5th Marathon Ivanec - Novi Marof

From this year, we will attempt a new and hopefully more attractive route to the top of Ivančica. After starting in Ivancu, we continue on the main road towards Prigorac for approximately 2 km, then turn into the forest and follow the marked hiking trail to the Žgano vino spring (refreshment). Instead of the previous path, at the spring, we take a road into the forest and follow a shorter but more attractive hiking trail, Mrzljak (approx. 4 km), to the summit where there will be refreshments. Upon reaching the summit, we descend the same route as in previous years until the turn towards the old town of Milengrad (refreshment + checkpoint Stotinka). It's important to note that the return is approximately 2 km along the same path until reaching the old trail towards Pokojec. At Pokojec (refreshment + checkpoint Stotinka) near the mountain hut, we turn left into the forest onto a marked trail, passing through a beautiful nature and canyon (approx. 3.5 km). After exiting the forest, we reach the county road near the old Bela castle (refreshment), and continue towards the town of Bela (approx. 1.2 km). After passing through the town of Bela, marshals direct us onto a field path of about 500 meters that transitions into a forest path. In the next 3-4 km, the perhaps most challenging part follows – the ascent to Čevo (560 m above sea level). In 3 km, you need to overcome more than 350 m of elevation gain. Čevo marks the 32nd kilometer and is one of the most important and necessary refreshment points. It is highly recommended to take a few seconds to enjoy one of the most beautiful views. The next 5.5 km are extremely challenging due to the ups and downs, but at the same time, it is a beautiful marked hiking trail – a true trail. At the 35th kilometer, there will be refreshments, after which the final hill of about 400 meters to Lubenjak follows. After that, it's just downhill towards the large cross in Mađarevo (last refreshment) and then asphalt for 4 km to the center of Marof. When reaching the main road, stay on the sidewalk as the traffic will not be closed (last 2 km). The last 500 meters towards the finish line are on a closed road, and the finish line is at KC Rabuzin.

From the start near the bridge along the Bednja River for about 1 km, then a turnaround and ascent towards the summit of Čevo, reaching the long-distance race trail (around the 30th km for them), and continuing on the same trail to the top near the cross. At the cross, the first refreshment point is located, then following the marked hiking trail towards Grebengrad. After 6 km, the second refreshment is in the forest, followed by another 2.5 km to the cross where the third refreshment is available. Descending from the cross on an asphalt road leads directly to the center of Marof (approximately 4 km). This shorter race might be considered the most beautiful part of the course. I hope many will truly enjoy this shorter yet quite challenging race.

After 1.3 km, you will reach a field path, and just before the 2nd km, you'll enter the forest - an ascent, perhaps the most beautiful part of the course, with gravel paths. Towards the end (last 1.5 km), you'll join the trail of the long-distance race and the 14 km race, crossing the main road to the sidewalk on the other side, and heading towards the finish line at KC Rabuzin. Children are allowed to participate in this race, but it is explicitly under the responsibility and presence of their parents.