The ŠPORTNI VIKEND LJUBLJANICA (Ljubljanica Sports Weekend) brings together TRAIL LJUBLJANA, NOČNI TEK LJUBLJANICA (Ljubljanica Night Run), BIKE FESTIVAL LJUBLJANA, and the Povodni mož Children’s Races. What all these events have in common is that they bring athletes and visitors right into the heart of the capital. The start and finish of all events will be located in central Ljubljana, on Stritarjeva Street and Mestni trg.
The honorary patron of ŠPORTNI VIKEND LJUBLJANICA 2026 is Mr Zoran Janković, Mayor of the City of Ljubljana, who, through his patronage, supports sporting activities and efforts to promote an active, healthy, and high-quality lifestyle in Ljubljana.
Sport in the very heart of Ljubljana
ŠPORTNI VIKEND LJUBLJANICA is designed as a joint series of sporting events suitable for all age groups and fitness levels. Over the course of one weekend, Ljubljana’s streets will bring together runners, trail runners, cyclists, children, families and numerous visitors.
One of the event’s key highlights is its location. For three days, Mestni trg and Stritarjeva Street will become the central hub of sporting activities, where participants will set off on their respective routes and return to the same location.
Ljubljana will thus provide a unique sporting backdrop that connects the city centre, the surrounding nature and numerous sports enthusiasts.
TRAIL LJUBLJANA
As part of TRAIL LJUBLJANA, runners will take on a variety of trail routes combining Ljubljana’s urban environment with natural paths and diverse terrain in the surrounding area. This year’s available distances are 6 km, 11 km, 17 km, 25 km, 35 km, 54 km, 95 km and a new 165 km route.
The event is designed for experienced trail runners and long-distance enthusiasts, as well as recreational runners who want to experience Ljubljana in a different way – running through the city and connecting with nature.
TRAIL LJUBLJANA is also an excellent tourism product, attracting participants from all over the world to Ljubljana with its attractive locations and range of distances. Trail running is experiencing rapid growth, and interest in these types of events – particularly in this one – is exceptionally high.
NOČNI TEK LJUBLJANICA
A truly special experience will be the traditional NAMMAN MUAY 17th NOČNI TEK LJUBLJANICA, which will light up Ljubljana’s historic city centre with hundreds of runners.
Running through Ljubljana in the evening offers a unique urban running experience and is suitable for a wide range of participants – from those chasing a personal best to those who simply want to enjoy the sporting atmosphere and social experience. The latter usually make up the majority of participants, as the routes are particularly attractive, following the Ljubljanica River and passing some of the city’s most fascinating and iconic tourist landmarks, including Robba Fountain, Dragon Bridge, Prešeren Square, Congress Square and Novi trg.
The race starts and finishes on Stritarjeva Street, with a spectacular view of Ljubljana Castle providing the perfect backdrop to this unforgettable night-time running experience.
BIKE FESTIVAL LJUBLJANA
As part of BIKE FESTIVAL LJUBLJANA, the Slovenian capital will also welcome cyclists. The event is designed for road cycling enthusiasts and recreational riders who want to explore Ljubljana and its surroundings on two wheels.
This year, participants can choose from four routes: 35 km, 52 km, 78 km and 120 km. All routes take riders through the varied terrain of the wider Ljubljana area, with the longest 120 km route featuring the challenging and key climb to Podkum.
The cycling event will bring numerous participants from Slovenia and abroad to the city, once again demonstrating that Ljubljana is an excellent starting point for exploring the wider region by bike.
POVODNI MOŽ CHILDREN’S RACES
ŠPORTNI VIKEND LJUBLJANICA is not just for adults. A special place in the programme is reserved for the Povodni mož Children’s Races, giving the youngest participants the opportunity to get involved and enjoy the sporting atmosphere.
The children’s races are designed to introduce youngsters to sport in a fun and relaxed way, helping to make the ŠPORTNI VIKEND LJUBLJANICA a truly family-friendly event. The youngest runners can take part free of charge in the 200 m and 400 m races along the main promenade of Stritarjeva Street, right at the heart of the central event venue.
Three days of sport, socialising and great energy
ŠPORTNI VIKEND LJUBLJANICA 2026 aims to bring together athletes of different generations and fitness levels, while placing Ljubljana at the heart of the sporting action for one unforgettable weekend.
From the youngest runners to experienced trail runners and cyclists, everyone will have the opportunity to find their own sporting challenge.
More than 700 participants from 25 countries around the world have already registered for the events, including participants from Oman, Israel, Estonia, the USA and many other destinations across Europe and beyond.
From 11 to 13 September 2026, we invite all sports enthusiasts, families, supporters and visitors to Ljubljana to join us right in the heart of the capital.
ŠPORTNI VIKEND LJUBLJANICA 2026 – three days, four events and one Ljubljana.
Honorary patron:
Zoran Janković, Mayor of the City of Ljubljana
Start and finish locations:
Stritarjeva Street and Mestni trg, Ljubljana
Date:
11–13 September 2026