Jelsa Trail

Secon Jelsa Trail scheduled on 15th of April is a bit different than any average trail race and it combined two completely different things. The race will retrace the route of the renowned procession Za Križen (Following the Cross) which takes place every Maundy Thursday on island Hvar.

Island Hvar boasts no less than six UNESCO heritages. Running the Jelsa Trail route you will discover the magic of island Hvar as the immensely scenic trail takes you through olive groves and vineyards, with cerulean waters of the Adriatic as a backdrop. The route runs through the Stari Grad Plain and along numerous dry stone walls, both UNESCO heritages.

Participants can compete in one of three categories, all endearingly named:

Srdelica (Sardine) - 5 km, +260 m is the shortest and easiest route, beginner-friendly and a perfect choice for those who’d prefer to participate in a more casual manner, soaking in the sights while they walk the trail at a comfortable pace. The trail starts and ends on the waterfront in Jelsa, in the meantime offering wonderful views of island scenery, including the splendid view from the ancient tower Tor.

Škarpina (Scorpionfish) - 11 km, +420m is also beginner-friendly route, but suitable for more experienced runners. The trail starts and ends on the waterfront in Jelsa. After the initial ascent and passing by the tower Tor, the trail continues to run through olive groves and vineyards to the picturesque Pitve village, then back to Jelsa. The trail will have one aid station in Pitve.

Šanpjer (John Dory) - 20 km, +620m is the longest route which requires a higher level of physical fitness, but isn’t technically challenging. Like the other two, the Šanpjer trail starts and ends on the waterfront in Jelsa. After they pass by the ancient tower Tor, runners will head to Pitve and then follow the route of the renowned procession Za križen. The trail runs through gorgeous places in the environs of Jelsa: Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirče, Vrbanj and Vrboska.

After the race, you can look forward to a proper Dalmatian feast in Jelsa, complete with klapa singing. The winners will be awarded medals in the shape of Hvar lace, another iconic Hvar feature to bear a UNESCO title.

An exciting event organized by the Jelsa Tourist Board.

 FB Visit Jelsa & Zvonimir Crnković