When choosing the first long trail race for this year, I was interested in the Ivanjica Trail race. The last time I was there at a mountain camp was back in 2008. I remember how beautiful the nature is. In addition, I heard the impressions of people who were satisfied with holding that first race in 2022. As everything coincided, both the date and the location, I decided to sign up and run.
The Ivanjica Trail took place on May 20 and 21 at distances of 66 km and 23 km. About 300 runners participated in both race lengths. I chose a distance of 23 km with an ascent of 950 m to run and enjoy nature. This was my first serious trail distance.
The previous day, we visited the nearby town of Ivanjica. The race started on Sunday, May 21, in the village of Katici at an altitude of 1100 meters. From this village, there is a view of the top of Mucnja, the only ascent for the 23 km race.
The organization of the race was high-level. I left the race with only positive impressions. The starter packages are well-designed and well-prepared. It should be because the number of race participants was limited.
Race Start
The start of the race was at half past eleven in the morning. The weather conditions were sunny, and nature promised a nice rest. The race started 5 km downhill, mostly on macadam, towards the village of Bela Crkva. In that part of the trail, you have a view of Mucanj all the time, which is breathtaking.
From the very beginning, I tried to maintain a slower pace to warm up the muscles. Since the start was mostly downhill, it was a challenge to run slower. I told myself that the most important thing was to enjoy nature and finish the race without a high pulse and force. The 23km course was challenging enough, with alternating hiking and running.
After descending towards the village of Bela Crkva, there was the first refreshment station, after which the uphill dirt road started. As I was planning to use trail poles for the first time, it was a good time to try them out. I gave the second pole to my friend. The only problem I had with the poles was setting them at an adequate height. Up that hill, we started to overtake people who were tired from running downhill. After that, we reach an uphill plateau, from which you can see the Ivanjicki region.
Race Refreshment
Having learned from previous races, I prepared enough water (about 2l), gels, and a chocolate bar for refreshment. However, the refreshment stations on this race are phenomenally organized.
There was a huge selection, from water and juices to snacks. The organization of the Ivanjica Trail race should be an example to other clubs. It means a lot when even slower runners have various refreshments at their disposal. The volunteers at the refreshment stations were well prepared.
Hardest part of the race
After the plateau, the ascent to Mucanj begins and is about 3 km long. Approximately in the middle of the ascent, you should pull out a stronger uphill. This is where the poles proved to be extremely useful. For this part, the best advice is not to rush but to catch your rhythm. In that way, you can go uphill without a break. During the entire race, people from the Red Cross were available to the runners when help was needed. While climbing Mucanj, I remembered how much I miss hiking and remembered my teenage days.
When you get to the top of Mucanj, you can see how far you have come to get to the top. On the way, we met those who were finishing the second stage for 66 km. We heard many positive comments about the race and how it was worth every kilometer the day before. At races like this, I like the positive energy and cheering of the runners. In the end, everyone is a winner for themselves the moment they decide to go out and run/walk the length.
Reaching the mountaintop
The best feeling was when you almost reached the top and saw how little you had left. At the top, there was a large refreshment station with plenty of snacks and liquids. Since there were more people, it was only important for me to drink the liquid and continue running. I didn’t get more photos, but you can still experience nature best only in person.
From the top of Mucanj, you can see the Ivanjica region and part of Western Serbia. The view is fantastic and a true paradise for the eyes. I didn’t want to stay longer because it was a race, after all. I knew that a view of beautiful landscapes awaited me on the way back.
At that moment, I decided to continue the path alone since the easier part of the descent from Mucnj followed. The track was a combination of macadam, dirt road, and asphalt. In general, I liked the gravel part because I had to pay attention. I really enjoyed this part despite the fact that the last 2km of running were in the open and in the sun.
Another plus of the Ivanjica Trail race is that the track markings were well-organized. Crossroads were marked with several red ribbons to attract runners’ attention, and volunteers directed the runners to important locations.
Being alone with nature
In the last 7 km, I was mostly alone, which suited me. I also like to devote time to myself at my own pace. As I had the opportunity to do so in the last kilometers, I knew that I would finish the race just as I planned. In this part, you already have a chance to overcome some of those who get tired after 16 km.
When I looked at my watch and saw that there was still 1 km left, I was sad that the race was ending. Those 7 km from the top of Mucanj flew by quickly. The last 500m on the asphalt, my legs went by themselves, and I thought it was ok that I was finally close to the finish line.
I had hoped to be at least in the first half of the results, so I am satisfied with 38th place out of 103rd place in the women’s category. I managed to distribute my strength and not push myself. After this race, I understand how important an individual training plan is and how much I have improved in recent months.
Impressions about Ivanjica Trail
Ivanjica Trail is a race where the medal didn’t matter to me in the end, even though it was well-designed. Just crossing a trail of that nature was reward enough. The organizer and volunteers on the field and all that positive energy as you race to the finish line made that day just right for me. I once again proved to myself why running 23 km on a mountain is better for me than a city half marathon. And finally, I was especially glad that Petar was waiting for me at the finish line and a little dog that enchanted me.
