It's the best aquathlon in the country.

On August 29, 2026, the 37th Jesenice Aquathlon took place successfully at the Ukova swimming pool, drawing participants from across Slovenia and beyond. The event, which combines swimming with running, saw a record number of competitors, with 37 athletes taking part in the adult category alone. Among them, Tjaša Žnidar emerged victorious, securing the top spot with a time of 37 minutes and 23 seconds. This performance marked her as the best athlete in absolute competition, surpassing all other competitors in both speed and endurance. The aquathlon, held annually in Jesenice, consists of a 1000-meter swim followed by approximately 3200 meters of running along the Razgledna path. The course features two laps and a total elevation gain of around 191 meters, making it one of the more challenging races of its kind. In the men's category, Aljaž Škafar finished first with a time of 41 minutes and 34 seconds, followed by Esmir Jusić at 50 minutes and 33 seconds, Igor Zobavnik at 59 minutes and 17 seconds, and Uroš Lakić rounding out the top four with a time of 1 hour and 4 minutes and 35 seconds. The race has a long-standing tradition, with Nejc Pogačnik holding the record for the fastest time in the male category, set in 2017 at 29 minutes and 22 seconds. In the women’s race, Tjaša Žnidar not only won but also achieved the best time ever recorded in the event, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination. She was followed by Špela Novak, who completed the course in 45 minutes and 17 seconds, and Ana Trstenjak, who clocked 46 minutes and 47 seconds. In addition to the individual competitions, the event featured a relay team consisting of Željko Najdek and Luka Mihelič. Najdek handled the swimming leg, while Mihelič completed the running portion, finishing the race together in a combined time of 46 minutes and 5 seconds. This format added an extra layer of teamwork and strategy, highlighting the versatility required in aquathlon racing. The younger competitors were also given the opportunity to participate in the children's aquathlon, which included seven young athletes competing in three age categories. The course was adapted to suit their abilities, starting with a 50-meter swim before transitioning into two laps of running around the pool. The organizers emphasized that the focus was on participation rather than results, encouraging the youngest athletes to embrace the challenge and develop a love for sport through fun and engagement. Gaber Šorn from the Jesenice Sports Centre commented on the importance of such events for the community, stating that they provide a welcoming environment for children to experience sports and physical activity. “For the youngest participants, the result wasn’t the main goal. What mattered was that they accepted the challenge, entered the water, and persisted until the finish line,” he explained. Looking ahead, the Jesenice Aquathlon continues to grow in popularity, attracting elite athletes and families alike. With its unique blend of swimming and running, the event remains a highlight of the local sporting calendar and a testament to the enduring appeal of multi-sport competitions. As the season progresses, further events will likely follow, reinforcing Jesenice’s reputation as a hub for competitive and recreational sports.