Bostjan presenting a well deserved medal to one of the 2,000 UTVV runners in 2023
In this interview series, Ahotu will be speaking with the people behind some of the most unique races across the globe. We’ll be discussing the history of the event, challenges and how to overcome them, attracting sponsors, reaching new runners and more!
Thanks for joining us Bostjan. We are delighted to be working with Ultra Trail Vipava Valley for 2024, could you tell us a little bit about yourself and the race?
Thank you, we’re delighted to be working with you and it’s my pleasure to introduce myself and the race to runners. I’m the race director and co-founder of the Ultra Trail Vipava Valley. It was the first Ultra Trail race of 100k to take place in the country and allows runners to experience the Vipava Valley, a region in southwestern Slovenia, known for its picturesque landscapes, vineyards, and historical significance.
How long have you been organising the race and what led you to create it?
We launched UTVV in 2015, 2024 will be our 9th edition!
In the beginning, there was an idea to showcase the beautiful trails of the Vipava Valley and to invite people to start running, to challenge themselves, and to commit to a more fulfilled life. UTVV was founded by a group of passionate local climbers/alpinists who had access to ideal conditions for endurance training all year-round right behind their houses, so we wanted to give this opportunity to the wider population.
How many participants do you get and where do they typically come from? E.g. how many countries, participants etc.
We now have over 2,000 runners from more than 40 countries across the globe. Most of them come from Europe (Italy, Croatia, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Germany, France, Netherlands, and the UK) but we increasingly see overseas countries such as the US, Canada etc taking part. We feel we have a race that offers a unique perspective on the country and we are delighted to host runners from all corners of the globe.
With distances ranging from 10k to 160k the course covers a large area including the valley itself, mountains and ridges. What challenges does this present to you and the organising team?
We are covering around 230km of trails around the Vipava Valley. This brings a big challenge with logistics, course marking, and keeping the event safe. Luckily we have great support from local communities. A big challenge is to gather and co-ordinate 500 volunteers, all of whom contribute to making the event what it is. I am proud that we made this challenge an opportunity and one of the biggest selling points of the event, since most of our volunteers come from the Valley and help to create a vibrant authentic atmosphere for all the runners during the race weekend. The runners can feel the local vibe of the Valley and are welcomed at more than 15 aid stations run by the locals who call the Valley home.
How do you
What changes have you noticed in the trail / ultra running scene over the course of your time organising UTVV?
Since 2015 a lot has changed, but the core of trail running remains the same, fast-moving over beautiful landscapes, which gives you a sense of freedom, joy, and positive energy.
I would say many services have become more professional and thus more efficient and available (timing, safety services, logistics planning, marketing approaches at different races) so the race in some ways is easier to organise than in the beginning – there is a lot more knowledge about organising a trail race than in 2015. In 2015 there were very few races (in Slovenia) in the market, now you can find a race somewhere in Slovenia most weekends throughout the year.
Most importantly, more and more people are getting familiar with trail running and I think our initial goal, to present this sport to the people is going in the right direction.
The different distances have names related to Roman ranks e.g. Centurion, Legionair etc, could you tell us a bit about the history of the location and the link to Roman history?
The Vipava Valley has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, including the Roman period. During the Roman Empire, the Vipava Valley was part of the province of Venetia et Histria. The Romans established settlements in the region, and the Vipava Valley was an important agricultural and trade area due to its fertile land and strategic location. The most important event in that area from the Roman period dates back to 394AD when The Battle of the Frigidus, also known as the Battle of the Frigid River, took place between the forces of the Roman emperors Theodosius I and Eugenius.
The battle occurred near the Frigidus River (now the Vipava River), in the Vipava Valley. The Frigidus River marked the border between the Western and Eastern Roman Empire. The outcome of the battle had important consequences for the Empire. Theodosius I became the last sole ruler of the entire Roman Empire, and for the last time in history reunited the East and West, and Christianity for the first time in history became the main religion in the Empire and the known World.
By connecting to the Roman story, UTVV would like to show the cultural heritage of the Valley on one side and, whilst also offering our modern-day warriors (runners / outdoor enthusiasts) an opportunity to display a warrior mentality in overcoming the challenge each distance offers. We believe trail running allows participants to explore their potential and evolve as individuals.
Our races Emperor (160 km), Centurion (100 km), Gladiator (60 km), Legionar (30 km), and the shorter Asterix (15 km) and Castra runs (10 km), all offer participants a unique and challenging way to enjoy the Valley.
Finishers of our longest distance (Emperor 160km) receive an Emperor’s ring upon reaching the finish line, while the winner receives the Emperor helmet and a sword as a trophy.
Finishers of the 160km race receive the UTVV Emperor ring at the finish line
With a range of distances on offer, from 10k to 160k… what can participants expect from the course(s)?
We like to offer a wide range of distances to allow everybody to take part. UTVV is a festival of trail running and the shorter distances ensure everyone can participate and experience the magical atmosphere that the race weekend generates. We hope to encourage those new to the sport to challenge themselves and perhaps to eventually to the start line of the Emperor race.
The UTVV offers a unique trail-running experience with our stunning landscapes, diverse terrain, and historical heritage. Runners participating in UTVV can expect to run amongst picturesque vineyards, orchards, and the rolling hills of the Slovenian countryside. The longest 160km Emperor completely encircles the Valley and on the west part of the track crosses the border into Italy.
The majority of the tracks are well-marked trails through forests to more challenging sections with elevation changes – most of the trails are single trails, dirty roads, a few km of gravel roads, and some short paved sections.
On the trails are runners always welcomed with more than 15 aid stations supported by the local clubs and communities, which offers an authentic taste of the Valley.
What advice would you have for those tackling UTVV for the first time?
I would advise runners that the distance and elevation can be deceiving, many previous participants have commented that the race was more difficult than expected. Mostly because of the specific karst terrain with many little stones on the ridge trails, the uphills can be steep, downhills technical. It is worth coming earlier and testing the terrain before raceday, so you can be better prepared for the “battle” later. The weather is usually pleasant for running, somewhere between 10 – 25c in recent years! The North wind Bora, can be cold and very severe, so runners would be wise to prepare for the elements just in case. It is well worth keeping a close eye on the forecast for this race!
What are your ambitions for the race over the coming years?
The race is growing steadily each year and is becoming one of the biggest and most important races in the region. As organisers, our aim is to grow the race whilst maintaining the authenticity of the event and to ensure we are connected with the local communities. Ensuring runners experience world-class endurance race supported by the local community all to create a vibrant atmosphere.
An electric atmosphere at the start of the 160km race at Ultra Trail Vipava Valley
Any races, sponsors or companies you would like to shout out? You could shout out your other races here as well.
We are really happy to have a long-lasting partnership with the Vipava Valley and Slovenian Tourist Boards which recognise the race as an important event that generates important recognition amongst the outdoors and endurance community.
We are thankful to the chocolate brand Alive and footwear specialist Scarpa who supported us for several years for now and helped us to create this amazing story. We are always open to exploring partnerships that will benefit participants.
What else would you recommend participants see whilst visiting Slovenia? Any must-see sights etc you would recommend.
Slovenia is a wonderful if somewhat hidden gem, especially in April. You can move quite freely through different amazing places like; Postojna cave, Predjama castle, river Soča, lake Bled, Kranjska Gora, capital city Ljubljana, Piran, Lipica, the wonderful wine cellars of Vipava Valley and our amazing Julian Alps and surrounding mountains.
Slovenia boasts a wealth of stunning landscapes including the Julian Alps
When is the next edition of UTVV and where can participants go to find out more?
The next edition is from the 26th to 28th April 2024, check out our Instagram for regular updates on the race @UTVVSlovenia
Interested in taking part? You can register for the 2024 edition of the UTVV on Ahotu – Ultra trail Vipava Valley
To feature in our interview series you can drop us an email on [email protected]
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