36 running events in Slovenia for lovers of running and nature

Running in Slovenia is becoming increasingly popular — from mountain trails and forest paths to routes through coastal towns and along the Adriatic Sea. Across the country, numerous road and trail running events take place, and alongside the sporting challenge, more and more attention is being given to sustainable organisation and respect for the natural environment. In this article, we present 36 running events taking place in destinations that are members of the Slovenia Green Association.

Gorenjska Region

The alpine landscape of Gorenjska offers numerous running challenges among mountains, forests, and lakes, attracting both recreational and experienced trail runners.

Tek 4 srčnih mož (6–7 June 2026) is a traditional race in Bohinj, known for its 10 km route around the lake and a 20 km trail race offering beautiful views. The event pays tribute to the four brave men who, nearly 250 years ago, were the first to climb Triglav.

Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB (18–20 September 2026) is Slovenia’s largest trail running event, hosting more than 5,000 runners from around the world in 2026. Distances from 10 to 120 km follow scenic trails and offer views into the heart of the Julian Alps.

Bohinj Winter Trail Run (expected in March 2027) takes place in winter on the snowy routes of Soriška planina. The programme includes 6 km, 12 km, and 18 km distances, where runners enjoy stunning views of the Julian Alps and the Cerkljansko hills.

Goriška Region

The area from the Vipava Valley to the Soča Valley offers one of the most beautiful natural backdrops for running. The emerald Soča River, alpine views, and vineyard-covered hills are celebrated as some of Slovenia’s most beautiful corners.

Ultra Trail Vipava Valley (24–26 April 2026) is among the biggest trail running events in Slovenia. Runners can choose between distances from 10 to 160 km, leading through the Vipava Valley, among vineyards, karst plateaus, and mountain ridges.

HG Trail Idrija (6 June 2026) takes place in the hills around Idrija, with 14 km, 27 km, and 50 km routes, as well as shorter races for children. Part of the course goes through the UNESCO Idrija Geopark, and the traditional Idrija žlikrofi await runners at the finish.

Podbrdo Trail Running Festival (19–21 June 2026) is known as one of the oldest mountain running events in Slovenia, famous for its demanding climbs and technically challenging routes in the Baška grapa valley and around Podbrdo. It offers distances from 10 to 100 km.

Soča Outdoor Festival (26–28 June 2026) is one of the largest outdoor events in Slovenia. In addition to trail running distances from 5 to 50 km, it offers a rich accompanying programme and an organised two-day hike. A special feature of the running races is the finish line reached by crossing the Tolminka River.

Vzpon na Porezen (25 July 2026) goes from Cerkno to the summit of Porezen (1,630 m). The route is 7.5 km long and covers 1,330 m of elevation gain. Since its beginnings, the race has been part of the Primorska Mountain Running Cup, and this year it will also count towards the Slovenian Mountain Running Cup.

Blitz Bovec Marathon (5 September 2026) is a running event in the heart of the Soča Valley, with 8 km, 22 km, and 42 km routes set among the mountains and along the emerald Soča River. The event is complemented by a guided hike along the trails of Bovec.

Coastal-Karst Region

At the meeting point of the sea and the karst landscape, running races lead along the coast, among stone walls, vineyards, and forests of Slovenian Istria.

Kras Trail (28 March 2026) takes place along the unspoilt nature of Vremščica and the surrounding plateaus of the Slovenian Karst. The programme includes distances of 10 km, 15 km, and 32 km.

Istrian Marathon (11–12 April 2026) connects four coastal towns — Koper, Izola, Piran, and Ankaran — and offers a running experience through Slovenian Istria. Participants can choose between 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km routes.

Obala Ultra Trail powered by I feel Slovenia (6–8 November 2026) is an autumn event in Slovenian Istria. It offers a wide range of distances — from 11 to 108 km — leading through the Istrian hinterland among vineyards, forests, and sea views.

Southeast Slovenia

Southeast Slovenia is known for the vast forests of Kočevsko, the vineyard-covered hills of Bela Krajina, and the Kolpa River. Running events here offer the chance to explore lesser-visited yet exceptionally scenic parts of the country.

Novomeški tek (6 April 2026) is one of the largest sports events in the Dolenjska region. The main 10 km race runs through the town streets and along the Krka River, while the programme is complemented by children’s races and a fun run for dogs and their owners.

Kočevsko Outdoor Festival (29–31 May 2026) takes place on the edge of a Kočevsko primeval forest protected by UNESCO. Distances from 5 to 60 km are available, and runners can also enjoy a rich accompanying programme, a two-day hike, and lakeside camping.

Belokranjski pokal brings together three running events in Bela krajina. The cup includes Metlika Night Run (30 May 2026), with 4 km and 8 km distances, Gas na Gače (4 July 2026) with a 13 km route, and Lahinja Trail (7 November 2026) with 10 km, 18 km, and 30 km distances, taking place along town streets, forest paths, and within the Lahinja Landscape Park area.

The Novo Mesto Half Marathon (14–15 November 2026) is a popular sports and recreational event in Novo Mesto, featuring a half marathon, shorter runs, and children’s races that promote movement and social connection.

Central Slovenia Region

In central Slovenia, city races and mountain challenges intertwine. In addition to the country’s largest running event, races also take place in the hilly hinterland of Ljubljana and along the Sava River.

Tek na Petelinjek (25 April 2026) is one of the oldest running events in Slovenia, taking place for more than four decades. The 11 km loop route leads across meadows, through forests, and up to the top of Petelinjek. The programme also includes children’s races.

European Mountain Running Championships (4–8 June 2026) will bring more than 30 European national teams to Kamnik. Competitions will take place on routes towards Velika planina and Stari grad, and organised trail races of 52 km, 25 km, as well as a race to Velika planina, will also be held.

Litija Run (13 June 2026) takes place in the town centre of Litija and leads from the city along the Sava River towards Pogonik and back. Participants can choose distances from 200 m to 10 km. The event offers pleasant socialising and a lively atmosphere.

NLB Ljubljana Marathon (17–18 October 2026) is the largest running event in Slovenia, attracting thousands of runners to Ljubljana every year at the end of October. Participants can choose between 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km distances leading through the city streets.

Savinjska Region

The Savinjska region combines diverse terrain — from the vineyard-covered hills of Obsotelje to the forests and scenic peaks of Pohorje and Kozjansko. 

Tek na Friderikov stolp (17 May 2026) is a short but demanding uphill race to Celje Castle. The route is 1 km long with 187 m of elevation gain, finishing with a climb up the stairs of Friderik’s Tower. The event also includes a family hike to Celje Castle.

Rokov tek po Šmarskih bregih (14 June 2026) is a traditional running event in the surroundings of Šmarje pri Jelšah. The programme includes the 11.5 km Jagar Run, the Krpan ascent to Sveti Rok, a 3 km recreational run, and children’s races.

Gozdarski trail (29 August 2026) takes place on the trails of Pohorje, leading runners through one of the largest forested areas in Slovenia. Participants can choose between 14 km and 34 km routes, with varied forest trails and the natural scenery of Pohorje.

Svinjskih E7 Trail (5 September 2026) is a boutique mountain race in Podčetrtek, taking place along the European long-distance path E7. The route is 3 km long and covers 400 m of elevation gain, rewarding runners with views from the Tower of Health and Joy.

Konjice Marathon (27 September 2026) is a popular running event in Slovenske Konjice. Runners can choose between 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km distances, which lead through the Dravinja Valley among vineyard-covered hills. 

Podravje Region

Pohorje and Maribor create a combination of mountain trails and city races. Runners can choose between forested routes and events in the lively centre of the Styrian capital.

Pohorski Kerlc (5 April 2026) is a mountain run or hike on Pohorje. The route leads from the Snow Stadium via Trikotna jasa, past Koča Luka and Poštela, to the finish below the terrace of Hotel Bellevue.

Biznis Run Maribor (12 June 2026) is a team running event in Maribor, intended for companies and organisations. Teams of 2–5 runners complete a 10 km route together, starting and finishing in the City Park.

NAMMAN MUAY 8 Night Run Maribor (13 June 2026) is a traditional evening race through the streets of Maribor. Participants can choose between 5 km and 10 km distances, with the start and finish at Grajski trg.

Premier Trail Maribor (13 June 2026) connects the city centre, Pohorje, Lent, Kalvarija, and Piramida. Runners can choose between trail routes of approximately 15 km, 30 km, and 50 km.

Ormož Night Street Run (24 June 2026) takes place in the centre of Ormož. The circular route runs through the town streets, and in addition to the main race, the event also includes children’s races and a family run.

Night Run to Kalvarija (9 October 2026) is a recreational uphill run up the stairs to the top of Kalvarija, with views over Maribor. The event emphasises the experience and social aspect, and is accompanied by a varied programme.

Posavje Region

With its hills, forests, and scenic peaks, Posavje offers many routes for trail running. Trails lead through the peaceful landscape along the Sava River and up to panoramic summits such as Lisca.

Sevnica Mountain Marathon (19 September 2026) returns to the hills around Sevnica after several years as a day of hiking, trail running, and enjoying nature. Participants can choose between routes from 6 to 45 km, crossing the Lisca summit (948 m) and Posavje landscapes.

Pomurje Region

The flat landscape of Prekmurje is ideal for fast road races. Wide views across the fields and a peaceful rural backdrop create a relaxed running atmosphere.

Prekmurje Mini Marathon (4 October 2026) takes place in Moravske Toplice and is the largest running event in the municipality. Participants can choose between 21 km, 11 km, 5.5 km, and a 500 m children’s race, with routes leading through the flat Prekmurje landscape.

Koroška Region

Koroška, with its green landscape along the Drava River, offers a pleasant setting for recreational runs, combining a relaxed atmosphere with a strong sense of local community.

Rad’mam TEK (20 September 2026) is a recreational running event in Radlje ob Dravi, where participants choose between 5 km and 10 km routes. A special feature of the event is also the team race in groups of three, which encourages cooperation and team spirit.

So, now you know. If one of these races overlaps with your annual holiday or your father-in-law’s birthday celebration, that is no longer an excuse — there are more than enough diverse running events across Slovenia. 

Mark a few trail or road races in your calendar and use that as your commitment to train throughout the year.