The total of 28,400 are expected to attend the two-day running event, which starts on 29 October with a run for children.

At the main event on Sunday a total of 18,800 are registered to either for the 10K, the half marathon (21 km) or the full marathon (42 km).

According to the organisers, the total is a 14.4% increase from last year. The marathon alone will see a 22.5% rise in competitor numbers from last year.

"This reflects the good work of organisers and the incredible development of Slovenia's running and sports culture," Andrej Razdrih, head of the organising board, said on Tuesday.

He noted that more than 1% of the entire Slovenian population will fill the streets of the capital during the two-day event.

Last year Ethiopean runner Limenih Getachew won the marathon with a new record of 2 hours, 8 minutes and 19 seconds.

Victory in the women's competition also went to Ethiopia, as Melkaw Gizaw crossed the line at 2 hours, 25 minutes and 42 seconds.