Plitvice Marathon – a marathon to relax both body and mind /

This is not just another Plitvice Lakes story; this is one of the few untold stories about this breathtaking natural wonder that has attracted a large number of visitors for many years. Once a year there is also a large group of visitors who are avid runners.

History of the marathon

How did it all start and what was the idea behind a marathon in an area where you are surrounded by greenery and endless waterfalls? In the Park area there was an increasing interest in sports activities and more and more investments were made in sports. A newly built sports hall, outdoor sports fields, walking and running paths along lakes and waterfalls, rowing on the lake, bike rides around the park, skiing in winter and a ski school… all this inspired Prof. Ivan Teklic to take on a new work challenge . One of his priorities was to bring lake and waterfall trails closer to all running enthusiasts. The first Plitvice Marathon took place in October 1981, with 165 participants. As the news spread quickly, more and more participants from different countries joined each year. The beauty of this oldest and greenest marathon in Croatia is recognized not only in neighboring countries, but also in other countries around the world. The trail that passes most of the lakes and waterfalls, through wooded areas, further encourages runners to achieve better results. An interesting fact is that in 1984 and 1985 a cross-country skiing competition was organized. In 1984 cross-country skiing took place at Entrance 2, while in 1985 participants could cross-country ski past frozen lakes and waterfalls.

races

For all fans of marathons and other races, the environment in which they run is certainly important. When we are surrounded by nature, every step we take is easier and as we “dive” more and more into the greenery around us, we notice less and less tension because we are filled with the beauty of nature. Runners who come from the urban jungle to a green oasis and breathe in the fresh, clean air run with a big smile on their face, which you certainly don’t see anywhere else. The Plitvice Marathon is one of the most popular races in Croatia and offers you an exceptional opportunity to run directly above the Great Waterfall, the lake and the Black and White rivers.

The races are divided into a marathon, a half marathon and a 5 km race.

The 5 km race starts in front of Mukinje Sports and Recreation Center. The participants run towards the National Park to the auxiliary entrance Flora. From there you can see the Upper Lakes, the largest waterfall of the Upper Lakes – Veliki Prštavac. There is also a turning point and the runners return to the finish via the same route. The course is family-friendly and is meant to be walked all the way in the shade of the beech forest, with no major climbs, or it can be a real treat for fast runners.

The 21 km race or half marathon also starts in front of Mukinje Sports and Recreation Center and ends up on the main road. After 1.5 km you will reach the Josip Jović monument and run towards the Korana bridge, also the lowest point of the half marathon course. From the Korana Bridge, there is a beautiful view of the Korana River at the foot of the hill. Then the trail climbs towards Poljanak and after Poljanak you head towards Plitvica Selo. On the 26th kilometer you enter the Plitvice Lakes National Park, at Kozjak bridges, where you reach the train station, and continue through the park back to Mukinje. During the half marathon you can enjoy four refreshments.

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In 2021, the Plitvice Half Marathon is named after Valentina Valjak, the prematurely deceased winner of the Plitvice Half Marathon 2020.

The 42 km race, or marathon, also starts in front of the Mukinje Sports and Recreation Center and the runners follow the same route as the half marathon runners. In this race, the runners do not go towards Kozjak bridges, but continue their route to the highest peak, Prošćansko Lake, and head towards Ljeskovac, where there is a turn on the 32nd kilometer and then they reach the Upper Lakes and return to Mukinje. It is a unique course with two steep climbs, but that also means that the runners can enjoy a beautiful view of the lakes and the forest. Almost half of the course is next to the lakes themselves and there are two sources of drinking water. It also passes through the rainforest “Čorkova uvala”, the oldest rainforest in this part of Europe. Seven refreshments are waiting for you at the marathon.

Plitvice Marathon 2023

As part of the offer of sports and leisure tourism, the Plitvice Marathon is traditionally held in the first week of June. As one of the oldest and greenest races, it attracts an increasing number of participants every year, and this year participants from over 25 countries are expected to participate. The 38th Plitvice Marathon will be held from 2 to 4 June and participants this year can choose between a 5 km course, a half marathon (21 km) and a marathon (42 km). It is interesting that this year the Plitvice Marathon is part of the competition calendar of the 1st Croatian Road League, which is held in cooperation with the Croatian Athletics Federation. The number of participants is limited to 1,000 – 350 in the half marathon in honor of Valentina Valjak (deceased winner of the 35th Plitvice Half Marathon), 350 in the marathon and 300 in the 5 km race. Each participant will also receive a ticket to the National Park in their starter pack. The race will start on June 3, 2023 at 9:00 AM in Mukinje, in front of the Mukinje Sports and Recreation Center – Sports Hall.

Running through the largest and oldest national park is a special experience where body and mind come into perfect harmony.

Benefits of running

What does running mean to you? What emotions do you feel when someone mentions the word running and that they like running? Can you imagine being free, without a care in the world, enjoying the fresh air and letting go of all the stress and negative emotions that have accumulated in you? Because running does just that! It’s a popular physical activity loved by many, and it’s super easy — meaning all you have to do is get up and go. Running has a number of benefits for the human body as it reduces the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks and a number of other diseases. Studies have shown that running greatly improves mental and emotional health and helps achieve longevity. Some studies conducted on people who are runners have confirmed that they feel better after just 30 minutes of running and that running has a positive effect on people suffering from depression and related conditions. Interestingly, running outside while enjoying the beautiful nature boosts self-confidence. This is one more reason why you should participate in the Plitvice Marathon, just imagine all the landscapes you will see… Running, as a physical activity, contributes to our overall better physical appearance, a fresher look of the skin and improves our posture. Regular running contributes to heart health and increases bone density and improves stamina, making exercising all the more fun. Running is an aerobic activity that speeds up your circulation, metabolism and fat burning.

Overnight in a hotel nearby

Recharge your batteries in the green heart of the Plitvice Lakes and prepare for the start of the Plitvice Marathon. Those who like to be close to the marathon course can find their oasis of peace at Hotel Jezero. Hotel Jezero is enveloped in a soothing atmosphere and only about three hundred meters away from the emerald greenery of Kozjak. Everyone needs to relax after running a marathon, and looking at nature is a real relaxer and a remedy for restlessness and stress. (If you are not a fan of running, relax in our hotel and cheer on your loved ones next to the courses.) In addition to rich culinary specialties, you can find a wellness corner and really relax your body after a hard run. The Plitvice Marathon is certainly one of the most beautiful marathons in the world, because in addition to the courses that go through the beautiful fresh forest, you also have a view of surreal, breathtaking lakes on some stretches.

Athletics club Plitvice

The Plitvice Athletics Club was founded in 2017, on the initiative of local sports enthusiasts who practiced different sports. The idea was to establish a new sports club in an area rich in natural beauty, where the local population would be involved in sports activities, to raise awareness about a healthy lifestyle. In 2020, the Plitvice Athletics Club was awarded a concession for the organization of the 35th Plitvice Marathon, the oldest marathon in Croatia. After a successful first year, the Plitvice Athletics Club has been the organizer every year since then.

Their ultimate goal is to promote athletics as one of the oldest sports disciplines, to work with children as the foundation of the future in the form of active participation in sports activities and to create a beautiful environment in the local community. Today the club has about fifty members.

This is Croatia’s oldest marathon and given the increasing popularity of running, the race is at the pinnacle of running where it deserves to be. So pack your trainers and join the greenest marathon in Croatia.

Tomislav Kovačević is the General Director of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Croatia.

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