The archipelago of Zadar will once again become the focus of a unique sporting event from 2 to 4 October 2026. The third edition of the Archipelago Trail Run will link Pašman, Dugi Otok and Ugljan through a multi-stage experience, as reported by the organisers.
At this event, running on natural trails and sea travel form an inseparable whole. Unlike traditional races, the sea is an equal part of the race route. Participants travel between islands by catamaran, then continue running along rocky paths, through olive groves, along the coast and across open viewpoints offering views of the Adriatic.
Organisers state that the boat journey is not merely a means of transport to the starting line, but one of the key and most memorable moments of the overall experience. It is the combination of sea travel and running that makes the format distinctive compared to standard road and trail races.
The archipelago of Zasp includes more than 300 islands, islets and rocks. Its highly indented geography presented a major organisational challenge: how to connect several islands into a single trail concept. The answer was found in a flexible multi-stage format designed jointly by the organisers of Good4venture, destinations grouped under the Zadar Archipelago brand, and local partners.
The idea originated in 2023, with the inaugural edition held in 2024. From the start, the aim was not simply to hold individual races on the islands, but to connect them into a cohesive narrative that promotes trail running as a model for exploring the archipelago.
The growing response from international competitors, the increasing number of runners choosing multi-day packages, and the introduction of a new hiking programme all confirm a new dimension to the project. Archipelago Trail Run is gradually transforming from a weekend race into a recognised concept for an active late-summer holiday on the Croatian islands.
