The majority of the route follows the marked mountain trail “Kajbumščak Path”.

The race starts in front of the Krapina Neanderthal Museum on Hušnjakovo Hill (180 m.a.s.l.) and ascends via Magistratska Street to the Old Town of Krapina, a 15th-century fortress once ruled by Barbara of Celje, better known as the Black Queen.

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After passing through a cave, the trail continues along a forest single track winding between picturesque vineyard cottages (kleti), then climbs to Šušelj Brijeg (439 m.a.s.l.). From there, the undulating forest path leads to Radoboj, where the first aid station is located near the mountain lodge (7 km).

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The trail then ascends to the Hunting Lodge (500 m.a.s.l.), just past the first refreshment point, followed by a gentle descent through beautiful forest paths to the Orchid Meadow – Poljana (470 m.a.s.l.). From here, runners face a steep climb (+250 m in less than 1 km) to the easternmost peak of Strahinjčica – Sekolje (also known as Hajdino Zrno, 738 m.a.s.l.). This summit is home to a rare endemic flower: the Croatian iris (Iris croatica).

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Next comes a mild descent to a saddle, then a tougher climb to the highest peak of Strahinjčica – Sušec (846 m.a.s.l.). After Sušec, a gorgeous runnable trail (~1 km) leads gently downhill to Dedek Rock, the most beautiful viewpoint on the course and the site of the second refreshment station (15 km).

The route continues westward along the entire ridge of Strahinjčica and then descends below Mount Slon toward the third refreshment point – a natural spring located at 21 km.

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One of the most challenging sections follows: the ascent to Brezovica (581 m.a.s.l.), with an elevation gain of over 400 m in less than 2 km. After descending from Brezovica, runners reach the Ačkova Hiža Mountain Lodge, which hosts the fourth refreshment point (28 km). From there, the trail rolls through forest paths to St. Three Kings Hill (414 m.a.s.l.), home to the ruins of a church and a breathtaking panoramic view of Krapina, before the final descent toward the finish line.

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This route is very demanding due to its length and total ascent. It includes a full traverse of Strahinjčica’s major peaks and the challenging Brezovica climb. It is recommended only for experienced and well-conditioned trail runners—and seasoned Neanderthal hunters of fast and large game! 

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TIME LIMITS:

Participants exceeding these times will be rerouted to the finish line via the shortest path:

• Checkpoint 2 (Dedek Rock): 3h 30min

• Checkpoint 3 (Žutnica Spring): 5h 30min

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MANDATORY GEAR:

• Mobile phone with the organizer’s number saved

• Water reservoir with at least 1.0 liter (no disposable cups at aid stations)

• Race bib (clearly visible, provided by the organizer)

• Appropriate footwear and clothing (based on weather conditions)

• Whistle

• First aid kit