EMPEROR PELICON
Total length
Elevation
Time limit
Date
APRIL 24, 2026
QUO VADIS, EMPEROR?
CHALLENGE YOUR MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT. PUSH YOUR BOUNDARIES AND COMMIT TO SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF. FIND THE WARRIOR WITHIN AND BECOME AN EMPEROR.
RACE IN NUMBERS
DATE
April 24, 2026
DISTANCE
163 km
ELEVATION
6724 m +/-
TIME LIMIT
46 hours
AID STATIONS
13
START TIME
19:00
START / FINISH
Ajdovščina
LOWEST POINT
58 m
HIGHEST POINT
1264 m
ITRA: 6
WSER: 2027
AATC: Ultra XL
ELEVATION PROFILE
ARE YOU READY TO PUSH YOURSELF
TO GO TO THE NEXT LEVEL AND BECOME AN EMPEROR?
REGISTER HERE
ENTRY FEES
| Registration periods | Pre-registration: Jun 30—Jul 4, 2025* | 1st period: Jul 1—Sep 30, 2025 | 2nd period: Oct 1—Nov 30, 2025 | 3rd period: Dec 1, 2025—Jan 5, 2026 | 4th period: Jan 6—Feb 28, 2026 | 5th period: Mar 1—Apr 10, 2026 |
| Emperor – 160 km | 145 € | 165 € | 175 € | 185 € | 195 € | 200 € |
*Discounted preregistration prices are only available through the unique link sent by email to those who filled out the preregistration form.
GROUP DISCOUNT
| NUMBER OF PEOPLE | DISCOUNT |
| 5 or more | 5% |
| 15 or more | 7% |
| 25 or more | 10% |
- The minimum number of runners for any distance is 5.
- Group members can run different distances.
- The price per runner is from 5 to 10% lower than individual registrations.
- To receive a group discount code or any further information, please email us at registration@ultratrail.si.
MAP
PATH DESCRIPTION
CLICK FOR DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The Emperor – UTVV 160 km route begins at the centre of Ajdovščina and follows a paved path along Hubelj toward the southern wine-growing hills. Along the way, it passes the picturesque church of Sv. Marjeta in Dolenje, and then continues to the Planina plateau, passing the Guerila estate.
The route continues by descending to the village of Slap, then crosses Lože (the 1st aid station) and Goče before reaching Podraga. The first significant climb to Socerb prepares the runners for the 1,000-meter ascent to the top of Nanos (1,262 m) – the 3rd aid station, after reaching the 2nd aid station in Podnanos.
The trail goes through Nanos, passing the Abram Tourist Farm and the chapel above Plaz, and then descends into the valley where the 4th aid station on the Main Square in Vipava welcomes the runners. After a short flat section, the second ascent of the race follows towards Kovk (961 m). This is followed by a picturesque crossing of one of the most beautiful ridge trails in Slovenia – Angelska Gora (the 5th aid station – Otlica) that ends with the ascent to Čaven (1242 m). After Čaven, the Emperor route continues towards Mala Gora (the 6th aid station) and Kucelj (1237 m).
The final 1000-meter mountain leads the runners to a beautiful church on a rocky cliff, where the 7th aid station, Vitovlje, is located. The route continues through Šmihel, past Lijak, and via Prevala (the 8th aid station). It then goes through the WW1 tunnel and finally reaches the top of Sveta Gora, with its illuminated shrine that acts as a beacon at night. From there, the route descends to Solkan and continues towards Nova Gorica along the border with Italy.
The route crosses the national border at Trg Evrope, climbs the Goriška Castle in Stara Gorica (Italian: Gorizia), and returns to Slovenia across the Rožna Dolina border crossing (the 9th aid station). The route then continues through Šempeter-Vrtojba field, right next to the border with Italy, towards Miren, to Cerje (the 10th aid station), and along the ridge below Trstelj reaches the village of Tabor nad Dornberkom (the 11th aid station).
The Branik Castle is located at 150 km. The final 20 km of the route follows the picturesque Preserje-Planina ridge, where the 13th aid station is located. The trail then descends past the village of Planina and finishes in Ajdovščina, following the paved path along the Hubelj River.
The UTVV ultramarathon challenge takes place in the valley where one of the most important battles of the late Roman period occurred. This battle, known as the Battle of the Frigidus, happened in 394. It was fought between the army of the Eastern Emperor Theodosius I and the army of the Western Roman ruler Eugenius. Theodosius’ victory united the Roman Empire under one emperor for the last time in history and solidified the dominance of Christianity in Europe.
TIME LIMITS
| DISTANCE | TIME LIMIT |
| E4 (49 km) Vipava | 12.5 hours (at 07:30 – Saturday) |
| E7 (82 km) Vitovlje | 21 hours (at 16:00 – Saturday) |
| E8 (96 km) Prevala | 24.5 hours (at 19:30 – Saturday) |
| E10 (122 km) Cerje | 33 hours (at 04:00 – Sunday) |
| E12 (144 km) Branik | 40 hours (at 11:00 – Sunday) |
| FINISH (165 km) Ajdovščina | 46 hours (at 17:00 – Sunday) |
AID STATIONS
| AID STATION – AS | KM | KM TO NEXT AS |
| Ajdovščina | 0 | 13 |
| Lože | 13 | 11 |
| Podnanos | 24 | 9 |
| Nanos | 33 | 17 |
| Vipava | 50 | 14 |
| Otlica | 64 | 10 |
| Mala Gora | 74 | 9 |
| Vitovlje | 83 | 13 |
| Prevala | 96 | 11 |
| Nova Gorica | 107 | 15 |
| Cerje | 122 | 13 |
| Tabor | 135 | 8 |
| Branik | 143 | 14 |
| Planina | 157 | 6 |
| Ajdovščina | 163 | 0 |
REFRESHMENT & CHECKPOINTS
- The trail is equipped with 13 refreshment/aid stations and several hidden time checkpoints
- At the refreshment stations, runners can refuel with drinks and food, and fill their bottles with liquid to sustain their run
- At the aid stations Otlica (62 km) and Cerje (122 km) the hot meal with meat/vegan/gluten-free options is prepared for Emperor 160 km runners
- The aid stations Otlica (62 km) and Cerje (122 km) are also the transition/drop bag aid stations
- The aid stations Vipava (49 km), Cerje (122 km), and Branik (144 km) have time limits
- Waste should be disposed of at the checkpoints and refreshment stations only
- Drinks, light meals and hot meals with meat/vegan/gluten-free options are prepared for all runners at the finish line
EQUIPMENT TRANSITION
Upon receiving your BIB number, you can obtain 3 designated bags for personal equipment:
– The 1st transition/drop bag for UTVV160 will be available at E05 – Otlica (62 km)
– The 2nd transtition/drop bag for UTVV160 will be available at E10 – Cerje (122 km)
– The 3rd bag will be waiting in the finish area
All bags must be submitted at the BIB distribution in Ajdovščina on Friday, at least one (1) hour before the start.
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
| EQUIPMENT | 160 – EMPEROR |
| RUNNING VEST | + |
| BIB NUMBER, worn on the front side of the body and visible at all times | + |
MOBILE PHONE Each runner must carry a mobile phone and be reachable at all times before, during, and after the race. The following conditions apply:
| + |
| WATER SUPPLY of min. 1 litre (e.g. camel bag, bottle, soft flask) | + |
| REUSABLE CUP (folding/collapsible) of min. 15 cl/5oz | + |
| EMERGENCY THERMAL/SURVIVAL BLANKET | + |
| BASIC FIRST AID PACK | + |
WIND JACKET WITH HOOD Waterproof and breathable jacket suitable for bad weather in mountain terrain: temperature around 0 degrees Celsius, strong bora wind up to 100km/h, heavy rain, and storms. Must meet the following criteria:
| + |
| WHISTLE | + |
TWO FUNCTIONING HEADLAMPS, with one spare battery pack. The main headlamp should have at least 200 lumens. | + |
| RUNNING SHOES | + |
LONG-LEGGED TROUSERS, RACE LEGGINGS OR LEGGINGS WITH SOCKS THAT FULLY COVER THE LEGS | + |
| ENERGY FOOD & FOOD RESERVE (recommendation of 800 kcal; e.g. 2 gels + 2 energy bars) | + |
| SUN PROTECTION | o |
| RUNNING POLES | o |
+ Mandatory gear
o Recommended gear
Make sure you have all the required equipment when you collect your BIB number. If anything is missing, you won’t receive your race number. If your required equipment is incomplete or not shown when requested along the race route, you will be disqualified immediately. Random checks will be conducted during the race.
TRANSPORTATION
If you choose to withdraw from the race, you can do this at any aid station. From there, the pick-up shuttle will transfer you back to the finish area.
FEE INCLUDES
IN THE MONTHS BEFORE THE RACE
- free webinars on how to train and prepare for UTVV with UESCA coach and team organizers
- free 1-day UTVV training tours/recces with experienced local trail running guides from October to March in Vipava Valley
- a possibility to join us on multi-day recces in Vipava Valley
- inspirational, educational and entertaining content on our socials
- newsletter with all the information about the race
- a race guide with all the information needed for runners and supporters, published two weeks before the race
RACE WEEK
- personalized BIB number with an RFID time-keeping tag
- starter goodie bag with the official UTVV technical race T-shirt, gifts and souvenirs
- GPS trackers for the Emperor 160 km and Centurion 110 km runners
- drop bags at the transition aid stations for the Emperor 160 km (2) and Centurion 110 km (1) race
- Emperor 160 km (2) and Centurion 110 km (1) drop bags transfer back to the finish line in Ajdovščina
- finish bags for all races
- aid stations with a variety of drinks and food approximately every 12 km
- hot meals for Emperor 160 km (2) and Centurion 110 km (1) race
- a hot meal at the finish line in Ajdovščina for all runners
- showers, changing room and a quiet room for resting near the finish area
- medical first aid in the finish area and at specified aid stations
- live timekeeping, interim times, and results
- a pick-up shuttle for each runner that drops out at aid stations
AFTER THE RACE
- a Roman medal of honour for all finishers
- a Roman ring of honour for all Emperor 160 km finishers
- a downloadable finisher certificate
- a deep knowing and, of course, the right to brag you are a warrior
- a Roman medal of honour for all finishers
CATEGORIES
| WOMEN | MEN |
| up to 34 years | up to 34 years |
| 35 to 49 years | 35 to 49 years |
| 50 to 59 years | 50 to 59 years |
| over 60 years | over 60 years |
AWARDS
The first three men and women in the absolute category will be awarded trophies and money prizes*.
| EMPEROR 160 km | |
| 1st place | 2.000 EUR |
| 2nd place | 500 EUR |
| 3rd place | 250 EUR |
The Organizer reserves the right to make changes.
All prize amounts published or announced for this race are stated as gross amounts.
Prize payments shall be made as net amounts, after deduction of any taxes, withholding taxes, social contributions, or other mandatory charges required under the applicable legislation of the Republic of Slovenia.
The Organizer shall calculate, withhold, and remit any legally required deductions to the competent authorities in accordance with Slovenian law.
Winners are solely responsible for any additional tax obligations that may arise under the laws of their country of residence or any other applicable jurisdiction. The Organizer assumes no liability for any further tax reporting or payment obligations of the winners outside the Republic of Slovenia.
By accepting a prize, winners acknowledge and agree to comply with all applicable tax regulations.
TESTIMONIALS
UTVV is truly a special experience — immersing into the night among vineyards and awakening to a new day in the mountains! The energy at every aid station is incredible! I promised myself to come back one day and go through the course slowly, enjoying pizza, pancakes, and a little schnapps in the forest. The climb up Nanos, with the long line of headlamps, left a special impression on me, and the descent from Nanos is the part of the race to be most careful with — many quadriceps were sacrificed there. 🙂 And the start with the Gladiator soundtrack is so incredible that you feel like you’re on a mission for the entire race! Oh no, now I have to sign up again! Thank you for everything!
Standing at the start line of UTVV is a privilege. Standing at the start line of the Emperor 160 km is a privilege reserved for the few. The atmosphere is electric, charged with positive energy. The volunteers along the course carry you forward into the next kilometres. When you receive the ring at the finish line — the symbol of eternity — you are marked forever. The particles unite into a whole. And you return again.
In 2025, UTVV once again confirmed its reputation as the most spectacular ultra-trail event in the region. Although the event continues to grow each year, the atmosphere on the course remains the same as it was at the very beginning: hospitable locals, dedicated volunteers at the aid stations and along the route, and a professional organizing team that, in cooperation with mountain rescuers and other services, ensures that we feel safe even under the most demanding conditions on this very challenging course. UTVV seems to me to be the ideal event for anyone who wants to take on the 100-mile distance for the first time.
HALL OF FAME
| Male | Female | |
| 1. | Mathias Deutschbauer (AT) – 17:45:40 | Emma Stuart (IE) – 20:44:18 |
| 2. | Aleš Frlic (SI) – 18:29:13 | Karmen Kostanic Juric (HR) – 25:58:54 |
| 3. | Anže Sobočan (SI) – 18:45:14 | Diana Kuiš (HR) – 26:18:27 |
| Male | Female | |
| 1. | Aleš Frlic (SI) – 19:06:52 | Esther Fellhofer (AT) – 23:15:04 |
| 2. | Anže Sobočan (SI) – 19:44:41 | Zuzana Matúšová (SK) – 25:54:29 |
| 3. | Aleš Svetina (SI) – 20:27:55 | Tjaša Seliškar (SI) – 26:37:39 |
| Male | Female | |
| 1. | Anže Sobočan (SI) – 22:32:27 | Esther Fellhofer (AT) – 24:33:21 |
| 2. | Andi Mamić (SI) – 24:02:23 | Cornelia Oswald (AT) – 26:24:40 |
| 3. | Johan Fernandez (FR) – 24:24:36 | Nataša Robnik (SI) – 27:02:34 |
| Male | Female | |
| 1. | Anže Sobočan (SI) – 22:13:13 | Martina Dvorakova (CZ) – 26:13:03 |
| 2. | Andi Mamić (SI) – 23:41:13 | Claire Bannwarth (FR) – 27:10:05 |
| 3. | Niko Golob (SI) – 23:58:17 | Mahya Karbalaii (IR) – 27:52:11 |
| Male | Female | |
| 1. | Roman Ficek (PL) – 20:00:24 | Timea Losonc (HU) – 28:21:48 |
| 2. | Galen Reynolds (CA) – 21:43:42 | Anita Szimandl (AT) – 29:05:29 |
| 3. | Matej Ivančić (HR) – 22:30:42 | Mladenka Buić (HR) – 39:08:45 |
| Male | Female | |
| 1. | Ivan Hrastovec (SI) – 21:04:21 | Francesca Canepa (IT) – 26:21:46 |
| 2. | Jarek Gonczarenko (PL) – 21:49:05 | Anita Szimandl (HU) – 29:38:47 |
| 3. | Andi Mamić (SI) – 22:26:30 | Marija Trontelj (SI) – 30:03:10 |
TRACK RECORDS
Mathias Deutschbauer (AT)
17:45:40 (2025)
Emma Stuart (IE)
20:44:18 (2025)
