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Novo Mesto Half Marathon 2026

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Photo credits: https://www.novomesto21.si/en
Road Running
🏘️ In the city🏞 Nature👶 Kids & juniors courses🐶 Canitrail and Canicross
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The event in a few words

As they say in Slovenia 🇸🇮: We didn’t come here to pick mushrooms! 🍄 But that’s something you’ll try to remember during the Novo Mesto Half Marathon 😉. Located in Lower Carniola, the event welcomes you amid its world-renowned archaeological heritage to — not pick up stones either 😂 — but challenge yourself in the race of your choice! Between the 5 km, the 10 km and the half, you’ve got options! And for even more fun, the event also offers kids’ races 👦, a walk of 21 km or 12 km, and a canicross for our furry duos 🐶.

The half marathon starts in the historic center 🏛️ of Novo Mesto. After that, runners make their way through the city, in the meander of the Krka River. But hey, hold on a second! 🤪 This river, you’ll be running alongside for almost your entire race! 🔁 That’s right, the course is a loop… and what a loop! 😳 Between urban stretches and more nature-filled sections, you’ll go from lively asphalt to shaded riverbanks in just a few strides. The course is fast and sheltered, perfect for chasing a PB ⏱️ or simply soaking up scenery that alternates old alleys, historic bridges and bucolic landscapes 🌳. And don’t be surprised if you spot a few four-legged spectators or overexcited kids by the roadside: the vibe here is buddy-buddy, gentle and adorable, everything we love at Finishers ❤️.

With over 60% of Slovenia covered by forests, it’s a real shot of chlorophyll in the green heart of Europe 🌲. And if you’re still not convinced: you’ll literally be running at the foot of the Julian Alps ⛰️, in an environment that makes you want to drop everything to raise goats and run barefoot all year round 🐐.

And let’s be honest… Novo Mesto is Slovenia 🇸🇮 in a nutshell: culture, nature, sport, architecture, and that proudly European touch that attracts runners from all over every year 🌍. In short, whether you’re coming for a PB or for the discovery, here you’ll find much more than a finish line 🏁.

So, ready to lace up your sneakers for a unique experience in Slovenia? 🤩

4 reasons to join this race

A route between city and nature 🌿
Cross the historic center, run over bridges, follow the Krka River, and breathe deeply in the shaded stretches along the banks. Smooth, varied, and accessible!
An event for every profile 👟
5 km, 10 km, half, 21 km or 12 km walk, canicross and kids’ races… Whatever your style or level, there’s a format for you (and your dog 🐶).
A Slovenian postcard setting 📸
With the Julian Alps in the background and a country covered 60% by forests, it’s a real shot of nature in the heart of green Europe 🌍.
A gentle, local and committed vibe 🤝
A human-sized race, with great energy shared between volunteers, families and international runners, all in a friendly, caring atmosphere.

A distance for every taste

Half marathon

Road RunningThe most popular
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Road Running🏘️ In the city🏞 Nature🐶 Canitrail and Canicross
  • Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM
  • 21.0975 km

A few more words

The course starts on Seidlova cesta and follows a single loop of 21.097 km. Rolling: about 100 mD+ 😌. You run alongside the Krka 💧 for most of the route, alternating smooth tarmac and shaded sections 🌳. Few tight turns, enough width to overtake: ideal for smashing a PR ⏱️.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Pickup takes place on Friday, 13 November 2026 from 4pm to 7pm at the Janez Trdina Cultural Center, Novi trg 5, and on race day from 7am at the Janez Trdina Cultural Center. For last-minute registrations, only the bib and timing chip are guaranteed. Registration for the kids’ races and canicross will open from 1pm on Novi trg Square.

Saturday, 14 November 2026, on Novi trg:

7am: bib and runner pack pickup at the Janez Trdina Cultural Center

8am: start of the 21 km walk, under the NM21 start arch

9am: start of the 12 km walk, under the NM21 start arch

10am: start of the half marathon, the 10 km and the 5 km

1:40pm: toddlers’ race with their parents

1:50pm: preschool kids’ race

2pm: school race girls (1st grade) – 500 m; born in 2020

2:07pm: school race boys (1st grade) – 500 m; born in 2020

2:15pm: school race girls (2nd grade) – 500 m; born in 2019

2:22pm: school race boys (2nd grade) – 500 m; born in 2019

2:30pm: school race girls (3rd grade) – 500 m; born in 2018

2:37pm: school race boys (3rd grade) – 500 m; born in 2018

2:45pm: school race girls (4th grade) – 500 m; born in 2017

2:52pm: school race boys (4th grade) – 500 m; born in 2017

3pm: school race girls (5th grade) – 1,000 m (1 additional lap); born in 2016

3:07pm: school race boys (5th grade) – 1,000 m (1 additional lap); born in 2016

3:15pm: school race girls (6th grade) – 1,000 m (1 additional lap); born in 2015

3:22pm: school race boys (6th grade) – 1,000 m (1 additional lap); born in 2015

3:30pm: school race girls (7th grade) – 1,000 m (1 additional lap); born in 2014

3:37pm: school race boys (7th grade) – 1,500 m (2 additional laps); born in 2014

3:45pm: school race boys and girls (8th and 9th grade) – 1,500 m (2 additional laps); born in 2013 and 2012

4pm: canicross (race with dogs) – 3.5 km

Sunday, 15 November 2026, on Novi trg and Seidlova cesta: No events are scheduled.

For most races, the runner pack includes:

  • Bib with timing chip

  • Long-sleeve technical T-shirt

  • Finisher medal

  • Local promo gifts

  • SMS with your finish time

  • Aid stations on the course and at the finish

  • Erdinger isotonic beer (non-alcoholic)

Walkers also receive a medal, a T-shirt, aid stations, and a souvenir gift.

Canicross participants also receive ACTIVE O2 water, a Purina sample for their dog, and a medal.

The venue is in downtown Novo Mesto, easily accessible by car or public transport. Parking is available around the site.

Aid stations are planned throughout the routes as well as at the finish, with water, isotonic drinks, and snacks. Same for the long walks.

  • Half marathon: from age 15

  • 10 km: from age 12

  • Minors must be registered by a parent or guardian with written authorization.

  • Half marathon: 3 hours. Runners whose time at km 4 exceeds 41 min will be redirected to the 10 km.

  • 10 km: runners taking more than 42 min at the 5th km will be redirected to the finish

  • 21 km walk: 6 hours

  • 12 km walk: 4h30 max

  • For walkers: sturdy shoes, appropriate clothing, a light bag, water bottle. Walking poles optional.

  • For Canicross: leash required (no choke collar), poop bags recommended, your dog’s behavior is your responsibility

Yes:

  • Overall men/women podium with cash prizes for the first 5 in the half

  • Age-group podiums (from 29 years up to 70+)

  • Special awards for:

    • The biggest team

    • The Canicross podium

    • Best Fun run costume

Mid-November in Slovenia = mild to cool weather, between 8°C and 18°C. Risk of rain, especially in the Krka valley. Bring a light waterproof jacket.

You can check the race rules here

Focus

Semi-Marathon Novo Mesto
Semi-Marathon Novo Mesto
Semi-Marathon Novo Mesto
Semi-Marathon Novo Mesto
Semi-Marathon Novo Mesto
Semi-Marathon Novo Mesto

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