Sunday at Velika Planina was exactly what trail running enthusiasts could wish for. Blue skies, sunshine, breathtaking views and an energy that connected runners from the start to the finish.
The 4th TRAIL VELIKA PLANINA took place on one of Slovenia’s most beautiful mountain plateaus, once again bringing together a sporting challenge, untouched nature and that special trail-running atmosphere that keeps runners coming back to the mountains.
Three race distances – 6.7 km, 13.5 km and 29.3 km – offered a challenge for different levels of fitness, while the hiking route allowed those who wanted a more relaxed day to experience Velika Planina as well.
🏆 AT THE TOP OF THE LONGEST COURSE
29.3 KM | King and Queen of Velika Planina
The longest course was a true test of endurance. Almost 30 kilometres of mountain terrain required strength, patience and smart energy management.
👑 MEN
🥇 MARKO MERLIN CRO — 2:52:54
🥈 MATEJ BAJDE SLO — 2:53:42
🥉 MICHAEL STRASSER AUT — 2:58:07
Marko Merlin claimed victory in 2:52:54, with less than a minute separating him from runner-up Matej Bajde. The battle for the top spot therefore remained exciting practically all the way to the finish.
👑 WOMEN
🥇 STAŠA SMREKAR — 3:49:50
🥈 URŠA TROBEC — 3:57:56
🥉 VEDRANA BABIĆ — 5:53:24
Staša Smrekar recorded the fastest women’s time on the longest distance, finishing in 3:49:50 and taking a prestigious victory.
⚡ SPEED OVER 13.5 KILOMETRES
The middle-distance course combined speed, endurance and technically demanding sections. At the front, the decisive differences came down to minutes – and for some, even seconds.
🥇 MEN’S PODIUM
NEJC URŠIČ — 1:07:06
SINDI TRPIN — 1:16:10
JURE DOLINAR — 1:25:15
Nejc Uršič was the fastest man in 1:07:06, confirming his victory with a very strong performance.
🥇 WOMEN’S PODIUM
NEŽA GRADIŠEK — 1:27:26
ELA ANDLOVIC — 1:37:28
IVICA ŽLOGAR — 1:41:26
Among the women, Neža Gradišek was the fastest, reaching the finish line in 1 hour, 27 minutes and 26 seconds.
🌿 6.7 KM | SHORT BUT SWEET
The shortest race distance was designed for everyone who wanted to experience the world of trail running on a shorter course. But don’t let the distance fool you – the mountain terrain still demanded plenty from the runners.
[🚀] MEN
🥇 FABIO SCHÖGGL AUT — 32:32
🥈 TILEN KOLMAN SLO — 38:17
🥉 MATEJ KOLMAN SLO — 38:49
Fabio Schöggl was in a class of his own, completing the 6.7-kilometre course in an excellent time of 32:32.
🌸 WOMEN
🥇 ANJA BOŽIČNIK — 42:52
🥈 ŽIVA MIKLOŽIĆ — 44:23
🥉 DARJA URŠIČ — 45:33
In the women’s race, Anja Božičnik took the victory in 42:52, finishing less than a minute and a half ahead of runner-up Živa Mikložić.
📊 RESULTS AT A GLANCE
| Distance | 🥇 Men | Time | 🥇 Women | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.7 km | Fabio Schöggl | 32:32 | Anja Božičnik | 42:52 |
| 13.5 km | Nejc Uršič | 1:07:06 | Neža Gradišek | 1:27:26 |
| 29.3 km | Marko Merlin | 2:52:54 | Staša Smrekar | 3:49:50 |
ALL RESULTS ARE AVAILABLE HERE
PHOTO GALLERIES ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE HERE
For runners and hikers, competitors, families and organisations. Congratulations to the largest group, ŠD PREIS Sevnica.
☀️ WHEN THE MOUNTAIN BECAME A STADIUM
Trail Velika Planina was not just a battle against the clock.
It was a day when the mountain became a stadium.
Instead of grandstands – green mountain meadows.
Instead of floodlights – sunshine.
Instead of a running track – mountain trails.
Instead of the roar of the crowd – the sounds of nature, words of encouragement and the joy of crossing the finish line.
And that is exactly what makes trail running so special.
At the start line, runners stood with different goals. Some were chasing victory, others a personal best, while some simply wanted to complete the course and enjoy the day.
When tired but smiling faces met at the finish line, it was clear that the result was only one part of the story.
🏔️ VELIKA PLANINA – A PLACE WORTH EXPERIENCING
The beautiful weather allowed participants to fully enjoy the surroundings, which are one of the event’s greatest attractions.
Velika Planina offered it all: spectacular views, green meadows, forest sections, demanding climbs and fast descents.
Every kilometre brought a new perspective, every climb a new challenge and every finish a feeling of satisfaction.
For some, the course was 6.7 kilometres long. For others, 13.5. The most determined runners covered no less than 29.3 kilometres.
But in the end, everyone shared a similar story:
they came for the run – but stayed for the experience.
❤️ SPORT. NATURE. PEOPLE.
The fourth edition of Trail Velika Planina once again proved that the best sporting events are not necessarily those where the result is all that matters.
They are the ones where people want to stay just a little longer after the finish.
Where conversations begin after crossing the finish line.
Where one competitor congratulates another.
Where tiredness turns into a smile.
And where, even while the event is being packed away, one question already appears:
“When is the next Trail Velika Planina?”
🏆 FOUR EDITIONS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED. AND GREEN UNTIL THE NEXT START.
The 4th Trail Velika Planina is now behind us.
What remains are the results, photographs, medals and numbers. But above all, what remains is the memory of a sunny Sunday in the mountains, outstanding performances, tired legs, big smiles and an atmosphere that brought everyone involved together.
Yesterday, Velika Planina once again showed its strength.
Not only as one of Slovenia’s most beautiful mountain plateaus, but also as an exceptional stage for trail running and a place where sport becomes an experience.
Until the next start. 🏔️
