On the Istrian peninsula in Croatia, tourism seems to be much more developed than athletics. Just 111 runners took part in last year's Mini Marathon Lanterna which is held on Istria's west coast. More than half of the participants came from outside Croatia.

Entrants can choose between the 5km or the 11km race. Both races begin and end in the village of Tar which sits at an elevation of 116 metres above sea level on a plateau, approximately 2.5 kilometres from the shore.

The route runs out and back through olive groves, vineyards and woods to the Lanterna peninsula. The first half of the race is downhill, the second half uphill.

Participants in the 5k race turn around at the small Santa Marina fishing harbour. The 11k runners carry on along the coast to the turning point at the Autocamp Lanterna.

The races coincide with the ‘Tourist Days’ festival which takes place in the villages of Tar and Vabriga over the weekend.

Country: Croatia

Venue (Map): Tar (60km from Trieste, 90km from Rijeka, 145km from Ljubljana)

Date: 5 September 2009 (Saturday)

Race distance: 5km; 11km; children 1.2km

Start time: 15.30 (children); 16.30 (5km and 11km)

Start and finish: trg Sv. Martina (St. Martin Square), Tar

Entries: advance entries by fax or e-mail until 1 September 2009, payment on the day; late entries on the day (from 13.00)

Entry fees: advance entries HRK 80 (ca. €11); late entries HRK 100; reduced entry fees for runners 60 years and over; children HRK 10

You get: T-shirt, medal, pasta party after the race

Prizes: trophies and sponsor prizes to the first 3 M/F (5km and 11km); medals and sponsor prizes to the first 3 in each category (11km)

Award ceremony: 16.00 (children); 19.00 (5km and 11km)

Number of finishers 2008: 49 (21km), 30 (10km), 26 (5km), 6 children

Event website: www.maratonumag.hr

No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or thoroughness of the information on this page.