The Šmarna Gora Record returns this morning to the northern edge of Slovenia’s capital, delivering a short, savage test tailor-made for the sport’s pure climbers. Run as a solo time trial from Tacen to the summit of Šmarna Gora, the race traditionally sets the tone for the weekend before Sunday’s classic event.

The course at a glance

A pure uphill blast: roughly 1.8 km with about +360 m of climb, climbing steep forest trails—most notably the “Čez korenine” line—before topping out on the summit. Pacing is everything; a handful of seconds can separate the entire top ten, and sub-11 minutes is the realm of the exceptional.

Records & recent context

The men’s all-time best sits at 10:59, a mark that reshaped what many thought possible here. In 2024, Luka Kovačič stopped the clock at 11:03—the Slovenian national record and the third-fastest time ever—and he returns today hunting both a three-peat and the absolute mark.

Today’s headline

• Richard Omaya ATUYA (KEN, 1996) — Frontline engine from Kenya’s powerhouse squad; thrives when the gradient bites.

• Timotej BEČAN (SLO, 1996) — Evergreen Slovenian uphill specialist; skipped Canfranc due to work but won in Bergen the same weekend—form clearly intact.

• Patrick KIPNGENO (KEN, 1993) — One of the era’s premier climbers; if splits are on record pace, expect him to roll the dice.

• Luka KOVAČIČ (SLO, 1995) — Defending champion 2023 & 2024 and national record holder (11:03). Knows every meter and exactly where to attack.

• Michael Selelo SAOLI (KEN, 1996) — Dangerous in short, steep formats and part of Kenya’s deep lineup.

• Klemen ŠPANRING (SLO, 2002) — Ski-alpinism talent (U23 world champion in the vertical; 5th among seniors). Said after Canfranc that he prefers it steeper—Šmarna Gora delivers just that.

Extra spice: the Canfranc connection

The newly crowned world champion from Canfranc is slated to start, joined by several of his national teammates. With that momentum rolling into Ljubljana, expect aggressive splits from the Kenyan camp and sharp responses from Slovenia’s best.

Storylines to watch

• The record chase: Kovačič came within four seconds of the absolute best last year. With cool temps and dry footing, the window is open.

• Kenyan depth vs. home-soil savvy: International firepower meets local course knowledge—who times the effort best over the final ramp?

• Young gun on the rise: Španring’s trajectory suggests another jump; if he’s close at halfway, he could podium again.

• Bečan’s Bergen bounce: A recent win underlines his consistency—don’t let the quiet build-up fool you.

About the race and setting

Launched in 1991 to officially crown the fastest ascent of Ljubljana’s beloved training hill, the Šmarna Gora Record is a European classic of the vertical game. The route climbs from the Sava-side neighborhoods into mixed woodland, finishing on the Šmarna Gora/Grmada massif with sweeping views back to the city.

Today’s schedule

• Women (all categories): 10:00

• Men (all categories): 10:30
  Start: Tacen (Šmarna Gora foothills) → Finish: Šmarna Gora summit