From April 25 to 27, 2025, one of Slovenia’s biggest trail running events will be held for the 10th consecutive year – the Ultra Trail Vipava Valley I Feel Slovenia. With a start and finish in Ajdovščina and a total course length exceeding 200 km, the event literally embraces the entire Vipava Valley, extending across the Gorizia region into neighboring Italy. It is becoming a true festival of trail running, hiking, enjoying the natural and cultural richness of the Vipava Valley and its excellent cuisine, and a celebration of endurance, pushing personal limits, and discovering what lies beyond the comfort zone.
This year’s edition will again host over 2,000 runners from 52 countries, proving that trail running is becoming an increasingly popular sport not only globally but also in Slovenia. The event is also setting new records in attracting foreign runners – more than 1,000 are expected this year. Participants can choose from six competitive distances:
Emperor Powered by AL!VE 162 km (6,600 m elevation gain),
Centurion SCARPA 111 km (4,600 m),
Gladiator KOLEKTOR 63 km (2,600 m),
Legionnaire MLINOTEST 32 km (1,700 m),
Asterix ERDINGER 16 km (300 m),
Castra Run 12 km (120 m),
as well as a non-competitive 10 km Obelix Hike & Wine (100 m), ideal for hikers and lovers of fine Vipava wines and cuisine. The youngest participants are also included in the event through children’s races, organized in cooperation with the Ajdovščina Institute for Sports.
As a tribute to the rich Roman heritage of the Vipava Valley—where the significant Battle of the Frigidus took place in 394 AD—the race names are inspired by Roman warriors. Runners are encouraged not to seek battle outside themselves, but to discover the warrior within who creates a better today and tomorrow.
LOOKING BACK ON A DECADE OF GROWTH
Over the years, the number of disciplines has increased, as has the number of participants and countries represented. Ultra Trail Vipava Valley I Feel Slovenia is now a prestigious, popular international sporting event. At today’s press conference held at the Rustja Bread House in Ajdovščina, event director Boštjan Mikuž thanked all partners, including the Slovenian Tourist Board – I Feel Slovenia (title partner), the Nova Gorica and Vipava Valley Tourism Board (destination partner), general partner AL!VE, the municipalities of Ajdovščina, Vipava, Miren-Kostanjevica, Nova Gorica, and the Italian municipality of Gorizia. He emphasized that the past decade was full of ups and downs, and the successful story of UTVV owes much to the organizing team, partners, and the incredible support of the local community.
“The first event in 2015 brought 400 runners to the Vipava Valley. Now we count over 2,000! Development wasn’t always smooth, but with a positive approach to challenges, a lot can be improved. This is reflected in participant numbers, the growing international presence, and fully booked accommodations during the event. None of this would be possible without good organization and strong support.”
A SYMBOL OF AJDOVŠČINA’S SPIRIT
Matjaž Bajec, Deputy Mayor of Ajdovščina, emphasized:
“UTVV I Feel Slovenia is not just the largest sporting event in Ajdovščina—it’s a multi-day experience that promotes the whole Vipava Valley. It contributes to the development of sports tourism and fills nearly every accommodation in the region. The locals welcome it, creating an excellent atmosphere. We are proud to host such a notable running event.”
A NATIONAL PROMOTER OF SLOVENIA
Ana Zupan from the Slovenian Tourist Board added:
“We’re proud to continue as the main partner, promoting Slovenia as a prime destination for sports tourism and nature experiences. With over 2,000 runners from more than 50 countries and live streaming in key tourism markets, UTVV has huge promotional potential.”
TURISM, PRIDE & PARTNERSHIPS
Erika Lojk, director of the Nova Gorica and Vipava Valley Tourism Board, highlighted the new Vipava Valley All-Time Runner award, given to the top and most loyal athletes of all time:
“Our destination is gaining recognition as a paradise for active lifestyles. This successful event helps us achieve our vision faster and showcases our culture, gastronomy, and hospitality.”
COMPANIES SEE VALUE IN PARTNERSHIP
Tamara Juričić Bellomo, head of strategic marketing at Incom Leone (producer of AL!VE ice cream and chocolate), said:
“We support UTVV because of the synergy with our guilt-free brand AL!VE. Like runners, we challenge norms in the FMCG industry, offering no-compromise indulgence. The event generates positive energy—something we value highly.”
TRIBUTE TO DEJAN KOREN
Anton Lavrenčič, Mayor of Vipava, honored the memory of Dejan Koren, one of the original initiators of the event:
“We’re proud the event was born in Vipava. It promotes sports, which are vital for mental health, and serves as a strong platform for promoting our cultural and culinary heritage.”
A COLLECTIVE EFFORT
Urška Grmek, acting director of the Vipava Tourism Board, added in a written statement:
“UTVV is more than a race—it’s a story of unity, pride, and potential. With incredible local volunteers and full accommodation capacities, the event boosts tourism and positions the Vipava Valley as an authentic green destination.”
Anton Harej, Deputy Mayor of Nova Gorica, concluded:
“This project connects all municipalities of the Vipava Valley. It promotes both nature and cultural heritage, and we see its mission as very important. The international reach is a great achievement.”
EVENT COURSE – UTVV 2025
The race begins on Friday, April 25, 2025, in the old Roman settlement of Castra (now Ajdovščina). The six routes run along trails and mountain paths, crossing the Vipava River, winding through vineyards, and climbing the southern ridges of the Vipava Hills, followed by an epic ascent to Nanos with breathtaking views from the Julian Alps to the Adriatic Sea. After a descent to Vipava, runners face another steep climb to the edge of the Trnovo Plateau and the mighty Čaven, and finally pass by Lijak, cross the Soča River, and the border in Solkan, before finishing at the Gorizia Castle in Italy and returning to Slovenia. This symbolic crossing links to Nova Gorica and Gorizia’s role as European Capital of Culture 2025.
TOP ULTRA RUNNERS RETURN TO VIPAVA VALLEY
The event has earned a strong reputation since 2015 and is now one of Slovenia’s biggest endurance races. Elite athletes such as Peter Frano (Slovakia), Philipp Ausserhofer (Italy), Mathias Deutschbauer (Austria), and Emma Stuart (Ireland) are expected, as well as Esther Fellhofer (Austria), Carlos Mantero (Spain), and Alex Baldaccini (Italy). Among the top Slovenians are Ivi Hrastovec, Anže Sobočan, Andi Mamić, Aleš Svetina, Aleš Frlic, and locals Marko Tratnik and Lucija Krkoč.
Aleš Frlic made history last year by completing the Emperor 162 km course in just 19 hours, 6 minutes, and 52 seconds. For comparison, the final finishers take over 45 hours.
RICH SIDE PROGRAM
For the first time, re-enactors from across Europe will join the 30 km course dressed in full Roman battle gear alongside the Gladiators on Saturday, April 26 at 8 AM. Music, cheering, food, and drinks will be provided by local associations and 500 volunteers across 15 aid stations.
The event spans five municipalities, two tourism boards, and 17 local associations, with the main hub in Ajdovščina, where the expo begins on Thursday, April 24.
Wineries and caterers from across the trail will be part of the side program, including the beautiful Vipavski Križ—one of Slovenia’s most picturesque and culturally protected villages—hosting Obelix Hike & Wine participants.
PARTNERS & SPONSORS
Title partners: Slovenian Tourist Board – I Feel Slovenia and Tourism Board of Nova Gorica and Vipava Valley
General partner: Leone (AL!VE)
Centurion partners: SCARPA, Mlinotest, ERDINGER
Volunteer sponsor: Primorska Hranilnica Vipava
Other supporters: Kolektor, OSHEE, SportHG, OutVentureX
Full event details: www.ultratrail.si and www.vipavskadolina.si
