Martinov tek Izola 2010 — Run and wine on Slovenia's coast

Izola (Slovenia), Sunday 7 November 2010

The Martinov tek ("Saint Martin's Run") on Slovenia's coast was a very pleasurable event. Not only that the new route was very scenic and great fun, the event also gave runners the opportunity to sample the new wine before it is baptized on St Martin's Day on November 11.

However, the race was a challenging test for all as the 11-kilometre multi-terrain loop around the old fishing town of Izola was far from flat and easy.

At first, participants ran up to the top of the cliffs near Izola. On the way down to a beautiful valley of olive groves and vineyards, they squeezed through a narrow and very low underpass of a main road.

Competitors ran along a cycleway on the disused "Parenzana" railway line and through a 213m-long railway tunnel, before they finally headed along the seafront to the finish line on the beach.

On a warm mild day, thanks to Mediterranean "jugo" ("scirocco") winds, the race had almost 200 finishers. Experienced Slovenian trail runners claimed victory - Boštjan Hrovat and Mateja Šušteršič.