well as the finish-line aid station
- Approximately 15 events per year
It all started with one event
How did you first become involved in volunteering at trail running events?
Tone: Completely by chance. In 2019, I took part in the Kranjska Gora Trail Run at the organiser’s invitation. I was interested in what went on behind the scenes at events like this, so during a conversation with race director Luka Hren, he suggested that I join the event as a volunteer. And I did.
Darja: A colleague suggested that I should also try volunteering at trail running events.
Do you remember your first event as a volunteer? How did it feel?
Tone: At first, I was surprised. As a volunteer, you realise just how much preparation and work go into organising an event like this. In the end, however, you feel a sense of satisfaction because you were part of the event and made your own contribution.
Darja: The feeling was phenomenal – priceless and irreplaceable.
Tone: How long have you been volunteering at Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB, and what brings you back every year?
I have been involved in the event since the very beginning. What brings me back are the excellent team, the friendships, meeting new people, discovering new places and the ever-changing adventures – pleasant ones, but sometimes less pleasant ones too.
Darja: If you had to describe the experience of volunteering at Julian Alps Trail Run to someone who has never volunteered before, what would you tell them?
It is a change of scenery and an opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. Truly strong and meaningful bonds are formed. Sometimes you are sleep-deprived, the circumstances are chaotic and everyone has to pull together. It is often precisely in moments like these that the strongest friendships are formed.
The runners’ reactions fill your heart and soul. At the same time, you also learn about yourself, your reactions and the limits of your body and mind. You learn to react quickly, think about things that would otherwise never even cross your mind and listen to countless incredible stories.
What particularly impresses me about JAT is its excellent organisation, the large number of volunteers, the new connections you make and the beautiful surroundings.
Favourite moments
Tone, which moment from volunteering at JAT has stayed with you the most?
There have been many—both pleasant and unpleasant. I have particularly fond memories of marking the courses with Katja, as we have been doing it together for quite some time.
Sometimes things go wrong, but then we tell ourselves that we have simply added our own personal touch to the race. We have even given certain points along the course our own names. When we reach “our viewpoint”, we know it is time for a short break.
When volunteers become friends
How did you first meet?
Tone: We met as volunteers at Archipelago Trail Run – in fact, we met on the way to Zadar.
When did you realise that you were no longer just volunteers at the same event, but also friends?
Tone: In my opinion, we realised it while we were still on the way there.
What connects you outside trail running events today?
Tone: Today, our friendship extends far beyond trail running events. We enjoy travelling together and spending time hiking in the mountains.
There is no event without volunteers
Volunteers do not simply help organise an event. They create the atmosphere, energy and sense of community that bring runners back to the Julian Alps year after year.
For Darja, volunteering means meeting extraordinary people, building genuine relationships and discovering what she is capable of. For Tone, it means connection, teamwork and the satisfaction of contributing to something much bigger than himself.
This year, more than 500 volunteers will once again help bring Slovenia’s largest trail running event to life. Amid shared tasks, long days and sleepless nights, something unexpected often happens: people who may not have known one another before the event form friendships that last long after the final runner has crossed the finish line.
Volunteering in one word?
Tone: Connection.
Darja: Pure happiness.
