The 20th edition of Slovenia's biggest marathon has drawn 2,330 runners for the main event, nearly 10,000 for the half-marathon and 7,500 for the 10km run.

This is the biggest turnout in the history of the event that has gained iconic proportions in recreational sport in Slovenia. It also has very real sporting implications, being the national championships in the marathon and half-marathon.

The organisers have praised the massive interest in the event, assessing that the Ljubljana Marathon turned into a world-class event which is comparable to some of the biggest marathons in the world.

"This is turning into a marathon that is all the more comparable to the best in the world...the people of Ljubljana have made it their own despite the inconvenience caused by road closures," said Mayor of Ljubljana Zoran Janković.

In addition to being a testing ground for Slovenia's best long-distance runners, the marathon will once again attract world-class competitors with record prize money.

For a second year running, the track for the 42km will consist of a single lap, with runners circling most of the Slovenian capital. The start will take place in front of Parliament House in the city, with the finish line at the nearby Congress Square.

First place in the marathon will fetch EUR 20,000, second place EUR 12,000 and third place 8,000.

The favourite in the men's competition is Levi Omari Matebo of Kenya, who is expected to challenge the course record of 2 hours 8 minutes and 25 seconds. In the women's section, organisers have seeded Melkam Gizaw of Ethiopia as the favourite.

A weekend packed with running events got under way already on Saturday with a fun run for children of all ages which drew nearly 10,000 participants.