8. Tek na Bazo 20
8th Race to Base 20
This short mountain race with an elevation gain of 400 metres over a 6 kilometre route takes you into the Kočevski Rog, a remote protected nature area of pristine forests where you might encounter the odd wolf or bear.
The race starts off in the small village of Podturn near Dolenjske Toplice, the oldest spa town in Slovenia. You run all the way on an asphalt road through the forest. The road offers a nice gradual climb and a fast 300m sprint finish. For the time of the race, the road is closed to traffic.
The finish is at Baza 20, the political headquarters of the Communist-led resistance movement during World War Two. From April 1943 to December 1944, up to 180 people, including the Yugoslav Partisan leadership under the command of Marshal Tito, lived here well hidden and camouflaged, building bunkers, workshops, schools and hospitals. Twenty-six buildings and huts can still be seen.
In addition to the running event, a bike race to Baza 20 will be held in the morning, and a walk in the afternoon.
In 2008, the winners were Boštjan Kozan (25:27) and Marta Gričar (35:20).
Country: Slovenia
Venue: Podturn, near Dolenjske Toplice (Novo Mesto 15km, Ljubljana 67km, Zagreb 90km)
Date: 19 July 2009 (Sunday)
Distance: 6km (+400m)
Start: 17.30 Podturn, walkers start at 17.00
Finish: Baza 20 (at an elevation of 600m)
Entries: on the day from 16.00 at the forestry commission in Podturn
Entry fees: 8 EUR, 5 EUR for walkers and children younger than 15 years
You get: transport of personal clothing to the finish; medal, a warm meal, drink
Prizes: trophies to the first 3 M/F; medals to the first 3 in the categories
Number of finishers 2008: 110
Event website (in Slovene): Društvo K2M
Tourist information (in English): Baza 20, Municipality of Dolenjske Toplice, Terme Dolenjske Toplice
