Sunny Saturday, May 31, transformed Novi Vinodolski into a true hub of sport, recreation, and positive energy – the second edition of the Novi Trail 2025 race, held as part of the FIT4NOVI event, once again brought together numerous runners, families, children, and enthusiasts of a healthy lifestyle.

A total of 139 competitors from Croatia and the region tested themselves on hilly and picturesque trails of 4.5 and 10.5 kilometers that led through the hinterland of Novi Vinodolski, combining challenge with the natural beauty of the area, while the start and finish lines were located on the lively Korzo hrvatskih branitelja, where children’s races also took place.

On the shorter 4.5 km route, the men’s category was won by Karlo Kraš with a time of 19:02 minutes, followed by Elvis Štanfel and Matija Lončarić. In the women’s category, Dana Duda triumphed (23:10), with Sara Pavlak and Suzana Meštrović finishing behind her.

On the more demanding 10.5 km segment, the men’s race was won by Ivan Drveni (49:10), with Ivan Trgovac in second place and Igor Martinčić in third. In the women’s race, the first place was claimed by Marina Juranić with a time of 52:59, ahead of Inga Jurić and Aurora Valinčić.

Children’s races on 100m and 200m along Korzo hrvatskih branitelja and Trg Vinodolskog zakona, held in age groups – for preschool children, lower and upper-grade primary school students – sparked a real wave of pride and joy, and for the young competitors, it was an opportunity to experience the joy of sports competition in a safe and encouraging environment.

In addition to medals and gift packages for all runners, winners received valuable prizes, thanks to numerous sponsors. On the 10.5 km route, first-place winners were awarded tickets to Plitvice Lakes National Park provided by Adria Mare Travel Agency, second-place winners received paintings from the Drveni Val souvenir shop, and third-place winners received packages of local products from PZ API Kvarner. On the 4.5 km route, the best won dinners for two at Marina Novi, second-place winners enjoyed Old Pilot Gin and a wine tasting at Vinska kuća Pavlomir, while third-place winners also received a bottle of Old Pilot Gin.

Prizes were also provided by other partners: Namman MUAY prepared gift packages for the winners, Aminess Family Hotel Lišanj offered runners a 10% discount on accommodation, and Bistro Pizzeria Đir and Restaurant Admiral provided discounts at their establishments for all participants.

After the race, all participants were welcomed with a refreshment in the form of homemade hunter’s stew prepared by Lovačko društvo Košutnjak – Novi, while DJ Boris kept the rhythm and atmosphere at a high level. In the evening, everything continued with a concert by Giuliano and Diktatori, who energized the city center and put a full stop to this day filled with sport, fun, and music.

Organizers from the Tourist Board of the City of Novi Vinodolski and Run Croatia, with the support of the City and the Center for Culture, once again demonstrated how a quality sports event can develop into an occasion that brings together, motivates, and inspires.

The Novi Trail race once again met expectations – excellent organization, challenging and attractive trails, great atmosphere, and valuable prizes positioned Novi Trail as an unmissable meeting place for all those who love sport, nature, and a good atmosphere. See you next year – even more numerous and faster!