9th Saint Nicholas Race

This short mountain race in Slovenia, staged in the southern foothills of the Alps, features a manageable elevation gain of approximately 300 metres in 5.4 kilometres.

The race starts off at the thermal spa of Terme Snovik, not far from the picturesque small town of Kamnik. You run on asphalt roads, dirt roads and trails to the finish at the church of Sveti Miklavž (Saint Nicholas), which is at an elevation of 750 metres on top of a wooded hill. The course includes a few short mild downhill sections.

Traditionally, the event is held around Saint Nicholas Day, which is celebrated on 6th December in many European countries.

Saint Nicholas' develish companion Krampus (Slovene: "parkelj") may be there as well, rattling his long chain and frightening children who have misbehaved. He works wonder in a race. Nobody dares to slow down when he's around.

Last year, on a cold and wet day, competitors were in good spirits, not least because of the ample food supply at the finish and the prospect of warming up later in the hot thermal pools, for which participants get a free ticket. Krampus turned out to be not that bad either.

The winners in 2008 were Sebastijan Zarnik (22:18) and Simona Žabjek (29:56).

Country: Slovenia

Venue (Map): Terme Snovik (Kamnik 9km, Ljubljana 32km, Maribor 102km)

Date: 5 December 2009 (Saturday)

Distance: 5.36km (+295m); 1.41km (+90m)

Start time: 10.00

Start: Terme Snovik (ca. 460m); children start higher up the course, closer to the finish

Finish: Church of Sv. Miklavž (750m)

Entries: advance entries until 3rd December online (first name, surname, year of birth, club, sex, category, T-Shirt size) or by e-mail, payment on the day; late entries on the day from 8.00 to 9.30

Entry fees: 8 EUR (advance entries), 10 EUR (late entries); children pay half price

You get: transport of personal clothing to the finish (at 9.30), T-Shirt, snacks and drinks after the race, prize raffle, free entry to the thermal pools of "Terme Snovik"

Prizes: first 5 M/F; medals to the first 3 in the categories

Presentation: 12.30 at the finish

Number of finishers 2008: 108; 29 children

Event website: www.sd-smartno.si

No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or thoroughness of the information on this page.