On Saturday, 30 May, the sunny weather turned Novi Vinodolski into a true hub of sport, recreation and positive energy. The third edition of the Novi Trail 2026 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 130 participants from Croatia and neighbouring countries took on the hilly and scenic 5 km and 11.5 km courses that stretched across the Novi Vinodolski hinterland, combining sporting challenge with the area’s natural beauty. Both the start and finish lines were located on Korzo hrvatskih branitelja, which also hosted the children’s races. Running through lush forests, vineyards, town streets and gravel paths, participants experienced the diverse landscapes that make Novi Vinodolski and its surroundings an ideal outdoor destination.

In the men’s 5 km race, Danijel Bečkei claimed victory with a time of 20:17, followed by Ivan Trgovac and Hrvoje Šporčić in second and third place. In the women’s category, Antonela Hrvatin won with a time of 31:49, ahead of Ivana Ban and Ivana Frančula Modrčin.

In the more demanding 11.5 km race, Ivan Marojević took first place in the men’s category with a time of 51:41. Davor Petrinović finished second, while Rudi Kancijanić secured third place. In the women’s race, Martina Kocjan Turčić won with a time of 1:04:51, followed by Suzana Meštrović and Anna Lena Bonkowski.

A special atmosphere was created by the children’s races over 100 and 200 metres, held along Korzo hrvatskih branitelja and Vinodol Law Square. Young athletes, from preschoolers to primary school pupils, demonstrated great competitive spirit and once again proved that a love of sport begins at an early age.

In addition to medals and gift packages for all participants, winners received valuable prizes thanks to the support of numerous sponsors. In the 11.5 km race, the male and female winners were awarded tickets to Plitvice Lakes National Park, provided by Adria Mare Travel Agency, as well as bottles of Old Pilot’s Gin. The runners-up received a dinner for two at Restaurant Navigare in Klenovica and tasting menus from Pavlomir Wine House, while third-place finishers received packages of local products from the API Kvarner Agricultural Cooperative.

Equally attractive prizes awaited the top competitors in the 5 km race. Winners also received tickets to Plitvice Lakes National Park and bottles of Old Pilot’s Gin, second-place finishers were awarded unique artworks from the Drveni Val souvenir shop and tasting menus from Pavlomir Wine House, while third-place finishers received packages of local products from API Kvarner.

After crossing the finish line, runners enjoyed a well-deserved refreshment of homemade goulash, while DJ Boris kept the atmosphere lively throughout the afternoon. The day of sport and recreation continued into the evening with a concert by Zsa Zsa, adding even more excitement to the rich programme of FIT4NOVI and Novi Trail.

The organisers, the Novi Vinodolski Tourist Board and Run Croatia, with the support of the City of Novi Vinodolski and the Cultural Centre, once again successfully combined sport and natural beauty in an event that attracts a growing number of participants every year. Through its attractive courses, activities for all generations and welcoming atmosphere, Novi Trail continues to strengthen Novi Vinodolski’s reputation as a destination for active holidays.