PHOTOS: We check out Croatia’s epic “Hog Race”

Hog Race (Private album)

In a world where athleticism meets adventure, there exists a unique breed of race that pushes the boundaries of physicality and exhilaration— the mud run. 

Imagine a challenging obstacle course set amidst a rugged terrain, where participants willingly embrace mud-caked chaos in pursuit of a thrilling experience like no other. 

Mud runs have emerged as the epitome of outdoor excitement, transforming conventional running into an adrenaline-fulled escapade that attracts athletes, adventurers, and thrill-seekers alike. 

This past weekend, the popular Croatian mud run, the renowned “Hog Race”,  took place at the picturesque PG Geler estate in Mali Mihaljevec.

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This two-day festival, organised by the Horvat family and their friends, is a celebration of running, an active lifestyle, and the beauty of nature. With the family’s impressive collection of over 500 medals from various sports, the event promised an unforgettable experience for participants and visitors alike.

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The Hog Race program kicked off on Saturday with the elite super sprint, covering a distance of 500 meters. As the runners showcased their speed and agility, the crowd enjoyed a lively music program. The excitement continued on Sunday with two thrilling races: a 2-kilometre race and a challenging 6-kilometre race. 

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Both courses were designed with natural and man-made obstacles, including ropes, mud baths, and water slides.

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The terrain of Mali Mihaljevec, set against the backdrop of the upper Međimurje region, offered a captivating experience with its lush forests, meadows, and flowing streams.

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One section of the race trail wound its way through the Bedekovićeva Graba nature park, a designated Natura 2000 site. With gentle inclines and declines, the course was tailored to accommodate recreational athletes of all skill levels.

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Additionally, participants were encouraged to support and assist each other throughout the race.

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For visitors and competitors alike, the Hog Race provided a plethora of entertainment and activities. Between races, attendees were treated to a captivating performance by the Čakovečke mažoretkinje, a stunning zipline show by Spiderman, and an adrenaline-packed experience in the park. 

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Families could also indulge in delicious food and drinks while enjoying the festivities.

Men’s and women’s winners (Private album)

The Horvat family and the PG Geler team have expressed their desire to attract a wide range of participants, eager to embrace the challenge. 

“We want to attract as many competitors as possible ready to accept the challenge. In addition to accepting challenges and pushing our own limits, we want to include as many children of various ages as possible and encourage them to move with fun children’s races. In addition to the races, visitors can try our adrenaline park, taste our gastronomic offer, participate in games for visitors. In other words, all family members will find content for themselves,” says PG Geler.

Ivanka Horvat (right) with daughter Jelena (left) and her sister in-law (centre) (Private album)

Visitors over the weekend also had the opportunity to explore the adrenaline park, taste exquisite local cuisine, and participate in various games designed especially for them. In essence, the Hog Race offered something for everyone in the family.

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If you missed out on this year’s Hog Race, it’s never too early to start preparing for next year’s edition. Alternatively, you can pay a visit to PG Geler, which is conveniently located just a 1-hour and 15-minute drive from Zagreb. The estate offers an ideal destination for an active vacation or a weekend getaway, with their Adrenaline Park nestled amidst the natural beauty of the surroundings.

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In addition to the renowned adrenaline park, which features unique attractions handmade from 100% recycled materials, visitors can indulge in a range of extras. These include the thrilling Giant Swing and Zip-line, exhilarating quad rides, exciting paintball matches, and other engaging activities. PG Geler also offers eco-friendly accommodation options, cheese tasting experiences, and a wide array of catering choices.

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Whether you’re an avid runner seeking an adrenaline-fuelled race or a family looking for a memorable outing, the Hog Race festival at PG Geler Estate promises an unforgettable experience. Mark your calendars, prepare for the next edition, and get ready for an adventure-filled weekend amidst the stunning natural landscapes of Međimurje.

You can check out more about PG Geler on their website.