29. Plitvički maraton 2014
Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia), Sunday 1 June 2014
Held in the Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia's most popular tourist destinations, the Plitvički maraton comprises three road races — a 5km run, a half marathon, and a marathon.
The half marathon will replace the 16km race that was held in previous years.
Last year, approximately 850 runners took part in the 5km run, 550 in the 16km race, and 200 in the full marathon.
The marathon is a very scenic loop which takes the runners through dense forests, lovely meadows and remote villages in parts of the national park which tourists hardly ever visit. You can't see the famous waterfalls from the course but some sections are run along the shores of beautiful blue-green lakes.
Both the marathon and the half marathon routes are very challenging. Marathon runners can expect to finish at least 10 minutes slower than on a flat course. The climbs are not steep but long. The difference between the lowest and the highest point on the course is around 250 metres.
Be aware that Plitvice is located in an area of extreme weather conditions. In early June, it's usually very warm in the region but there were years when runners wore gloves, wollen hats, and water-resistant clothing.
Country: Croatia
Venue (Map): Plitvice (Zagreb 136km, Ljubljana 212km, Trieste 235km, Split 250km)
Date: 1 June 2014 (Sunday)
Race distance: 5km; 21.1km; 42.2km
Start time: 10.00 (21km, 42km); 10.10 (5km)
Start and finish: in the hamlet of Mukinje, Plitvička jezera
Entries: online with payment by bank transfer; entries close 12 May 2014; no entries on the day
Entry fees (5km): 75 HRK (10 EUR)
Entry fees (16km): 120 HRK (16 EUR)
Entry fees (42km): 150 HRK (20 EUR)
Race centre: Poljana restaurant (Saturday 17.00-21.00); in the start area (on the day 7.00-9.30)
You get (5km): pasta party on Saturday, T-shirt, free entry to the national park
You get (21km, 42km): pasta party on Saturday, T-shirt, free entry to the national park, medal, certificate, lunch on Sunday
Prizes (5km): to the first 5 M/F
Prizes (21km): to the first 6 M/F and to the first 3 in each category (prizes are not cumulative)
Prizes (42km): to the first 10 M/F and to the first 3 in each category (prizes are not cumulative)
Award ceremony: 13.45 (5km, 21km), 15.00 (42km)
Number of finishers 2013: 841 (5km), 549 (16km), 212 (42km)
Event website (in English and Croatian): www.plitvicki-maraton.com
No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or thoroughness of the information on this page.