The Dalmatia Ultra Trail is held from October 19 to 21, 2018.
Preparations for the Dalmatia Ultra Trail are entering the final stage, and the number of registered competitors has exceeded expectations - at the start of the race, some 800 athletes from over 40 countries on 6 continents will battle to be the best, reports Dalmacija Danas on October 2, 2018.
The race, which will be held from October 19 to 21 this year, will cross five mountains; Biokovo, Mosor, Omiš Dinara, Primorje, Kozjak, three rivers; Cetina, Žrnovnica, Jadro, and famous historical and cultural sites such as the Fortica, Klis Fortress, and ancient Salona.
The Dalmatia Ultra Trail race itself will launch competitors into a time machine. The start will be marked by the shot of a pirate’s pistol as competitors travel through ancient history, battle up to the Fortress, trek through the abandoned villages of Croatian laborers, enjoy the Dalmatian karst, and the breathtaking views of the sea, river and canyons.
The central location of Dalmatia Ultra Trail events is the town of Omiš. Known for its vibrant pirate past, it is a paradise for adventure tourists who can enjoy the Cetina canyon, kayaking, rafting, canyoning, hundreds of climbing and alpine courses, and paragliding.
The Dalmatia Ultra Trail competition is composed of four parts and a children's race.
From Omiš, the longest and most beautiful ‘Sky Dut’ race begins, which stretches 160 kilometers and ends on the popular Omiš beach.
The ‘Mountain Dut’ is a 103 km long race which begins from the Klis Fortress. Set where thousands of soldiers broke the swords of numerous armies, the start of the race will be marked with the shot of the Klis Uskoks, members of the historic medieval unit who still care for the fortress today.
The ‘Sea Dut’ is 53km long and mostly follows the sea. Beginning in Makarska, this year, the Sea Dut is officially the Croatian Championship in trail racing and the qualifying race for the World Championships.
The shortest race, which is perfect for beginners, is the 21-kilometer-long ‘River Dut’ trail which begins in Dugi Rat.
All races end on the Omiš beach where the 1 km long children's race is held.
In addition to this year's race, the organizers have prepared a ‘trail camp’ for those who want to learn a bit more about the sport. The camp will be led by Gediminas Grinius, one of the best runners in the world and the winner of the Ultra Trail World Cup. The camp will be held from October 9th to 13th, within which the participants will have the opportunity to visit parts of the Dalmatia Ultra Trail route.
The event, which is certainly one of the most complex organizationally in this area, would not be possible without the support of the Tourist Boards and the local community, and the 300 volunteers deployed by track and station. Because many of the contestants have come from distant countries, the organizers invite locals to come out from their houses, greet the competitors, and show Croatia as a country of hospitable and friendly people.
