May in the heart of Dalmatia brings a unique fusion of sports excitement and natural beauty, and the epicenter of events will once again be the historic Trogir and the neighboring island of Čiovo. The already traditional Trogir Outdoor Festival, recognized as one of the key outdoor sports events in central Dalmatia, is preparing for its edition in May 2025, enriching the tourist pre-season and continuing to nurture Trogir's long tradition of mastery. Year after year, the event attracts hundreds of athletes, recreational enthusiasts, and lovers of active holidays, offering them the opportunity to test their abilities, push their limits, and join the list of Trogir's sports masters.

This multi-day event, stretching from May 2nd to 24th, 2025, offers a diverse program that skillfully combines sea and land disciplines, utilizing the spectacular natural and historical stage provided by Trogir and Čiovo. From adrenaline-fueled duels on the sea beneath ancient walls to challenging races along hidden island trails, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for all participants and visitors.

Masters under sail: Elite sailing in the shadow of Kamerlengo (May 2nd - 4th)

The festival will open with an impressive maritime spectacle beneath the monumental Kamerlengo fortress. From May 2nd to 4th, the Trogir waters will become the stage for top-tier sailing competition as part of the "Masters under sail" event. This involves a regatta of the exceptionally attractive and competitive Melges 24 class, which will gather some of the best crews from Croatia and beyond. This competition holds special significance as it represents the 4th stage of the Luki Baustoffe CRO Melges 24 Cup for the 2025 season, also carrying the title of the Croatian National Championship and scoring points for the prestigious European Sailing Series (ESS 2).

The Melges 24 class is known for its fast and technically demanding sailboats that require exceptional skill, teamwork, and tactical acumen from the crew. Spectators can expect dynamic races, close duels on the sea, and breathtaking sights as colorful sails cut through the blue waters against the historical backdrop of Trogir. The organization is handled by the local Trogir Sailing Club, and this regatta confirms Trogir's status as an important center for sailing sports on the Adriatic. A true sporting spectacle is expected, combining the tradition of seamanship with modern, fast sailing, providing an unforgettable experience for both competitors and the audience on shore.

Trail Masters: Discovering the trails of Čiovo (May 24th)

After the excitement on the sea, the festival's focus shifts to land, specifically to the island of Čiovo, which will host the "Trail Masters" on May 24th, 2025. Organized by the Trogir Tourist Board and the experienced Trail and Trekking Club STrka, this segment of the festival is dedicated to the increasingly popular sport of trail running. With its natural paths, hidden trails, Mediterranean vegetation, and fantastic sea views, Čiovo has proven to be an ideal destination for this type of competition, offering runners a unique experience of connecting with nature and testing their endurance.

The organizers have prepared three races of different lengths and technical difficulties, so everyone – from complete beginners and recreational runners to experienced trail runners – can take on the challenge:

• Fire: The most demanding course is 23.5 kilometers long with an impressive 887 meters of total ascent, intended for advanced and experienced competitors ready for a real endurance test. The start of this race is at 4:00 PM from the Trogir waterfront. The route leads runners through the interesting Trogir hinterland, including the villages of Baradići and Milati, then over the new Čiovo bridge to the island of Čiovo, where the route continues through the town of Žedno and past the church of St. Mavro, before returning to the finish line on the Trogir waterfront. The time limit for finishing the race is 5 hours (until 9:00 PM), with a cut-off time at the checkpoint near the new bridge (12th kilometer) which must be passed by 6:15 PM. Mandatory equipment for this race includes a fully charged mobile phone and a headlamp.


• Earth: A course 11 kilometers long with 295 meters of ascent, ideal for recreational runners, but also for faster runners who want a shorter, yet dynamic challenge. The start is at 5:30 PM, also from the waterfront. The route leads from Trogir towards the town of Žedno on Čiovo, passes by the picturesque church of St. Mavro, and returns to the finish line on the waterfront. The time limit is 3 and a half hours (until 9:00 PM). Mandatory equipment includes a charged mobile phone and a headlamp.


• Water: The shortest course of 5 kilometers with 145 meters of ascent, perfect for beginners, walkers, families with children (minimum age 7 years), and anyone who wants to experience the race atmosphere at a slower pace. The start is together with the Earth race at 5:30 PM from the waterfront. The route leads from the waterfront towards the monastery of St. Ante and back to the waterfront. The time limit is 2 hours (until 7:30 PM). Mandatory equipment is a charged mobile phone.

All races start and finish on the picturesque Trogir waterfront, guaranteeing a great atmosphere and crowd support. Participants are reminded to bring their own cups or bottles to the refreshment stations, as single-use plastic cups will not be used, in line with environmental awareness. After the races, a warm meal is provided for all participants, and the best male and female competitors in all categories will receive medals and valuable sponsor prizes. The award ceremony is planned for around 7:00 PM.

A Blend of Sport, Nature, and Heritage

What makes the Trogir Outdoor Festival special is precisely the unique combination of top-level sports, stunning nature, and rich cultural-historical heritage. Competitors in the sailing regatta have the privilege of competing against the backdrop of a UNESCO-protected museum city, while trail runners explore the hidden corners of the island of Čiovo, enjoying the scents of Mediterranean herbs and panoramic views stretching far out to sea. The start and finish of the trail races on the Trogir waterfront, in the heart of the historical core, further emphasizes this symbiosis.

The festival not only promotes sports and a healthy lifestyle but also highlights the natural beauty and cultural landmarks of Trogir and Čiovo. Participating in the festival is an ideal opportunity to combine sports activity with sightseeing. Visitors and competitors can use their stay to explore the narrow stone streets of Trogir, visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, the Kamerlengo fortress, or enjoy the numerous beaches of the island of Čiovo. Numerous options for accommodation in Trogir and the surrounding area are available, ensuring a pleasant stay during the festival days. The theme of "masters" runs through both segments of the festival, linking sporting excellence with the rich craft and artistic tradition of Trogir.

Registration and practical information

Those interested in participating in the "Trail Masters" trail races can register via the online platform Stotinka.hr. Registrations are open from the end of January 2025, and the entry fee can also be paid on the day of the race (cash only) when picking up the start packages on the Trogir waterfront, which will be organized from 3:30 PM to 5:15 PM on the race day, May 24th.

The detailed program of the entire Trogir Outdoor Festival, including possible additional content and accompanying events, will be announced soon. For all additional information about the trail races, competitors can contact the Trail and Trekking Club STrka via their Facebook page or the contacts listed on the registration page.

Prepare for an unforgettable sports experience in May, when Trogir and Čiovo become the stage for masters of sailing and running, celebrating the union of man, nature, and sport in the heart of Dalmatia.