Green commitment
of the festival
What do we do?
Nature is not just our playground for sports. It is our home. A healthy environment is the most valuable thing we have—aside from our own health. That is why it is only right to take care of it. We are part of a time far longer than any of our lives; that’s why we should not struggle against the current, but move with it together. Caring for the environment at such a large trail running event is neither obvious nor easy. Yet over the years, we have shown that a sum of small, unusual, often innovative measures can produce visible—and measurable—results. Thank you to everyone who appreciates this, embraces it, follows our example, encourages us, and when necessary, gives us a kick in the rear.
Environmental measures
We serve drinks in reusable cups.
Just thinking about the mountain of plastic cups at aid stations, used for only a few seconds, is shocking. Why didn’t we think of this sooner? In 2016, we eliminated plastic cups, then used paper cups for two transitional years, and in 2019, all trail race participants received a reusable cup. Since then, it’s been standard—and fortunately, this approach is becoming more common globally.
We serve local drinking water.
It would be a shame to drink bottled water at the edge of the Julian Alps, where spring water flows from the rocks. That’s why at aid stations, we provide water (and mixed energy drinks) from barrels freshly filled with tap water. Yes, a few bottled drinks are still available, but if you’re willing to give them up—we’re all in favor.
We offer a vegan meal.
The meal mentioned above, given to all runners at the finish, is always available in a vegan version. The number of participants whose energy needs are met entirely by vegetables is steadily growing.
We separate waste.
Ah, waste—the nightmare of every event. There’s still a lot, but we try our best (and ask you to do the same) to make sure everything ends up in the right bin: paper, packaging, organic waste, and mixed waste. At all aid stations, our volunteers separate the waste, and we kindly ask that you follow their guidance. Thank you!
We use a virtual gift bag.
Knowing where most promotional material ends up, we replaced it in 2022 with a virtual gift bag, drastically reducing the number of printed flyers. Registration for the Soča Outdoor and signing also take place digitally, with no paper involved.
We keep an eye on runners!
We understand that gels or energy tablets sometimes need to be consumed mid-race. What we don’t understand is leaving the packaging on the trail! Our volunteers—our “brooms”—collect the rare litter left behind, which should otherwise be disposed of at an aid station. Our rules allow us to sanction runners who do not comply.
We share organizational resources.
We use clearly visible, reusable marking tape. Not only that—these markers, water barrels, signage, tents, and other equipment, which would otherwise occupy storage space for most of the year, are shared with other trail race organizers in Slovenia and beyond. Much of the equipment, like tables and benches, is rented from local clubs and suppliers. More than 70% of key equipment is rented or shared.
We promote sustainable mobility.
Getting participants from home to the Soča trail event venue is the largest “black spot” in terms of environmental impact and the toughest challenge for reducing carbon footprint. We reward train travel (with a 20 % discount on next year’s entry fee upon presentation of a valid train ticket) and encourage carpooling (via a dedicated Facebook group). Parking is paid: more passengers per car means lower cost per participant.
We use wooden trophies and medals.
Trophies—and later medals—are made of wood. We hope the warmth of wood will remind you of the beauty of the race just as much as a traditional metal cast.
We limit promotional materials.
We understand that partners want visibility at the event. We try to convince them to be moderate with banners, roll-ups, and other promotional materials, while maximizing online exposure beyond Sotočje. The right balance maintains the lively spirit of the event, preserves the beauty of the natural environment, and meets partners’ visibility needs.
Measures for the local community
The event has an economic footprint.
Accommodations in the wider Tolmin area are fully booked during the event, from the last fold-out couch to the tiniest guest room. Runners arrive hungry and thirsty, but local businesses are happiest when visitors stay in the beautiful valley for more than one or two nights. We are proud to promote the Soča River Valley as a destination for active holidays and trail running vacation.
We work with the local community.
Whenever possible and economically viable, we source services and products from local providers in the Soča Valley. We also offer them free space to set up stalls at the event, so they can showcase their products and offerings.
We collect donations every year.
As part of event registration, we collect donations for local organizations (mountain rescue teams, volunteer fire brigades) or other useful initiatives, such as reforestation. Each year, we support a local organization or initiative (e.g., KS Zatolmin, VDC Tolmin). For example, in 2024, a large part of our team helped clean high-altitude pastures. In 2026, we raised 370€ for the Together for the Karst initiative and Karst reforestation, 457€ for the Tolmin Volunteer Fire Brigade, and 774€ for the Mountain Rescue Service.
We maintain and restore trails.
Each year before the Soča Outdoor Festival, we clear many overgrown paths around Tolmin, allowing other runners and walkers to use them throughout the year. In partnership with our longtime partner Continental, we have permanently marked the Tolminka Trail.
We don’t waste food.
Despite careful planning, some food and drinks are left over after each event (better too much than too little, as you know). Usable items, especially fruit, are shared among the core team or donated to the Podbrdo Retirement Home – Tolmin Unit. Imagine the joy when residents are served freshly squeezed orange juice!
We invite locals to run.
We offer free race registration to local institutions (mountain rescue teams, firefighters, health centers, police, municipal services). Many participants discover a love for trail running this way. We also offer discounted registrations for local residents.
We keep Sotočje open.
The venue is open to everyone who would like to experience the atmosphere and energy of the sporting event. At the same time, we are aware of the limited capacity of the narrow trails, so we have spread the running programme over three days to distribute the pressure on them.
Social initiatives
We invite everyone to join the sport.
Trail running isn’t a sport reserved for only the fastest or most elite runners—whether in the country or the world. It’s a sport for all ages and for runners of every ability. Because we believe as many people as possible should experience the joy of running, we’ve added a 5-kilometer run alongside the children’s race, where the youngest discover the fun of running together. Children can register for this shorter run at a discounted price and may find a sport they’ll enjoy for life.
We include people with physical disabilities.
As part of our event and in partnership with local organizations, we have organized the Parafestival multiple times, where participants with physical disabilities explore sports on land and in water under careful supervision.
In collaboration with the DLAN Association, we organized a 500-metre run in 2026 for people with deafblindness, who took part in the race on an equal basis with the support of their guides.
We follow a pregnancy-friendly policy.
Found out you’re pregnant after registering for the trail run? No problem. Upon providing proof, we transfer your registration (and your partner’s, if applicable) to the next edition. You have other responsibilities and priorities now—and we support that.
The venue is accessible to everyone.
The event site is accessible to people with physical disabilities, including accessible restrooms. For companions of participants with disabilities who want to run, we offer free registration.
This is only part of the story. You can find all our sustainability
measures in this document.
What really makes
a good runner?
Respects the environment and sticks to the
marked trails.
A good runner stays on the designated paths, doesn’t take shortcuts, doesn’t shout, and avoids disturbing wildlife—both wild and domestic. They are attentive, quiet, and a respectful guest in nature.
Doesn’t leave waste in nature.
Trash—even just an empty energy gel wrapper—doesn’t belong on the trails. A good runner will also pick up any litter left behind by others and dispose of it at an aid station or at the finish line.
Uses a reusable cup.
A reusable cup is part of the mandatory gear. Think about it: a single cup can replace up to eight disposable cups on one run!
Cares about personal safety and is properly equipped.
The mandatory gear list isn’t a casual suggestion—it’s required to participate in a trail race. A good runner also checks the weather forecast and prepares accordingly.
Uses public transport or shares a car with fellow runners.
Environmentally conscious runners use public transport, cycle, or share rides (and costs) with others. Haven’t heard of the “Soča Outdoor Festival rides/transfers” group yet?
Respects other runners and helps when needed.
They let faster runners pass, encourage slower ones, and assist anyone who is injured or struggling. Together, we create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and respected.
Good Events certificate
We were among the first events to take part in the Good Events certification programme (2025), awarded by the Good Travel Institute. This certificate is designed for festivals, conferences, and other community gatherings that prioritize environmental responsibility, active community involvement, and sustainable management.
Certification covers 10 key topics and 35 different criteria, evaluating the measures, goals, and overall direction of the event. Many of the topics mentioned at the top of this page—related to environmental care, local community support, and people—were already familiar to us, but the certification process still taught us a lot of new things. And good things. Good for participants, local residents, nature, and all of us.
In 2026, Soča Outdoor Festival earned the Gold Certificate. You can read the audit report here. Bravo, team!
ITRA Green Charter Initiative
This initiative encourages trail running event organizers to adopt sustainable and responsible practices and to reduce the environmental impact of sport. We may not always realize it, but through sport—and through each of us who loves running in nature—we have a unique lever. A lever we can use in a way that ensures the beauty of Mother Earth can be enjoyed by future generations.
For more information about the commitment and the initiative, please visit the International Trail Running Association.
