30. Plitvički maraton 2015
Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia), Sunday 7 June 2015
Held in the Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia's most popular tourist destinations, the Plitvički maraton comprises three road races — a 5km run, a half marathon, and a marathon.
Last year, approximately 1,250 runners took part in the 5k, 700 in the half marathon, and 300 in the full marathon.
The marathon is a very scenic loop which takes the runners through dense forests, lovely meadows and remote villages in parts of the national park which tourists hardly ever visit. You can't see the famous waterfalls from the course but some sections are run along the shores of beautiful blue-green lakes.
Both the marathon and the half marathon routes are very challenging. The climbs are not steep but long. The difference between the lowest and the highest point on the course is around 250 metres.
Marathon runners can expect to finish at least 10 minutes slower than on a flat course. In 2014, the fastest finishers were Elisha Kiprotich Sawe (2:36:28) and Gladys Jepkurui Biwott (2:52:05), both of Kenya.
Be aware that Plitvice is located in an area of extreme weather conditions. It's usually very warm in the region in early June but there were years when runners wore gloves, wollen hats, and water-resistant clothing.
Country: Croatia
Venue (Map): Plitvice (Zagreb 136km, Ljubljana 212km, Trieste 235km, Split 250km)
Date: 7 June 2015 (Sunday)
Race distance: 5km; 21.1km; 42.2km
Start time: 10.00 (21km, 42km); 10.10 (5km)
Start and finish: in the village of Mukinje, Plitvička jezera
Entries: online with payment by bank transfer; entries close 24 May 2015; no entries on the day
Entry fees (5km): 80 HRK (or 11 EUR)
Entry fees (16km): 120 HRK (or 16 EUR)
Entry fees (42km): 150 HRK (or 20 EUR)
Race centre: sports hall ŠRC Mukinje (6 June 2015, 17.00-21.00; on the day 7.00-9.30)
You get (5km): pasta party (on Saturday), T-shirt, free entry to the national park
You get (21km, 42km): pasta party (on Saturday), T-shirt, free entry to the national park, medal, certificate, lunch after the race
Prizes (5km): to the first 5 M/F and to the first 3 in each category
Prizes (21km): to the first 6 M/F and to the first 3 in each category
Prizes (42km): to the first 10 M/F and to the first 3 in each category
Award ceremony: 12.30 (5km), 13.30 (21km), 15.00 (42km)
Number of finishers 2014: 1257 (5km), 717 (21km), 298 (42km)
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.