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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 you’ll try to remember that at the Novo Mesto Half Marathon 😉. Located in Lower Carniola, the event welcomes you into 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 25 or 15 km, and a canicross for our furry duos 🐶.

The half marathon starts in the historic center 🏛️ of Novo Mesto. Then runners cross the city, within the meander of the Krka River. But yes, hold on a second! 🤪 This river, you’ll run alongside it for almost your entire race! 🔁 Indeed, the course is a loop… And what a loop! 😳 Between urban segments and more natural sections, you’ll go from lively asphalt to shaded riverbanks in just a few strides. The course is fast and sheltered, perfect for going for a PB ⏱️ or simply enjoying scenery that alternates old alleyways, historic bridges and bucolic landscapes 🌳. And don’t be surprised if you come across a few four-legged spectators or overexcited kids by the roadside: the vibe here is friendly, gentle and adorable, exactly what we love at Finishers ❤️.

With over 60% of Slovenian territory covered by forests, it’s a real shot of chlorophyll right in the green heart of Europe 🌲. And if you still have doubts: you’ll literally run 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 long 🐐.

And then, let’s be honest… Novo Mesto is Slovenia 🇸🇮 in a nutshell: culture, nature, sport, architecture, and that confident European touch that draws runners from all over every year 🌍. In short, whether you come for performance or 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 course between city and nature 🌿
Cross the historic center, run over the bridges, follow the Krka River and breathe deeply in the shaded sections along the banks. Smooth, varied and accessible!
An event for every type of runner 👟
5 km, 10 km, half, 25 or 15 km walk, canicross and kids’ races… No matter your style or level, there’s a format for you (and your dog 🐶).
A picture-postcard Slovenian 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 shared energy between volunteers, families and international runners, all in a friendly, caring atmosphere.

A distance for every taste

Half marathon

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Road Running🏘️ In the city🏞 Nature🐶 Canitrail and Canicross
  • Sunday, November 15, 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. Very fast: about 60 mD+, no big climbs, just a few gentle false flats 😌. You run alongside the Krka 💧 for most of the route, alternating smooth asphalt and shaded sections 🌳. The new Pipenbaher bridge 🌉, the Črni Kal, gives you a clean pick-up at km 8. Few tight turns, wide enough to overtake: ideal for smashing a PR ⏱️.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Pick-up takes place on Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 2pm to 7pm at the Janez Trdina Cultural Center, Novi trg 5, and on race day from 7am to 9:30am at the Janez Trdina Cultural Center. For last-minute registrations, only the bib and timing chip are guaranteed. Registration for the kids' races will take place from 1:00pm to 4:00pm on Novi trg Square.

Saturday, November 14, 2026:

  • Baby race with their parents: 2:40pm

  • Preschool race: 2:50pm

  • School girls' race (1st year – 500 m (1 lap); born in 2019: 3:00pm

  • School boys' race (1st year) – 500 m (1 lap); year of birth 2019: 3:07pm

  • School girls' race (2nd year) – 500 m (1 lap); year of birth 2018: 3:15pm

  • School boys' race (2nd year) – 500 m (1 lap); year 2018: 3:22pm

  • School girls' race (3rd year) – 500 m (1 lap); year 2017: 3:30pm

  • School boys' race (3rd year) – 500 m (1 lap); year 2017: 3:37pm

  • School girls' race (4th year) – 500 m (1 lap); year 2016: 3:45pm

  • School boys' race (4th year) – 500 m (1 lap); year 2016: 3:52pm

  • School girls' race (5th year) – 1000 m (2 laps); year 2015: 4:00pm

  • School boys' race (5th year) – 1000 m (2 laps); year 2015: 4:07pm

  • School girls' race (6th year) – 1000 m (2 laps); year 2014: 4:15pm

  • School boys' race (6th year) – 1000 m (2 laps); year 2014: 4:22pm

  • School girls' race (7th year) – 1000 m (2 laps); year 2013: 4:30pm

  • School boys' race (7th year) – 1500 m (3 laps); year 2013: 4:37pm

  • School boys' and girls' race (8th and 9th year) – 1500 m (3 laps); years 2012 and 2011: 4:45pm

  • Canicross: 5:30pm

Sunday, November 15, 2026:

  • Marathon walk (25 km): 8:00am

  • Half marathon walk (15 km): 9:00am

  • Half marathon, 10 km and 5 km: 10:00am (joint start)

Start location: Seidlova cesta 1, Novo Mesto

For most races, the runner's pack includes:

  • Bib with timing chip

  • Long-sleeve technical T-shirt

  • Finisher medal

  • Local promotional gifts

  • SMS with your time at the finish

  • 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 location is in Novo Mesto city center, easily accessible by car or public transport. Parking is available around the site.

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

  • Half marathon: from 15 years old

  • 10 km: from 12 years old

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

  • Half marathon: 3 hours

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

  • 25 km walk: 6 hours

  • 15 km walk: 4h30 max

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

  • For Canicross: leash mandatory (no choke collar), poop bag recommended, your dog's behavior is your responsibility

Yes:

  • Overall men's/women's podium with cash prizes for the top 5 in the half marathon

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

  • Special awards for:

    • The biggest team

    • The Canicross podium

    • The best Fun run costume

Early 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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