27. Plitvički maraton 2012

Plitvice (Croatia), Saturday 2 June 2012

Plitvice Lakes National Park (Copyright © 2012 runinternational.eu)

 

Held in the Plitvice Lakes National Park—one of Croatia's most popular tourist destinations—the Plitvički maraton races attract over 1000 runners every year.

Last year, over 200 marathon runners completed the very hilly 42.2km course. The 16km race had about 400 participants, and around 550 took part in the 5km run.

The marathon is a single loop on asphalt roads through dense forests, lovely meadows and remote villages in parts of the national park which tourists hardly ever visit. You cannot see the famous waterfalls from the course but some sections are along the amazingly beautiful blue-green lakes.

Both the marathon and the 16km 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 in an area of extreme weather conditions. In early June, it's usually very warm weather in the region but there were years when runners wore gloves, wollen hats, and water-resistant clothing.

In 2011, new course records were set in the men's and in the women's marathon. Ethiopian athlete Ashenafi Erkolo, who lives in Hungary, celebrated victory in a time of 2:25:53. Hungary's top runner Simona Staicu led the ladies home in 2:52:31.

 

Country: Croatia

Venue (Map): Plitvice (Zagreb 136km, Ljubljana 212km, Trieste 235km, Budapest 478km)

Date: 2 June 2012 (Saturday)

Race distance: 42.2km; 16km; 5km

Start time: 9.30

Start and finish: at Hotel Plitvice

Entries: online; payment by bank transfer; entries close 18 May 2012; no entries on the day!

Entry fees (42km): 140 HRK (ca. 18.50 EUR)

Entry fees (16km): 120 HRK (ca. 15.85 EUR)

Entry fees (5km): 80 HRK (ca. 10.60 EUR)

Race centre: at the start (Friday 1 June 2012, 17.00-21.00; on the day 7.00-9.00)

All runners get: T-shirt, finisher medal, pasta party, free entry to the national park

Prizes: (?)

Award ceremony: 15.00

Number of finishers 2011: 210 (42km), 377 (16km), 558 (5km)

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.