Poli Marathon is the largest recreative cycling event in Slovenia

When we ask physiologists, in a metaphoric sense, which gymnastic apparatus would they recommend for a stay in an isolated island, they would most often recommend the bicycle. Namely, they know that the cycle enables strengthening of the whole body, it also means persistence and good coordination, and gives a precise feeling for speed. In addition to all that, Poli Marathon offers lots of fun and unforgettable culinary pleasures!

By tradition, the beginning of September is reserved for all lovers of cycling. The fact that Poli Marathon is the largest recreative cycling event in Slovenia is without any doubt proven by annual number of cyclists growing steadily from year to year. Let us remind you that at the 1st Poli Marathon, there were slightly over 800 cyclists turning their pedals, while this year, the organisers – Perutnina Ptuj, the Perutnina Ptuj Cycling Club, Di@log company and Radio Tednik – expect over 7,000 participants. Due to good organisation, interesting programme, and a large response by recreative people, today, we may really consider Poli Marathon the cycling event of the largest size in Slovenia.

Routes

4km
Poli Snack Marathon

The route is designed for the youngest cyclists.
The mascot of the JUHUHU Sports School, JUHI will guide the youngest cyclists of the 7th Poli Marathon along and take them to the finish line safely.

Poli Snack
30km
Mini Poli Marathon

Recommended to families with children and cyclists with lower fitness levels.

62km
Maxi Poli Marathon

Recommended to cyclists with higher fitness levels and no health limitations.

What is the course of the event?

8:00 – 10:45
gathering of applications in the event staging area
11:00 - 11:30
interval race starts for the Maxi and Mini Poli Marathons
12:00
Poli Snack Marathon start
13:00 – 15:00
Marathon finish
14:00 –
Poli Picnic & draw and presentation of prizes

from 14 hrs onwards
  • Presentation and exhibition of old-timer bicycles of the Dimek Society.
  • JUHUHU Animation School.
  • Poli Snack presentation and tasting.
  • Presentations of the Slovenian Army and the Bicycle Police.
DIMEK Old-timer bicycles society

Presentation and exhibition of old-timer bicycles of the Dimek Society.
In the old days, bikes were really precious. To buy one, you had to reach deep into your pocket if, and a lot of people wished to have their own bicycle. Funds were scarce, so many remained pedestrians. Some valuable bicycles are preserved, and the DIMEK Old-timer bicycles society will present them to us at the 7th Poli Marathon, complete with the equipment used by our grandfathers.

The 7th Poli Marathon will also be the venue for the 3rd National Bicycle Police Championship.


Gorazd Benotič

GORAZD BENOTIČ – 2008 National police cycling champion.
I have been cycling since the age of 5. Today I own three types of bicycles, which makes it possible for me to ride on various terrains.
I am a bicycle policeman and the chief of the neighbourhood police in the city of Maribor. In the city centre, I am faster and more efficient when on the bicycle. The bike has also been my friend for years now, and I gladly use it professionally and privately alike.

Prizes

1. nagrada

First prize –
the top-of-the-line CULT

New Evolution mountain hybrid bike

Lightweight and delightfully easy to ride. Its medium-sized frame weighs just 1.6 kg. This bike will be a joy to enthusiasts who spend a lot of time riding and want their bike to provide excellent ride characteristics on asphalt roads, and, if the wheels are changed, on macadam roads and off-road as well.

We will donate also:

  • 3 cups to be won by the largest families
  • 3 cups to be won by the largest teams
  • 2 cups to be won by the youngest boy and girl, respectively, to finish the Poli Snack route unassisted
  • 2 cups to be won by the oldest male and female participant respectively
  • 1x Special Achievement Cup

The winners of the draw will receive:

  • 3x CULT bike
  • 1x professional PP Cycling Club kit
  • 1x free training at the Juhuhu Sports School
  • 15x Perutnina Ptuj products for on-line applicants
  • 10x prizes from the Perutnina Ptuj hospitality company
  • 10x guided tour of the Ptuj Cellar

Where and when may I apply?

  • Preliminary applications at www.polimaraton.si until 28 Aug 2009 (payment date applies).
  • Bring a filled-in, signed application form with proof of payment, performed no later than on 28 August 2009, in person on the day of the event to collect your gift bag.
  • The payment for the application fee must be made to the Perutnina Ptuj Cycling Club, Muzejski trg 2, 2250 Ptuj, transaction account No. NLB 02150-0013256692.
  • Preliminary applications and payments may also be handed in at the reception in the administrative building of Perutnina Ptuj, Potrčeva cesta 10, 2250 Ptuj, on 2-4 September 2009 at 17-19 hrs, as well as on location at Moškanjci on the day of the event from 8 hrs onwards. For groups and families, application forms will be available at the specified time.
  • Groups and families may also apply at www.polimaraton.si, where a group application form is available.

What about the application fee?

  • On-line applications (payments until 28 Aug 2009):
    adults 15 EUR, children (age 7-14) 9 EUR.
  • Applications and payments must be made in the week preceding the event in the offices of the Perutnina Ptuj business centre (2-4 September 2009 at 17-19 hrs)
    adults 15 EUR, children (age 7-14) 9 EUR.
  • On the day of the event (application and payment on Saturday 5 September 2009):
    adults 18 EUR, children (age 7-14) 12 EUR.
  • DISCOUNTS: Families and groups of more than 10 persons: Olympic Card holders and Polet Club members: 3 EUR discount for payments with preliminary applications, 2 EUR discount on the day of the event.
    Preschool children (aged up to 6): free entrance.

What do I get?

  • A 7th Poli Marathon medal.
  • A Poli shirt.
  • Refreshment drinks during the bicycle ride.
  • Culinary treats after the ride.
  • A copy of the "All about poultry" booklet.
  • Free entrance to the indoor pools of Terme Ptuj on Friday 4, September and Saturday, 5 September 2009*.
    *entrance with proof of payment

Rules

  • The Marathon is of recreational nature, exclusively.
  • All participants shall cycle on their own responsibility in normal road traffic, and they shall be obliged to respect traffic regulations and the organizers' instructions and warnings!
  • Children shall cycle accompanied by their parents or another adult person.
  • All participants are recommended to use protective cycling helmets, while for children up to 14 years of age, such a helmet is obligatory pursuant to the Road Transport Safety Act.
  • The Marathon participants shall strictly respect and consider instructions of the Police and stewards on motorbikes.
  • Participants should ride in discipline, tolerantly, and should avoid any hustling or difficulties.
  • Cyclists will be accompanied by the maintenance vehicle of the Perutnina Ptuj Cycling Club.
  • The organizer shall take no responsibility for any offence committed by individuals or any damage they might cause to themselves or to any third person.