2023 KOF race guide: ENG by Kočevsko Outdoor Festival

KOČEVSKO OUTDOOR FESTIVAL HOSTED BY I FEEL SLOVENIA

2.-4. JUNE 2023

RUDNIŠKO JEZERO, KOČEVJE

WELCOME

to Kočevsko

Kočevsko is a mysterious destination, full of green and mysterious forests These hide various stories and history, while the remains of virgin forests, which can be observed from the landscaped paths along their edges, provide an additional mystery of experiencing nature and life in its original form. To keep the virgin forests so unique, of course, we do not enter them

The destination offers exceptional conditions for numerous outdoor sports activities, especially trail running Kočevje’s nature is intertwined with many paths that invite you to discover the mysterious virgin forest and other natural sights At the same time, this same nature is home to numerous animal species – brown bear included. But no worries. Encountering them is highly unlikely, as the animals can hear and smell humans very well, so they retreat upon hearing us

An experienced team, which also organizes Julian Alps Trail Run, Soča Outdoor Festival and UTVV Slovenia, prepared four distances for you: 10, 15, 30 and 60 kilometres The trail running part will be complemented by numerous activities along Kočevje Lake, where you’ll be able to relax after your race and experience Kočevje to the fullest

We can't wait for you to discover this wild but extremely friendly destination!

UROŠ KOŽAR

"We are extremely happy that in 2023 we managed to put Kočevje on the trail running map and bring so many runners to this area The destination is something genuinely special and ideal for trail running Our whole team was completely mesmerised by the destination Kočevsko, its picturesque landscape and mysterious forests, and I believe that other runners will follow suit We have been working on this project for the past 6 months, and believe that we managed to take a big step forward since our first edition The promotion was a great success, as we expect around 1000 runners at the event itself Despite its boutique nature, this festival ranks among the biggest trail running events in Slovenia In addition to the trail runs, which will be run individually and in pairs, there will also be a kids' run and daycare for the future trail runnners, a beer festival and two evening live concerts We really can't wait to reveal the truly wonderful charms of Kočevsko to the wider public through this event "

VESNA MALNAR

"Kočevsko Outdoor Festival is an incredible event for all lovers of unspoiled nature, sports and adventures, musical and culinary treats to discover the magical corners of the Kočevsko Forest Cooperation with local organizations and experts allows us to run our festival in accordance with sustainable principles and to offer visitors a unique experience without negative impacts on the environment

Already at last year's first edition, the festival set high standards of organization, direct experiences in wild nature, and that's why it attracted many visitors from different parts of Slovenia and abroad With exceeded expectations and an excellent response, this year we are continuing the story and making it even better, as it has become part of our identity Join us and discover the hidden parts of the Secret Forest of Slovenia "

Kočevsko Outdoor Festival hosted by I Feel Slovenia race director managing director of the Public Institute for Culture and Tourism Kočevje

EVENT LOCATION

Rudniško jezero, Kočevje

HOW TO GET TO THE EVENT AND WHERE TO PARK

Vzajemna FOX TRAIL

INFORMATION

Start time: 10.30

Start: Rudniško jezero, Kočevje

Finish: Rudniško jezero, Kočevje

Distance: 10,2 km

Elevation gain: 223 m+

Time limit: 3 hours

REFRESHMENT POINTS

There will be two (2) refreshment points at the 10 km route.

Refreshment point 1: 3 5 km

Refreshment point 2: 7 4 km

MANDATORY GEAR

BIB number that must always be visible*

Appropriate running shoes

Your own drinking cup (15 cL minimum).*

Mobile phone

* BIB number must be placed on your torso, either clipped onto your T-shirt or a BIB number belt * Your own drinking cup (15 cL minimum) There will be no plastic cups at aid stations, so each runner must provide their own

BeActive športna oblačila LYNX TRAIL

INFORMATION

Start time: 10 00

Start: Rudniško jezero, Kočevje

Finish: Rudniško jezero, Kočevje

Distance: 14,1 km

Elevation gain: 304 m+

Time limit: 5 hours

REFRESHMENT POINTS

There will be two (2) refreshment points at the 15 km route

Refreshment point 1: 3 5 km

Refreshment point 2: 11 3 km

MANDATORY GEAR

BIB number that must always be visible* Appropriate running shoes

Your own drinking cup (15 cL minimum).

Mobile phone

30 KM

Salomon WOLF TRAIL

INFORMATION

Start time: 9.00

Start: Kočevski Rog (bus shuttles to the start will run from the main festival area in Kočevje)

Finish: Rudniško jezero, Kočevje

Distance: 29,2 km

Elevation gain: 1016 m+

Time limit: 8 hours

*** bus departure to the start 7:30 (Rudniško jezero, next to BIB distribution). Due to easier organisation, we kindly ask you to be at the venue 10 minutes prior to bus departure

REFRESHMENT POINTS

There will be four (4) refreshment points at the 30 km route

Refreshment point 1: 4 5 km

Refreshment point 2: 12 km

Refreshment point 3: 17.4 km

Refreshment point 4: 26 5 km

MANDATORY GEAR

*BIB number that must always be visible* Appropriate running shoes

Your own drinking cup (15 cL minimum).*

Mobile phone

Food and water reserve for the time between aid stations (1L)

Hooded jacket * Basic first aid kit*

Survival blanket (1,40 x 2,0 m minimum)

Whistle

Hat/buff and gloves (recommended)

* BIB number must be placed on your torso, either clipped onto your T-shirt or a BIB number belt * Your own drinking cup There will be no plastic cups at aid stations so each runner must provide their own * Hooded jacket The jacket must have a hood and must be waterproof * Basic first aid kit The basic first aid kid must contain at least 1-2 gauzes, 1 elastic bandage and 1 pack of plasters

60 KM

I feel Slovenia BEAR TRAIL

INFORMATION

Start time: 7.00

Start: Rudniško jezero, Kočevje

Finish: Rudniško jezero, Kočevje

Distance: 59,4 km

Elevation gain: 1961 m+

Time limit: 15 hours

REFRESHMENT POINTS

There will be six (6) refreshment points at the 60 km route

Refreshment point 1: 8 5 km

Refreshment point 2: 20.5 km

Refreshment point 3: 34 5 km

Refreshment point 4: 42 km

Refreshment point 5: 47 5 km

Refreshment point 6: 56 4 km

MANDATORY GEAR

*BIB number that must always be visible*

Appropriate running shoes

Your own drinking cup (15 cL minimum) *

Mobile phone

Food and water reserve for the time between aid stations (1L)

Hooded jacket *

Basic first aid kit*

Survival blanket (1,40 x 2,0 m minimum)

Whistle

Headlamp

Hat/buff and gloves (recommended)

BIB number must be placed on your torso, either clipped onto your T-shirt or a BIB number belt

Your own drinking cup There will be no plastic cups at aid stations, so each runner must provide their own * Hooded jacket The jacket must have a hood and must be waterproof

Basic first aid kit The basic first aid kid must contain at least 1-2 gauzes, 1 elastic bandage and 1 pack of plasters

KIDS' RUN AND DAYCARE

Even the little future trail runners will enjoy Kočevsko Outdoor Festival. First, we will organize daycare for them, through which they’ll be able to explore the local nature and meet new friends. In the afternoon, they will also be able to test themselves in a non-competitive run.

The YASKAWA kids’ run will be held on Saturday, June 3, at 3 p.m. The start and the finish line will be by the lake, and the little ones will run on a roughly 400meter-long route. At the finish line, they will receive a finisher medal.

The kids run is free of charge and is intended for children up to the age of 12.

If you need daycare during the event, please fill out the form on the link below and indicate how long you would need daycare for and whether your kids have any allergies. At the same time, we kindly ask you to pack a snack for your little ones.

DAYCARE REGISTRATION FORM: https://bit.ly/3LY53vK

BOOK YOUR STAY IN KOČEVJE

There is a campsite right next to the festival area, which is the perfect spot for your stay. Kamp Jezero will provide additional tent spots and van parking spots for the time of Kočevsko Outdoor Festival.