Photo Story: Jahorina Ultra Trail – Mini Trail

Last weekend brought hundreds of runners to the Bosnian capital, who took part in one of the four races of Jahorina Ultra trail – Mini, Midi, Maxi and Ultra. Although I was planning to make an attempt atrunning the Midi Trail this year (35K), I learned that the route of Mini Trail has significantly changed both in length (from 10K to 14K) and direction, so I decided to leave Midi for the next year.

Circular 14K course with total ascent of 766 m. 
 

The weather was perfect for the race that started at 9 am, just after arrival of the last competitor of Ultra Trail race (104K). The Mini Trail started off slowly, on a fairly flat terrain for couple of first kilometers – just enough for warming up. Then came a tougher part of following up a ski slope for about three kilometers after we reached the ski lift station and the first refreshment station.
 

Turning left, following ski slope and ski lift to the top of the hill. Wonderguide/Lejla. 

Reward for all that climbing up. Wonderguide/Lejla. 

Flat and fast. Wonderguide/Lejla. 
 

Then came the part of seven to eight kilometers of pure pleasure, lot of green fields, blue skies and amazing panoramic views, and slow running. Somewhere in the middle of this route I decided I would not go for improving my last year’s time and that I would just enjoy the race to the fullest. 
 

Blue and green scenery everywhere. Wonderguide/Lejla. 

The fastest parts of the course. Wonderguide/Lejla. 

Parts of the course where you are likely to sprain your ankle if not careful enough. Wonderguide/Lejla. 

The trail was just perfectly marked, even if this was your first time in the area it would be impossible to get lost thank to the organizer’s idea to mark the trail with small pink flags or white boards showing sudden change of direction. There were also volunteers scattered all over the trail, supporting the runners and making sure they take the right path.

Perfectly marked path. Wonderguide/Lejla. 

More trail blazing. Wonderguide/Lejla. 
 

The final three kilometers go through a forest, first on flat terrain, then uphill to an amazing viewpoint, continuing over a ridge, then a little bit of forest again and finally to the finish line.

Up through the forest. Wonderguide/Lejla. 

To the viewpoint, Photo of me by a random runner :)

...and finally towards the finish line. Wonderguide/Lejla. 
 

Being a road runner I cannot tell for sure if this was a demanding or an easy race, but I can say it does require a good degree of physical fitness and preparedness. Trail running shoes are mandatory, because of very bumpy and muddy terrain. You may also need either a hydration pack or a small bottle of water because there is only one refreshment station on the fourth kilometer. 

Jahorina Ultra Trail, see you next year☺. Wonderguide/Lejla. 
 

For more information on Jahorina Ultra trail, visit this page..