Slovenian runners Jan Božič and Nina Frelih win on home turf after Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB delivers testing conditions

The Slovenian mountains delivered testing and tough conditions for the Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB this weekend, including record rainfall in the Soča Valley on the eve of the 173km Ultra Trail Julian Alps. With the race organisers forced to cancel the longest race of the event, runners who were due to take to the start line of the queen distance shifted their focus to the Ultra Sky Trail 108km race and the chance to still be part of Slovenia’s biggest trail running event and earn precious Running Stones.

It was Slovenian runner, Jan Božič who took the tape in the 108km race with an incredible time of 12.08.14. He said, “_The race served up some interesting weather conditions – from snow, rain, mud, wind, and gusts. The last climb was the hardest part of the race, as I was already a bit tired, and it was snowing with wind gusts._”

While Božič finished almost 30 minutes clear of his competitors, it was a joint second place for Benjamin Muller (SUI) and Andrea Paladin (ITA) who crossed the line together, hand in hand, in 12.37.40 after a race that Paladin described as ‘unforgettable.’

It was a double win for Slovenia in the longest distance, with Nina Frelih ticking off her debut race across the distance in style as first female. Having recently returned from vacation and training in Africa with partner and male winner, Božič, the conditions were in stark contrast.

“_This was an extremely tough race, and the conditions were extremely tough. I spent almost 15 hours in rain, fog, snow, mud and cold but I still loved the route. In good weather, this would be a truly fantastic experience!_” commented Frelih who had been dreaming of a hot shower for the last 30km.

In the 60km race, Jirí Petr (CZE) and Anna Jansen (GER) were first across the line in their respective categories. It proved to be a close battle for the podium in both races, with Jansen finishing just 5 minutes and 48 seconds ahead of Martina Klancnik Potrc (SLO) after almost 7 hours of racing. Žan Žepič (SLO) took the win in the men’s 34km race, with Caterina Stenta (ITA) claiming victory in the women’s.

With the weather conditions refusing to let up, the race organisers were later forced to halt the 100km and 60km races at the mountain hut Golica. Any runners who had yet to pass this point at 12.15pm were safely transported by bus back to Kranjska Gora.

Despite the testing conditions being the defining characteristic of the weekend, runners still shared many personal achievements and loved discovering the route in all its elements, including Slovenia’s biggest mountain Triglav, the stunning Lake Bled and the emerald river Soča. In the 16km race, Aleksandra Bazulka (POL) enjoyed her first race abroad to win the female race while Vili Črv (SLO) went on to defend his title as male winner.

The professional cross-country skier commented, “_The race was extremely fast despite rainy conditions as I had some great competition this year. I am very happy with my race and excited that I was able to show I can place well in trail running as well! This shows a great prediction for me ahead of the winter season, so I am really happy._”

In the 10km, Tjaša Lisac (SLO) was over the moon to complete her first trail running event. She said, “_It was extremely memorable! I have never participated in a trail running event before, so I was a bit apprehensive about starting in the cold and rainy weather, but I am so happy I did! I am hooked now and will for sure be back next year to perhaps try a longer distance._”

Full results from Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB are available here.