The first festival dubbed "360° Vipavska dolina" will feature three races of different lengths and difficulty, with the longest race (80 km) taking place in the central and upper parts of the valley.

The participants will be challenged by steep climbs and spectacular descents that will also offer magnificent views of the valley and the surrounding rolling hills.

The shortest race (30 km) connects the towns of Ajdovščina and Vipava along almost forgotten trails on the edge of the valley.

Those who like to run barefoot could meanwhile take part in the 6th Slovenian Barefoot Run in the city of Kranj on 1 May, which takes place on International Barefoot Running Day, with barefoot runners gathering all over the world.

International Barefoot Running Day is dedicated to promoting a natural, healthy and relaxed style of running.

The number of participants last year exceeded 230, the organisers said, adding that this proved that the number of barefoot runners was on the rise and that they were an important element of the population of runners.