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ISTRIA 100 BY UTMB 2024. PREVIEW AND FAVORITES
ISTRIA 100 BY UTMB. PREVIEW AND FAVORITES. Our UTMB 2024 WORLD SERIES now travel to Umag Croatia, where we have one of the most popular spring races in the UTMB World Series on 4-7 April, Istria 100 by UTMB
More than 2.650 trail runners, with more than 50 Elite competitors running the race. For those Elite runners, Istria 100 by UTMB will be the stepping stone towards the UTMB World Series finals that take place each year in the triangle of France, Italy and Switzerland.
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ISTRIA 100 BY UTMB 2024.
PREVIEW AND FAVORITES
As the countdown to the Istria 100 by UTMB begins, runners from around the world are making their final preparations for the challenging race ahead. While some are still fine-tuning their gear and strategies, others, like Juuso Simpanen from Finland, have wasted no time and are already out testing the rugged terrain of the course. Juuso, who first experienced the race in 2023 and finished 5th in the
longest race which counts 168K despite facing some physical setbacks. He did not achieve the desired position on the podium, but that made him more eager to try running istria 100 once again this year. Arriving in Croatia two weeks prior to the event, he has diligently scouted almost every inch of the route.
About the race, Juuso says: “I love the course, the scenery and especially the technical trails of the first half. I came here in advance to get acclimatized and enjoy the bright and sunny days here which in Finland we do not have at this time of the year. My plan for this year is to improve my passing time by 40 minutes vs last year. That would roughly make it 19 hours of running along the 168K trail and most likely will guarantee a good positioning.” Juuso came to Istria and Primorsko-goranska županija with his family who are of great support to Juuso. Last year, he also made friends with the locals, so these last few weeks he has been meeting with the local runners, especially Pavle Kruljac, the recognised Croatian trail runner whom he fought on the Istria 100 by UTMB trail in 2023.
Joining Juuso in his quest for trail-running glory is Donatello Rota, an Italian trail runner and coach, who has been a regular participant in the Istria races for the past four years and is each year testing a different distance says: “One cannot control the weather, nor can you guess what your competitors’ strategy is. At least until you meet them on the trail. You cannot even guess what your body will feel like on the day of the race. What you can do, however, is to prepare your body in advance for running long distances. That takes disciplined and meticulous training. If you are eyeing a good position at the finish line, knowing the terrain helps a lot because you can plan when to push and when to take it easy.”
In 2019. Donatello ran the 69K and won the 3rd place. Two years later, in 2021, he won the 42K race. He came again in 2022, to test his limits on the 128K race and achieved a high 6th place. As the route has changed, Donatello is coming back to try the new 69K which starts in Buzet. Like Juuso, Donatello enjoys his summer holidays here, even though, in hours, it takes him longer to travel from Italy to Istria then run the Istria 100 by UTMB race. Whenever there is a chance, Donatello shares his impressions of the race with his trainees and fellow runners and suggests: “When you come to Istria, you need to visit the small villages and the towns in the continent as well as on the coast because you will love it!”.
Similarly, German trail-running sensation Ida-Sophie Hegemann is gearing up for her return to the Istria 100by UTMB. In 2022 she thought of starting modestly with a 69K race. That distance did not suit her well as it didn’t give her the chance to bring out the best of her. but she finished in 3rd place finish in the 110K race in 2023 and a direct entrance for the UTMB World Series finals. Now Ida-Sophie is ready to take on the ultimate challenge of the 168K distance starting in Labin. Expectations are high and she is confident she will give her best to finish the race on her terms and according to her set goals. She says: “It is a great course and I’m in love with the small villages and the coast. The scenery and most lovely volunteers of Istria 100 by UTMB make such a difference when one is running such a long-trail race.”
“On an ultra-trail race, not depleting your body reserves when it gets hard, helps you get better results on the section of the race where your mind needs to take over even if the part of trail you are on, is easier than the section before. You need to get acquainted with the race as much as possible before getting to the start line. Then set a strategy and options. That way, once you leave the start line you know you have done your best to ensure your maximum efforts take you to the finish line.” adds Ida- Sophie Hegemann.
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ISTRIA 100 BY UTMB 2024.
RACES
ISTRIA 100 BY UTM 168K
The 168K course is the hardest and the most beautiful course that we offer. It stretches from the eastern part of Istria, over its highest mountain down to the mainland, and ends on the western part of the peninsula in the city of Umag.
Along the route, you will experience every possible aspect of trail running – really technical terrain, a little bit of coastering, old medieval towns, deep forests, city centers, old train route, muddy valleys, all spiced up with breathtaking panoramas. The course starts in the 3000 years old town Labin, climbs the Učka mountain with the spectacular views to Kvarner region and descends in Buzet where your drop bag will wait for you.
After the well-deserved rest, the trail leads you into mainland, filled with small medieval towns such as Motovun – the Istrian pearl and back to the finish in Umag.
ISTRIA 100 BY UTM 110K
The second largest course starts from Buzet and offers you typical istrian inland trails. After 20 km, the 110K trail merges with 168K trail and continues the climb to the highest peaks of Istria.
As for the terrain, the part that leads to Buzet is very rocky and demanding, but it gets easier towards the finish in Umag.
While 110 km with +3.680 m probably doesn’t sound very demanding, it is nevertheless very challenging.
ISTRIA 100 BY UTM 69K
This trail will show you Central Istria in all its glory!
Although arduous, it is a great option for participants that are a bit less experienced in trail races. However, it still offers an opportunity to experience all the aspects of trail running – strenuous climbs, steep slopes, crossing creeks, as well as muddy and rocky terrain. At the same time, it leads through the beautiful medieval towns of Motovun, Oprtalj, Završje, and Grožnjan.
The trail starts in the old town of Buzet and takes the shortest route to Butoniga lake, and it finish in the city of Umag. As for the terrain, expect large stretches of softer surfaces, combined with the all-present Istrian rock.
The 69 km long trail with the climb of +2.220 m is an excellent start for participants who would like to try 168K or 110K course next time.
ISTRIA 100 BY UTM 42K
This course is dedicated to beginners in trail running. It starts at the bottom of the town of Motovun, climbs up the town, and merges with the other courses. With the elevation difference of 950 m and a time limit of 8 hours, this trail is not very challenging, but nevertheless, has all the elements of a real trail race: it leads you through steep climbs and slopes, wide paths, intact single tracks and charming hill towns – a real treat!
ISTRIA 100 BY UTM 21K
The race is intended for beginners in trail running, volunteers and accompanying runners who race over longer distances. The race starts in medieval Grožnjan and follows an easy path all the way to the sea, to the finish on the main square in Umag. With an elevation of 130 m and thus a limit of 4 hours, the trail is runnable and not demanding.
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UTMB® World Series 2024 calendar
(as of 13 February 2024)
- Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB®, New Zealand (17-18 February 2024)
- Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB®, Italy (22-24 March 2024)
- Istria 100™ by UTMB®, Croatia (4-7 April 2024)
- Desert RATS Trail Running Festival™ by UTMB®, USA (13-14 April 2024)
- Ultra Trail Mount Yun by UTMB®, China (19-21 April 2024)
- The Canyons Endurance Runs™ by UTMB®, USA (26-27 April 2024)
- Amazean Jungle Thailand by UTMB®, Thailand (2-5 May 2024)
- Valhöll Argentina by UTMB®, Argentina (9-12 May 2024)
- Ultra-Trail Snowdonia by UTMB®, UK (10-12 May 2024)
- Trail Alsace Grand-Est by UTMB®, France (17-20 May 2024)
- Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB®, Australia (18-19 May 2024)
- Mountain Ultra Trail™ by UTMB®, South Africa (24-26 May 2024)
- mozart 100™ by UTMB®, Austria (1 June 2024)
- Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB®, Spain (6-8 June 2024)
- Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMB®, France (14-16 June 2024)
- Trail 100 Andorra™ by UTMB®, Andorra (14-16 June 2024)
- Mauritius by UTMB®, Mauritius (22-23 June 2024)
- La Sportiva™ Lavaredo Ultra Trail™ by UTMB®, Italy (26-30 June 2024)
- Western States™ 100 Endurance Run, USA (29 June 2024)
- Val d’Aran by UTMB®, Spain (3-7 July 2024)
- Restonica Trail by UTMB®, France (4-6 July 2024)
- Trail Verbier St Bernard by UTMB®, Switzerland (5-7 July 2024)
- Eiger Ultra-Trail™ by UTMB®, Switzerland (17-21 July 2024)
- Speedgoat™ Mountain Races by UTMB®, USA (19-20 July 2024)
- KAT100™ by UTMB®, Austria (1-3 August 2024)
- Quito Trail by UTMB®, Ecuador (2-4 August 2024)
- Dacia UTMB® Mont-Blanc, France, Italy, Switzerland (26 August-1 September 2024)
- Wildstrubel by UTMB®, Switzerland (12-15 September 2024)
- Paraty Brazil by UTMB®, Brazil (19-22 September 2024)
- Grindstone Trail Running Festival™ by UTMB®, USA (20-21 September 2024)
- Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB®, Slovenia (20-22 September 2024)
- Ultra Trail Whistler™ by UTMB®, Canada (28-29 September 2024)
- Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB®, France (3-6 October 2024)
- Kodiak Ultra Marathons™ by UTMB®, USA (10-11 October 2024)
- TransJeju by UTMB®, South Korea (12-13 October 2024)
- Ultra-Trail Ninghai by UTMB®, China (17-20 October 2024)
- Kullamannen™ by UTMB®, Sweden (1-2 November 2024)
- Puerto Vallarta México by UTMB®, Mexico (7-9 November 2024)
- Translantau by UTMB®, Hong Kong (November 2024)
- Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB®, Thailand (6-8 December 2024)
- Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko™ by UTMB®, Australia (December 2024)
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