The beginning of June, specifically Saturday, June 7, 2025, is reserved for a true sporting spectacle that will take place in the heart of Velebit. Picturesque Karlobag and the mountain pearl Baške Oštarije will become the stage for the SKY BOŠT race, an event eagerly awaited by both domestic and international skyrunning enthusiasts. The very cream of this extreme sport is expected to arrive, ready to face the unique challenges offered by this impressive mountain. Adrenaline and untouched nature lovers will surely follow every step of the competitors on this technically extremely demanding mountain route, which year after year confirms its status as one of the most attractive, but also one of the toughest tests of readiness in the world of mountain running. Preparations for this sporting event have been going on for months, and the interest of competitors and the audience exceeds all expectations, confirming the growing popularity of trail running and skyrunning in Croatia and the region.

A Breathtaking Velebit Challenge

SKY BOŠT is not just an ordinary race; it is a true test of endurance, skill, and mental strength, set on the stage of the rugged but enchanting beauty of Velebit. The course is known for its technical difficulty, with sharp and long ascents that mercilessly test the competitors' limits, and steep and rocky descents where every step is crucial. The Velebit karst, unpredictable terrain, and significant altitude differences are characteristics that make this race unique. Runners must cope with a_i_changeable weather conditions that are common on this mythical mountain, where sun and fog can alternate in a very short time, adding another element of uncertainty. However, the effort invested in overcoming these obstacles is manifoldly rewarded with panoramic views from the Velebit peaks, encompassing powerful mountain ranges and the sparkling Adriatic Sea in the distance. It is precisely this combination of a harsh challenge and unreal beauty that attracts runners from all over the world, eager to prove themselves on a course that does not forgive mistakes but offers an unforgettable experience in return. For many, SKY BOŠT represents the crown of the season, a race for which they prepare especially and approach with the utmost respect. Staying in this part of Croatia, whether you opt for accommodation in Karlobag or the quieter surroundings of Baške Oštarije, provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and explore the hidden corners of Velebit.

The Skyrunning Elite at the Starting Line

This year's edition of the SKY BOŠT race will gather an impressive list of competitors, led by some of the brightest stars of the Croatian and world trail scene. Their achievements and dedication to the sport guarantee exciting competition and the pushing of human endurance limits.

Among the favorites is Pavle Kruljac, a member of the Athletics club Rika, whose name resonates in the world of ultra trail. His incredible feat at the prestigious Istria 100 by UTMB race, where he won a silver medal by conquering the 168-kilometer course in just 19 hours, 24 minutes, and 42 seconds, testifies to his exceptional fitness and tactical maturity. As a standard member of the Croatian national team for the World Trail Championships, Kruljac continuously shows that he belongs to the very top of this sport, and Velebit will represent a new proving ground for him.

No less impressive is Daniel Krstulović Opara, the current Croatian champion in long trail. His victory at the national championship, where he ran the 81-kilometer long and demanding course in 10 hours, 25 minutes, and 47 seconds, confirms his dominance on the domestic scene. Membership in the Croatian national team for the World Trail Championships further emphasizes his status as an elite runner, and his strength and endurance are particularly evident on long and technically demanding races like SKY BOŠT.

The younger generation will be represented by Erik Stipić, also a member of the Athletics club Rika. His talent and potential have been recognized through successes in team competition, where he won the title of the Croatian team champion in short trail for 2025. Stipić's speed and agility will be a significant asset on the steep Velebit trails.

In the women's competition, all eyes will be on Ivana Širić, a true heroine of Croatian trail running. Her historic triumph at the Istria 100 by UTMB race, where she became the first Croatian woman to win one of the world's most prestigious ultra trail races on the 168-kilometer course, wrote her name in golden letters in the annals of Croatian sport. As the current Croatian champion in short trail and an indispensable member of the national team for the World Championships, Širić sets standards and inspires a new generation of female runners.

Alongside her, Lana Ostojić, the current Croatian champion in long trail on the challenging 81-kilometer course, will also be at the start. Her perseverance and ability to cope with the toughest challenges make her a serious contender for the top placement. As a member of the Croatian national team, Ostojić continuously proves her quality on the international scene.

Special attention is drawn to Maja Urban, an athlete of incredible versatility. The current Croatian record holder in the Ironman triathlon, with an impressive time of 9 hours, 45 minutes, and 17 seconds, proves that her physical and mental strength know no bounds. Her transition to the world of trail running and membership in the Croatian national team for the World Championships in this discipline only confirm her exceptional sporting breadth and adaptability. Her experience from triathlon, especially the mental toughness required for Ironman, will be invaluable on the unpredictable Velebit trails.

Skyrunning: More Than Running, A Way of Life

Skyrunning, or celestial running, is a discipline that combines mountain running with elements of mountaineering, taking place at high altitudes, often above 2000 meters, on extremely technically demanding terrains. It is not just a sport, but for many, a way of life, a philosophy that celebrates the fusion of human endurance and the rugged beauty of mountains. The popularity of skyrunning in Croatia, as well as around the world, is constantly increasing. It attracts individuals eager for extreme challenges, those seeking to push their own limits and a deep connection with nature. The demands of this discipline are enormous: top physical fitness, exceptional agility, technical knowledge of movement on inaccessible terrain, and, perhaps most importantly, unwavering mental strength. Competitors must cope with large altitude differences, a_i_changeable weather conditions, and prolonged exertion, making skyrunning one of the most demanding sports today. It is this complexity and the beauty of the challenge that make it so appealing. Those planning to follow the race or try their hand at the beauties of Velebit themselves can find comfortable accommodation in Karlobag, which offers a perfect base for exploration.

Karlobag and Baške Oštarije: Pearls of Velebit as a Stage for a Sporting Spectacle

Holding the SKY BOŠT race has a far greater significance than just the sporting competition itself. This event plays a key role in promoting the natural beauties of Croatia, with special emphasis on the magnificent Velebit and the charming towns of Karlobag and Baške Oštarije. Situated between the sea and the mountains, Karlobag offers a unique blend of Mediterranean and mountain atmosphere, while Baške Oštarije, located in the heart of the Velebit Nature Park, represent an oasis of peace and untouched nature. The race attracts the attention of the international sports community, putting this region on the map of desirable destinations for active tourism. Competitors and their teams, as well as numerous spectators and media, have the opportunity to experience firsthand the hospitality of the local population and the beauties this area offers. Choosing accommodation in Baške Oštarije provides direct access to hiking trails and a peaceful environment, ideal for relaxation after sports excitements.

Promoting sport and a healthy lifestyle are fundamental goals of such events. SKY BOŠT inspires people of all ages to get active, explore nature, and push their own limits. At the same time, awareness of the importance of preserving the natural environment is raised, because it is precisely the untouched nature of Velebit that makes this race so special. The organizers, in cooperation with local communities and the Velebit Nature Park, make great efforts to ensure that the event has a minimal impact on the sensitive ecosystem of the mountain. Participants and visitors are invited to adhere to the principles of sustainability, leaving behind only footprints. Through such examples, sport becomes a powerful tool for education and promotion of a responsible attitude towards nature. SKY BOŠT is not just a race, but also a celebration of Velebit, its people, and the incredible nature that surrounds it, inviting everyone to discover the charms offered by Karlobag and the untouched parts of the mountain.