Race
4 ELEMENTS // August 30, 2025 // Rtanj – Bovansko Lake
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After an exciting comeback in 2024, it's time for the ninth edition of the most thrilling nature-based challenge. As tradition goes, we gather once again on the legendary stretch from Rtanj Mountain to Bovansko Lake on the last weekend of August — mostly because of the stable, pilot-friendly weather conditions.
Download the application form for 2025 here
Overview
This event is one of the toughest multi-sport relay races in the world — only one other race of this format exists, and it's in the Dolomites.
Each team is made up of five different athletes, each excelling in a specific discipline: runner, paraglider, swimmer, kayaker, and mountain biker.
Each athlete competes in their own element (earth, air, water), yet they all bring the same fire and intensity to the challenge.
Why fire? Because the effort required simply can't be put into words — your body feels like it's burning. That feeling is best captured in our photo and video galleries.
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In 2025, the mighty Rtanj will once again welcome the most elite outdoor athletes — but this time, from around the globe. Why? Because we're proud to introduce a record-breaking prize pool of €15,000:
1st Team – €7,000
2nd Team – €5,000
3rd Team – €3,000
This is officially the highest prize fund in the history of adventure sports in the region!
The race is open-air, wild, and technically demanding. Athletes will face rugged terrain, tough climbs, breathtaking views from Šiljak peak, and over 90 km of diverse trails. Five different sports. Five challenges. Only for those who are 100% physically and mentally prepared.
Disciplines
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RUNNERS (Start at 8:00 AM):
- 6 km / 900 m elevation gain via Rtanj's southern trail (start: Hotel Ramonda).
- Trail will be marked to cut across the switchbacks.
- Finish is at the summit of Šiljak, where the hand-off to the paragliders happens.
- Mandatory gear: space blanket, phone, water supply. Trekking poles are recommended.
- Race director for this section: Jovica Spajić
PARAGLIDERS
- 20 km in a straight line (Šiljak to Bovansko Lake) with 1,300 m descent.
- If early landing occurs, the pilot must run to the lake with their equipment and hand off to the swimmer.
- GPS log (track from XC Globe) is mandatory — no log means DSQ and an automatic 4-hour time for the Air element. If a pilot doesn't launch within 3 hours, it's also a DSQ.
- Race director for this section: Petar Lončar
SWIMMERS
- 1.9 km swim across Bovansko Lake (altitude: 250 m), a Half Ironman distance.
- Safety buoys and rescue boat provided. Wetsuits allowed.
- Race director for this section: Goran Zebić (Zeba), international swimming referee.
KAYAKERS
- 5 km loop on Bovansko Lake.
- Safety measures and buoys provided.
- Race director for this section: Ksenija Blažić, same as last year.
MOUNTAIN BIKERS
- 33 km route: Bovansko Lake – South Rtanj Plateau – Rtanj Village (race starting point).
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- 1,200 m of elevation gain; 10 km on asphalt.
- Race director for this section: TBA
Regulations
- All race judges are experienced professionals and former elite athletes.
- Prijave su otvorene na sajtu, gde se nalaze i:
- Formulari
- Pravila
- Visina kotizacija
- Detalji o nagradama
Final instructions will be sent to all team captains no later than August 20, 2025.
Applications are now open on this site..
Details on the registration form, prize pools, rules, and entry fees are all provided..
The registration deadline is August 15, 2025.
In case of bad weather, the backup race day is Sunday, August 31.
For all inquiries, contact the race director:
Marko Nikolić
itsmarkonikolic@gmail.com
+381 63 867 0711
There will be two rankings:
Overall Team Results
Individual Results by Discipline (Prize pool for individuals will be announced in August.)
We wish you a safe, injury-free season filled with summits and unforgettable moments.
See you in the mountains! 🌄
