The Ultra X World Championships is the pinnacle of multi-stage ultramarathon racing. In June 2024, the world’s greatest ultra runners will race over five days and 220km to become the undisputed multi-day ultra King or Queen.
The course is located in western Slovenia, nestled between the towering Julian Alps to the north and the Adriatic coast to the south. Competitors travel north from the vine-laden landscapes and high plateaus of Vipava Valley to the emerald green waters and rocky mountain trails of Soca Valley and the southern Julian Alps.
To qualify, you must have completed any Ultra X ultra-marathon event.
THE RACE:
The Ultra X World Championships is a multi-stage ultra-marathon that takes place over five days in the Vipava and Soča Valleys of Slovenia. Nestled between the towering Julian Alps to the north and the Adriatic coast to the south, Vipava Valley is located in western Slovenia, just a few miles from the border of northern Italy. The steep slopes and high plateaus of the hills surrounding Ajdovščina (Race Village 1) provide stunning views over the bucolic winelands for which the area is famous.
The course takes competitors from the vine-laden landscapes of Vipava Valley north to Soča Valley, named after the emerald green River Soča, considered one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. From Tolmin (Race Village 2), the route explores the rocky mountain trails of Soča Valley and the summits of the southern Julian Alps, situated within Slovenia’s largest protected area, Triglav National Park.
The course covers a total distance of 226km (140 miles). Each day from Monday to Friday involves one stage, which will commence between 07:00 and 08:00 and range between 30km and 65km. This is not a self-supported race. Competitors only need to carry their daily provisions of mandatory safety equipment, nutrition, and hydration, as race holdalls are transported between race villages by the organisers. There are checkpoints stationed approximately 10km apart where competitors can access water, shelter, and, if necessary, medical support.
Each night, competitors will camp in the Race Villages (Ajdovščina and Tolmin), where they can enjoy osteopathy/physiotherapy treatment, medical care, and hot water. After the final stage on Friday, the prize-giving and awards ceremony will take place and the finish parties and celebrations will begin.
The Ultra X World Championships is a UTMB® World Series Indexed Race in the 100K category.
For more information or to enter the event, click here.
EXPERIENCE SLOVENIA:
We understand that competitors may wish to travel to Slovenia with family or friends. Should they wish to enjoy the country while you race, we highly recommend visiting the following sights. Alternatively, you can visit them together after the event.
If one of your party would like to volunteer at the race while you take part, they can complete the Volunteer Application Form and we will do our best to accommodate them.
LAKE BLED: With its bluish-green lake, island church, medieval castle, and alpine backdrop, Bled is Slovenia’s most popular attraction.
VIPAVA VALLEY: Slovenia’s hidden treasure. Discover the green land of fine culinary treasures, all-year-round active adventures, and breathtaking nature.
POSTOJNA CAVE: The world’s most visited cave boasts thousand-year-old dripstones, “dragon’s babies”, and the stunning Predjama Castle.