Dalmatian Adventure: Pure Trail and Nature! 2024

Let’s get straight to the point! The DALMACIJA ULTRA TRAIL isn’t just another race; it’s a true adventure through some of the most stunning landscapes you can imagine. This Race, now in its 8th edition in 2024, clearly reflects its experience with a web simple and easy, where finding photos, results, or any other relevant information is quick and easy.

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Think of the world of «The Lord of the Rings,» with Frodo and Sam walking through the mountains, rivers, and forests, all in their wildest form and perfect harmony. Now imagine that in real life. Where is this paradise? In Croacia, a country waiting for you to discover it.

If you love adventure and nature, this race with main point in Omiš (kamp Galeb), just 30 minutes from Split—one of Croatia’s largest cities after Zagreb, is the perfect excuse to meet its people, soak up its culture, learn about its history, and explore some of the country’s most beautiful natural parks, all while running through them. Besides, Dubrovnik is only three hours away, a city you must visit before catching your flight home.

The organization takes care of every detail, always thinking about the runners: continuous emails reminding you of the mandatory gear, technical briefings (although I admit I didn’t understand much, Croatian isn’t a language I know), and even some excursions to get to know Omiš as part of the program. The base camp and finish line for all distances is at kamp Galeb, a campsite with special rates for participants. So, besides running, you can relax for a few days and enjoy the beach with direct access from one of its Mobile Homes.

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An organization that spares no effort. See to their social media, and you’ll find hundreds of photos. It’s impressive to see photographers appear in hard-to-reach spots, so imagine them climbing with all their gear.

A big !Ole¡ from Spain—thank you! I don’t think there’s a single runner without a beautiful memory photo, whether climbing, descending, or running part of the course. Besides, all photos are shared  for free on their Facebook and Instagram accounts.

In this >> PHOTO LINK , you’ll find the full impressive collection by some truly professional photographers for the work they’ve done.

Bib pickup is at the pavilion within the campsite, which also hosts the runner’s expo, just in case you need any last-minute product. It’s also a place to discover new trail races in nearby countries, many of them quite tempting. Some of these races start in Slovenia and finish in Croatia—unique challenges that not only test you but also immerse you in incredible surroundings.

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During bib pickup, there’s a detailed check of the mandatory, a crucial step that must always be respected. Additionally, it’s mandatory to carry a GPS device that the organization literally ties to your backpack for tracking and safety. Fortunately, as far as we know, no rescues were needed, and the medical services had little work 😊.

A spectacular runner’s bag with HG products and some other details, plus the chance to taste local products while you wait at the expo. Dalmatian “Soparnik,” a crispy pizza filled with chard, or their “Fig” and “Orange” cookies to snack on—all things prepared down to the last detail.

There are six race categories to suit everyone, no matter the level, where the whole family can participate. The event runs throughout the weekend, starting with the Ultra on Friday night at 21:00 (MOUNTAIN DUT – 122km) and continuing with various other distances on Saturday (SEA DUT – 57km, ETHNO DUT – 30km, RIVER DUT – 20km, EASY DUT – 10km), finishing with children’s races on Sunday (KIDS RACE).

There are six kind of races to suit everyone, no matter the level, where the whole family can participate. The event runs throughout the weekend, starting with the Ultra on Friday night at 21:00 (MOUNTAIN DUT – 122km) and continuing with various other distances on Saturday (SEA DUT – 57km, ETHNO DUT – 30km, RIVER DUT – 20km, EASY DUT – 10km), finishing with children’s races on Sunday (KIDS RACE).

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Free buses from kamp Galeb are available for participants to reach the starting points for the different categories

As members of the Spanish Trail Running Association, we signed up for the 122km Ultra with 5,300 meters of positive elevation gain. As always, we ran from the inside without filters living and appreciating every kilometer. The volunteers are the backbone of the race, cheering and supporting the runners at each aid station. The environment is brutal, and the signage is clear, though I must confess, with the night and the years I have on me, I got lost a couple of times.

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Following the golden rule of returning to the last marker, you soon find the right path. It’s also mandatory to carry the track, not so much for the organizers but for your own safety and peace of mind—free advice 😊.

This race meets any expectation, offering nature in its purest form and boundless kindness toward the runners

Now, let’s talk about the terrain. I won’t lie to you: the Ultra is not easy. Its 122km and 5,300 meters of positive elevation gain, with highly technical trails full of rocks, vegatation and vertical climbs where you grab onto whatever you find, plus steep descents that keep you on high alert due to their difficulty, make it a true challenge. The Ultra course overlaps with other distances, so let’s say the difficulty of the races is medium-high. About 80% of the course is completely wild, while the other 20% passes through charming villages.

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And now, the enviroment. As I mentioned earlier, you’ll be surrounded by waterfalls, forests of extreme beauty, and cliffs that not only make you smile but also fill you with a sense of greatness. Nature here shows itself in its wildest form: tough, aggressive, and full of unforgettable moments.

As members of the Spanish Trail Running Association, we attended this race to showcase that beyond the large-scale events, there are smaller races that deserve top marks for their quality and organization.

A maximum of 1,700 runners spread across all categories and days makes for smooth running, without congestion or obstacles. ITRA points are already in the runners’ accounts, with speed and seriousness.

• MOUNTAIN DUT – 122km/5,300D+, 200 max, 5 ITRA points
• SEA DUT – 57km/2,754D+, 300 max, 3 ITRA points
• ETHNO DUT – 30km/1,101D+, 300 max, 2 ITRA points
• RIVER DUT – 20km/1,005D+, 300 max, 1 ITRA point
• EASY DUT – 10km/430D+, 400 max
• KIDS RACE – Sunday start from Omiš for the little ones

Crossing the finish line on the beach is incredible with a speaker, a DJ playing live music, and a big group of volunteers who put you finisher medal around your neck, along with cheering from the general public. Just a few meters away, you’ll find the final check point with meal and drink. The organization also provides a meal and drink voucher at the campsite’s restaurant to complete your recovery, in an atmosphere that invites you to celebrate your achievement with a dip straight into the sea.

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I never mention the winners because I believe, as I’ve said in other reviews, that the moment you step on the starting line, you’re already a brave runner and a winner. So, I’ll simply leave the link with the results here if you’d like to take a look.

So, friends, the experience in Croatia has been spectacular: closeness, good vibes, laughter, and all this despite the language barrier. But as we Mediterraneans know, a smile and friendship are always the most important values.

Thank you, Hrvoje, the Race Director, who, despite being busy, took the time to chat with us.

The information is clear on the website, but if you still have any doubts or questions about how to organize yourself, what you’ll find, etc., feel free to contact me directly on Instagram -> @jlbasalo

A 10/10 experience that I would repeat without a doubt 🙌.

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