Istria 100 by UTMB® 2027

In Istria, people have been hunting for the white truffle in the undergrowth around Motovun for ages—and since 2013, they’ve been hunting bibs too 🎟️. ISTRIA 100 by UTMB® has planted its spikes on the Istrian peninsula, that triangle of Croatian land set on the Adriatic, between Venetian hills and perched medieval towns 🏔️. This major trail >event now holds a prime spot on the UTMB World Series circuit and brings together more than 3,000 runners from all over the world. Croatia, the month of April, seaside: it’s enough to make your mouth water 😋.

Back to 2013, when the race arrived as a low-key trail 🗓️. It was built for a handful of die-hards, ready to roam the Istrian backcountry far from the spotlight. As the editions rolled on, the race grew and expanded its menu of distances, boosted its numbers, and gained prestige—until it joined the big UTMB® family ✨. Today, ISTRIA 100 by UTMB® hands out its precious Running Stones, those keys that open the doors to the trail final at the foot of Mont Blanc 💎. From a small regional secret to an international stop on the trail calendar, the trajectory commands respect 🫡.

The flagship route is the 168K and serves up a real best-of of Istria 📍. Start from old Labin, a 3,000-year-old town clinging to its hill, then climb Učka, the region’s highest summit, with a plunging view over the Kvarner Gulf ⛰️. The route then heads towards Buzet, before diving inland: deep forests, canyons, streams to cross, technical singletrack, and medieval villages including Motovun, the famous Istrian jewel ⚡️. A hint of coasteering, some ankle-breaking sections, a few runnable stretches to catch your breath... the terrain changes face every kilometer 🤙. The finish is earned on the seafront in Umag, after a complete crossing of the peninsula, east to west 🧭.

And speaking of terrain, ISTRIA offers something for every pair of calves, with five distances laid out like a fine staircase. At the very top sits the 168K and its 6,800 mD+, the weekend’s monster with a late-afternoon night start—never to be taken lightly 😅. One step down, the 110K with 4,200 mD+ takes off from Buzet at dawn and then merges onto the route of the 168K to go tickle the highest Istrian peaks 🏞️. The 69K forges its way through the heart of central Istria, from Lake Butoniga to the lanes of Motovun, Oprtalj, Završje and Grožnjan: a tough format, perfect for moving up a rung before aiming higher 🤓. More accessible is the 42K totaling 1,000 mD+. It starts at the foot of Motovun, climbs toward Grožnjan, and reaches the seafront of Umag. There’s also the 21K, starting from Grožnjan, for a first taste of trail—flowy, to be taken gently 🧘‍♀️. From 100 miles to a discovery format, everyone matches their distance to their ambitions.

But what’s its big special feature? 🤔 This event spans a whole weekend, with staggered starts from four different towns! You’ve got Labin, Buzet, Motovun and Grožnjan depending on your distance 📍. The 168K drops into the night from the moment the gun goes, headlamp strapped on and Adriatic stars as your only audience ✨. And don’t worry: Istrian spring keeps a few surprises in store—muddy ground after rain, swollen streams, ever-present rock, and fickle weather between sea and mountain ⛰️. It might sound scary, but I promise it’s doable—and above all, it’s worth it! Especially with the atmosphere, which blends international fervor and Balkan warmth, in a vibe that’s both demanding and good-natured—just what you need 🤩.

Once the medal is around your neck, Istria unveils its other talent: the table 🍽️. Motovun white truffle, award-winning olive oil and melting pršut: the post-race aid station feels like a feast 🍝. After that, one tip: go to Grožnjan after your efforts—even if you passed through it—this tiny artists’ town perched on its hill deserves to be admired. Or wander the lanes of Motovun to digest the effort in full postcard mode 📸.

Between spicy elevation gain and fragrant truffles, ISTRIA 100 by UTMB® fills up your legs as much as your stomach. Your move—play the right card 😉.