Festival through the eyes of top runners
The Zavarovalnica Sava Kočevsko Outdoor Festival hosted by I feel Slovenia places runners in one of the wildest and most unspoiled environments in Slovenia – where the kilometres pass in the silence of the forests, far from asphalt and crowds.
Jure Orehek (1st place, 60 km Bear Trail 2025) and Klemen Štular (2nd place, 30 km Wolf Trail 2025) reveal what surprised them most about the course – and why they love coming back to the festival.
Jure Orehek (1st place, 60 km Bear Trail, 2025): “This is paradise for trail running.”
How would you describe Kočevsko in one sentence?
Beautiful wild nature and a true paradise for trail running.
Why did you decide to race at KOF?
I decided to race at KOF because these places were fairly unknown to me, and it seemed like I could really get to know the landscape over 60 km. Also because I was looking for a trail race with almost no asphalt sections.
How would you describe the race, the trails and the festival atmosphere?
The race itself is beautiful, the 60 km course is not too difficult, it is very fast and perfectly marked. A big plus is that most of the route runs through forests, which means we mostly avoid direct sun and it feels pleasantly refreshing.
Why should every serious trail runner stand on the start line of the 60 km Bear Trail at least once?
Because the trail runs through authentic wilderness, which means enjoying kilometres of silence on long forest sections and battling with yourself.
What was your key to victory at KOF?
My key to victory at KOF was patience, proper hydration and observing my competitors.
What advice would you give to beginners?
First of all, enjoy it. Listen to your body and increase the workload gradually. And when you feel ready, come to Kočevsko.
Choose your distance and experience it for yourself.
Klemen Štular: “A race that brings you back to yourself.”
How would you describe Kočevsko?
Wilderness, a welcoming atmosphere, excellent organisation, lots going on, and a lake for a refreshing swim. Kočevsko gives you a unique feeling of wilderness. Everything is tied together by excellent organisation and lively festival atmosphere by the lake.
What does it feel like to run through the wilderness?
Special. While running, you feel the power of the vast forests and keep one eye on the surroundings for any “interesting” animals, while at the same time enjoying the peace that only the Kočevje forest can offer.
How many times have you raced at KOF and why do you come back?
I’ve raced at KOF once so far. I chose the 30-kilometre course, but I will definitely come back to discover the others as well. What pulls me back is exactly this wilderness, something you can only experience there. I come to every race because of my result, but I return to places where the overall experience was truly good – and KOF was exactly that.
How would you describe the course and the atmosphere?
Even the beginning is something special: a bus takes you deep into the forest, where the start line is. During the ride, you try to chat casually, but in your mind everyone is already in the starting blocks – a little nervous, a little absent and fully focused on what is ahead. The course is very runnable, with no technical sections, so you can really push and let your legs roll. A huge added value is the lake, where you can cool off after the race, lie down on the shore and enjoy the warm sun and the beautiful view. That is the magical part of KOF that truly surprised me.
What does this course have that others don’t? What makes it so special? Which part of the course stayed with you the most?
One of the most unique moments was arriving at a meadow in the area near a bear feeding site – a dry tree with claw marks high above the ground is a sight that stays vividly in your memory. That is when it really hits you how small we are and how much peace there is in the middle of the forest.
How important is it to you that the festival is family-friendly and that free childcare is also available?
Very important. My family came with me to cheer me on – my wife and two children. They are very well taken care of too. The finish straight itself is great, children can cheer with flags and rattles provided by the organiser. They can also have fun by the lake. The festival activities at the venue keep their attention, especially the ice cream stand. I also heard about the childcare and children’s race, which mine didn’t join last year, but it’s great that the option exists.
Would you recommend Kočevsko to families?
Definitely. I would recommend the Kočevsko Outdoor Festival to everyone who loves wilderness, movement in nature, good food and socialising afterwards. One of the better trail events for families – children really can’t get bored there.
