6th Traditional Ribn'ca Trail: A Successful Event Connecting Ribnica and the World
On Saturday, August 31, 2024, the 6th traditional Ribn’ca trail running event, hosted by I feel Slovenia, took place in Ribnica. Organized by the Club of Proud Individuals, the event has become a well-received tradition in Ribnica.
As in previous years, the race featured three courses:
- Kuhavnca (12 km): 76 women and 87 men participated.
- Čebularca (25 km): 36 women and 87 men participated.
- Ribežn (40 km): The most physically demanding course, with 21 women and 49 men participating.
Despite the very hot weather, the atmosphere was filled with positive energy for the participants, volunteers, and all the kind-hearted supporters who offered encouragement to the runners.
This year, the event was part of the GTNS (Golden Trail National Series), which brought international competitors. In addition to Slovenian runners, participants came from Italy, Croatia, Hungary, France, Ukraine, Germany, Romania, Austria, Portugal, and even China.
The event began at Ribnica Castle at 8:00 AM with the start of the longest course. The start of Čebularca followed at 9:00 AM, and Kuhavnca began at 10:00 AM.
There was also something for the youngest participants: the Krošnjarček Run, featuring 300 m and 600 m races. Interest in these runs was immense, and children, along with their parents, were thrilled with the organization. Each participant received a T-shirt, a drink, a reusable water cup, and a small flag. After finishing their races, the children enjoyed delicious pancakes.
Simultaneously, various activities took place, including performances by majorettes, paddleboarding on the Bistrica River, museum exhibitions, basket-weaving experiences, face painting for children, a library under the treetops, and an art workshop for kids.
The event attracted numerous visitors from different parts of Slovenia and beyond, all of whom spent a wonderful day in Ribnica.
The day concluded with the arrival of all runners at the finish line, where they received commemorative medals and a well-deserved meal. This was followed by the announcement of the winners, culminating in a pleasant gathering of runners and volunteers in the delightful atmosphere under the shade of Ribnica Castle.
Winners in their categories:
Kuhavnca (12 km):
- Men’s winner: Tadej Vehovec with a time of 01:04:39.
- Women’s winner: Maruša Cijan Brkič, who completed the course in 01:17:03.
Čebularca (25 km):
- Men’s winner: Josip Meštrić with a time of 01:46:03.
- Women’s winner: Posztos Kitti, who finished in 02:06:35.
Ribežn (40 km):
- Men’s winner: Jure Orehek with a time of 3:32:51.
- Women’s winner: Katja Trop, who achieved the best result with a time of 4:48:40.
The participants praised the organization and execution of the event, expressing their gratitude for the excellent support at all points along the course – from refreshments to the encouraging words of volunteers.
A BIG THANK YOU goes out to all sponsors, donors, supporters, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event.
Photo: Club Archive
Written by: Mirjam Ambrožič Arko
