The dramatic backdrop of Velebit, a mountain that rises steeply from the Adriatic Sea, was the scene of the fifth, jubilee edition of the SKY BOŠT TRAIL sports spectacle last weekend, specifically on Saturday, June 7, 2025. This event, which year after year confirms its status as one of the most attractive and demanding trail races in Croatia, once again gathered the elite of mountain running, as well as numerous enthusiasts eager to push their own limits in a harsh but magnificent environment. In a perfect symbiosis of sea and mountain, with sun-drenched Karlobag on one side and the rugged mountain massif on the other, more than two hundred competitors bravely embarked on the Velebit adventure.

The event is the result of the extraordinary cooperation and enthusiasm of the Velebit Athletics Club, which is behind the main organization, with the key support of the Velebit Nature Park Public Institution, whose employees took care of the safety and preservation of the natural beauty through which the trails pass. Invaluable support was also provided by the Municipality of Karlobag, recognizing the importance of such an event for the promotion of the region, and countless volunteers whose selfless commitment was the heart and soul of the entire organization. Their efforts ensured that every competitor, regardless of their placement, took home an unforgettable experience.

The Velebit Olympus: Domination of the best on the royal course

The central event, the race that rightly bears the epithet of royal, was the SKY BOŠT. This is a course that freezes the blood in your veins and inspires awe: 30 kilometers of raw wilderness, from the very sea coast in Karlobag to the heart of the mountain in Baške Oštarije, with a cumulative ascent of over 2100 meters. This course is not only a test of physical fitness, but also of mental strength, as it leads competitors over technically extremely demanding terrains, sharp limestone rocks, and breathtaking mountain peaks, such as Velinac, Budakovo brdo, and Basača. That this is a world-class race was confirmed by the participation of as many as 43 elite world trail runners and skyrunners, which raised the competition to the highest possible level.

In such an extremely powerful men's competition, the victory was superbly taken by Dane Opara, a legendary runner from Split and a man who lives and breathes Velebit. His victory is no surprise to those who know his sporting path. Opara is known for his incredible endurance and deep knowledge of the mountain, which he has proven with his earlier feats, such as crossing Velebit in extreme winter conditions. His time of 3 hours, 40 minutes, and 14 seconds testifies to a masterful performance on terrain he knows like the back of his hand. Immediately behind him, with a slight gap, Pavle Kruljac ran into the finish with a time of 3:43:29, while third place was taken by Luka Nedeljković with a result of 3:47:10, thus confirming the incredible density of quality at the top of the standings.

The women's competition was no less exciting. Absolute dominance was shown by Ivana Širić, currently the brightest star of Croatian trail running. After recently making history as the first Croatian woman to win one of the prestigious UTMB races (Istria 100), Širić once again confirmed her class on Velebit. The current Croatian short trail champion flew through the course and crossed the finish line in Baške Oštarije in a time of 4 hours, 19 minutes, and 55 seconds. Her victory is a picture of incredible strength and focus. Second place was won by Lana Ostojić with a time of 4:38:52, and third place went to Martina Štrkalj who completed the course in 4:52:33.

Winners of the Bošt Sky category:

• Men:
  
  
  
  1. Dane Opara (3:40:14)
  
  
  2. Pavle Kruljac (3:43:29)
  
  
  3. Luka Nedeljković (3:47:10)
  
  
  
  


• Women:
  
  
  
  1. Ivana Širić (4:19:55)
  
  
  2. Lana Ostojić (4:38:52)
  
  
  3. Martina Štrkalj (4:52:33)
  
  
  
  

A Velebit challenge for everyone: Success on the shorter courses

The organizers made sure that even those who are not yet ready for the extreme challenges of the longest course could experience the charms of Velebit. The Bošt 4 You Trail race, 11 kilometers long with 750 meters of ascent, offered a perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment in the mountain environment of Baške Oštarije. This course attracted a large number of recreational runners and those who wanted to feel the pulse of the mountain on a shorter, but by no means easy, section.

In the men's competition, the fastest was Leonardo Pavina with a time of 1:23:30, showing exceptional speed on the demanding terrain. Right behind him were Dorijan Mavrinac (1:24:04) in second and Ivan Zaharija (1:26:03) in third place. Among the women, the victory was taken by Štefica Bubnjarić with a result of 1:50:25. Also on the podium were Jasna Maričić (1:53:34) as the runner-up and Dijana Butorac (2:05:13) as the third-place finisher.

Winners of the Bošt 4 You Trail category:

• Men:
  
  
  
  1. Leonardo Pavina (1:23:30)
  
  
  2. Dorijan Mavrinac (1:24:04)
  
  
  3. Ivan Zaharija (1:26:03)
  
  
  
  


• Women:
  
  
  
  1. Štefica Bubnjarić (1:50:25)
  
  
  2. Jasna Maričić (1:53:34)
  
  
  3. Dijana Butorac (2:05:13)
  
  
  
  

The most beautiful picture of togetherness and love for nature was sent from the BOŠT FAMILY TIME race. On the 7-kilometer course, adapted for families, children, and all those who wanted to spend the day in active socializing, a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere prevailed. Many participants also brought their four-legged pets, who also received recognition for their participation. This race showed that Velebit has a big enough heart for everyone, from top athletes to the youngest adventurers. In the men's competition, Ante Rubčić (38:10) celebrated, ahead of Milan Mišić (40:12) and Hrvoje Stilinović (40:25). In the women's competition, the young forces were the fastest: Lena Mišić (42:42) won first place, her sister Mila Mišić (45:24) second, and Daria Došen (50:53) third place.

Winners of the BOŠT FAMILY TIME category:

• Men:
  
  
  
  1. Ante Rubčić (38:10)
  
  
  2. Milan Mišić (40:12)
  
  
  3. Hrvoje Stilinović (40:25)
  
  
  
  


• Women:
  
  
  
  1. Lena Mišić (42:42)
  
  
  2. Mila Mišić (45:24)
  
  
  3. Daria Došen (50:53)
  
  
  
  

The fifth edition of the SKY BOŠT TRAIL confirmed that this race is not just a sporting event, but an experience that celebrates the strength of the human spirit and the untamed beauty of nature. The combination of rugged stone and the blue sea, along with top-notch organization and an atmosphere of togetherness, is a guarantee that the story of the Velebit heroes will continue next year, in the sixth edition that is already eagerly awaited.