The Slovenian long-distance mountain trail has got a new record holder. Extreme mountain runner Marjan Zupančič has covered the 599 kilometre distance in seven days and approximately eight hours.
To be exact: it took seven days, eight hours and ten minutes for Zupančič to run the entire length of the trail that takes its visitors across all of the highest peaks between Maribor in the northeast and Ankaran in the southwest. With this feat, Zupančič has broken the record set by Klemen Triler on 8 August by three hours and 15 minutes.
"If anyone asked me this moment if I plan to run on the Slovenian long-distance trail, I'd say no, but this doesn't mean it's my last run. Especially not now, after setting the record," explained the 44-year-old extreme runner soon after reaching the finish line. It took Zupančič less than a month to win back the title of the record holder for Slovenia's most difficult challenge in mountain running.
"I'm very tired, I have blisters, I haven't slept much, but all this effort has paid off. I need to take a rest first, and then I'll make plans for new feats," added the runner from Bohinjska Bistrica, who last took this challenge in 2013, when he covered the track in eight days, 14 hours and 45 minutes. Interestingly, he also stole the title from Triler.
The Slovenian long-distance mountain trail is a mountainous route that links Maribor and Ankaran. It travels across most of Slovenia's mountainous terrain. The Slovenian mountain trail was built as the first link trail in the Alps, becoming a model example for other Alpine regions to build their own.
D. S., MMC;
translated by K. Z.