30. Tek na Šmarno goro

 

When cries of fear and panic echo through the forest on Slovenia's most popular hill it's very likely that a trail runner has taken up speed and can't slow down any more. The 2km-long downhill section in the middle of the race is frightening.

Lots of tree roots and leaves on the course complicate the matter, and the terrain can be slippery. Only experienced performers on rough trails should participate in this event.

Nevertheless, it's well worth to travel to Šmarna gora, just 10km north of Ljubljana, if not as a runner then as a spectator.

 

Mitja Kosovelj of Slovenia, winner 2009

 

The seventh and final race of the World Mountain Running Grand Prix attracts a large number of the world's best trail runners.

In 2008, Slovenia's Mitja Kosovelj celebrated victory in a time of 40:22, ahead of Robert Krupicka (CZE), Marco Gaiardo (ITA) and Jonathan Wyatt (NZL).

On the women's side, Austria's world champion Andrea Mayr set a new course record (45:24). She was followed by Victoria Wilkinson (ENG), Mateja Kosovelj (SLO) and Anna Pichrtova (CZE). 

 

Victoria Wilkinson of England, winner 2007 and runner-up 2008

 

The densely wooded hill has two peaks - Grmada (676m) and Šmarna gora (669m). 

After a few hundred metres on asphalt you run on forest trails, which are very narrow in parts, to the summit of Grmada, then halfway down the other side of the hill, and finally uphill again to the finish at the church on Šmarna gora. The last 500 metres are on a clean dirt road. 

All runners are awarded with a warm meal at the small restaurant on Šmarna gora. Weather permitting, the views of the Alps are beautiful.

 

Grmada and Šmarna gora

 

Race report and photos: 2010, 2009

 

Country: Slovenia

Venue (Map): Tacen (Ljubljana city entre 9km, Ljubljana airport 19km)

Date: 3 October 2009 (Saturday)

Race distance: 9km (+710m, -350m); 2.5km (juniors); 650m (children)

Start: 10.00 at the sports park Rocen in Tacen (ca. 310m)

Finish: on the top of Šmarna gora (669m)

Race course: elevation profile and course map

Entries: on the day at the start

Entry fees (2008): 10 EUR, children 5 EUR

Race centre: at the start

You get: transport of personal clothing to the finish, a present and a warm meal at the finish, results list, finisher photo

Prizes: prize money to the first 15 men and 10 women, trophies to the category winners, medals to the first 3 in the categories

Presentation: 11.15 flower ceremony, 13.00 prize giving ceremony (at the finish)

Number of finishers 2008: 122 men, 35 women; 16 juniors; 49 children

Event website (in English and Slovene): 30th Šmarna Gora Mountain Race

Tourist information (in English): Šmarna gora, Ljubljana

 

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