The Jelsa Trail
Linking the blue and the green, this second Jelsa Trail will take you across the greenery of Hvar’s olive groves, vineyards and aromatic plants and combine with the smell of the blue sea for an authentic experience of Hvar Island, the island which boasts as many as six UNESCO-listed assets.
The first running trail which is in Jelsa has linked two very different things. The route follows that of the famous UNESCO-listed ‘Za Križen‘ (‘Following the Cross’) Procession, which takes place this year nine days before the run. And in following this route, you will run through part of the UNESCO-listed Starigrad Plain with the dry stone walls (also UNESCO-listed) which mark out its historic field layout. And at the end, to complete the connexion with Hvar’s UNESCO honours, there will be good Mediterranean food, klapa harmony singing, and the medals will carry the symbol of Hvar’s agave lace.
The run will take place on April 26th 2025 and will have three categories:
SRDELICE (SARDINES) – 5 km + 260 m.
This route is suitable for novice runners, children and also anyone who wants to take it slowly, at walking pace. The start and finish are at the Jelsa waterfront, and the route offers wonderful views of the environs of Jelsa and the historic Tor watchtower. There will not be any refreshment stations along the route, and the time limit for finishing is two hours.
ŠKARPINA (GROUPER) – 11 km + 420 m
This route is suitable for novice runners as well as for fitter competitors. The start and finish are at the Jelsa waterfront. The route leads up to beside Tor watchtower, and then follows olive groves and vineyards to the picturesque village of Pitve, before heading back to Jelsa. There will be one refreshment stop at Pitve (after 7 km). The time limit for finishing is three hours.
ŠANPJER (JOHN DORY), 20 km + 620 m
This, the longest route, is for those who are fit enough. Technically, it is not very difficult. The start and finish are at the Jelsa waterfront. The route goes up beside the Tor watchtower with its magnificent views, on towards Pitve, then follows the paths of the ‘Za Križen’ Procession, passing through the charming settlements of Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirče, Vrbanj and Vrboska on the way to the finish in Jelsa. There will be two refreshment stops, at Pitve (7 km) and Vrbanj (12 km). The time limit for finishing is four hours, and there is also a time limit of two hours 15 minutes for reaching Vrbanj.
ORGANIZER:
The Jelsa Tourist Board
Udruga Dalmacija Trails (The Dalmatia Trails Association) (contact: 0981829644 or marko.herman@dalmacijaultratrail.com)
REGISTRATION:
Prices:
Srdelica (5 km) 20 EUR
Škarpina (13 km) 25 EUR
Šanpjer (21 km) 30 EUR
For children aged 7 to 14, there is a 50% discount, and for children under 7, participation is free.
Payments:
Registration fee should be paid to:
IBAN: HR6324070001100517560
Recipient: Trail and Trekking Club Strka
Payment description: Participant’s name and surname, followed by JT2025 (e.g., John Smith, JT2025)
Deadline for registration and payment of the registration fee:
The deadline to receive a T-shirt along with the registration fee payment is April 19, 2025 . Payments are possible after this date, but T-shirts won’t be included in the starter pack. Online payments are possible until April 3rd. After this date, please refrain from online payments – payments will be possible in cash on the race day during registrations at the Jelsa waterfront.
Registrations are also possible at https://www.stotinka.hr/hrv/prijave_na_utrke?month_year=042024https:/
The registration fee includes:
Cotton T-shirt with the race logo (if the registration fee is paid by April 19,2025.) Race bib Warm meal after the race Beer after the race Refreshments on the course (sweet and savory snacks, fruits, juices, water) Prizes and medals for the fastest participants Finisher’s medal Course preparation Course insurance Free transportation from the ferry port in Stari Grad to Jelsa and back Discount on transportation with Jadrolinija ferries (you will be informed about this later)
RACE SCHEDULE:
Saturday, April 6th
10:30 – 11:45 Pickup of race packets, Jelsa waterfront
12:00 Start of the race (all categories), Jelsa waterfront
14:00 Start of lunch
15:30 Announcement of winners in all categories
16:00 Race finish deadline
TRANSPORTATION:
All race participants using Jadrolinija ferry transportation will likely receive a discount on ferry tickets – we will inform you about all details after finalizing arrangements with Jadrolinija. This applies to the Split – Stari Grad ferry route.
Departure of the ferry from Split to Stari Grad on the race day (Saturday) is at 08:30.
Departure with organized free transportation (BUS) from the ferry terminal in Stari Grad to Jelsa is at 10:45.
Departure with organized free transportation (BUS) after the race back to the ferry terminal in Stari Grad is at 16:45. (NOTE: If there are more runners than can fit in one bus, multiple departures will be organized, and you will be informed in due time)
Departure of the ferry from Stari Grad back to Split on the race day (Saturday) is at 17:30.
For those who wish to arrive a day earlier or stay longer, you can find all ferry or catamaran lines at the following link:
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT:
Mobile phone (with the same number provided during registration) with fully charged battery.
Water bottle (minimum 0.5 liters)
Clothing suitable for weather conditions
NOTE: There will be no disposable plastic cups at the aid stations and finish line. You must bring your own cup or bottle.
