With only one race remaining in the 2025 IAU Balkan Express Cup series, the competition is heating up following the latest event — the IAU 24-Hour World Championships in Albi, France. The performances in Albi have shaken up the standings as runners continue to chase points across the region’s premier ultrarunning circuit.
Top 10 Overall (After Albi)
1. Danijel Hajdinjak (SLO, AK S12R) — 292.0
2. Hrvoje Vlašić (CRO, AK Sljeme) — 258.5
3. Zdravko Jadrijev (CRO, MK Marjan) — 255.5
4. Paula Vrdoljak (CRO, AK Sljeme) — 210.0
5. Renato Dasović (CRO, URT NEXE TEAM) — 182.0
6. Ankica Pavlović (CRO, UMK Mazator) — 172.0
7. Veronika Jurišić (CRO, AK Sljeme) — 170.0
8. Juro Buljan (CRO, AK Maksimir) — 169.0
9. Boris Šušelj (SLO, AKUS) — 163.5
10. Andrej Tepina (SLO, AKUS) — 157.0
Official standings — balkan-expres.run
Notable Moves & Highlights
- Strong showings in Albi: The recent IAU 24-Hour World Championships saw standout performances from regional ultrarunners, including Slovenia’s Boris Šušelj, who continues his impressive form after SLO24, solidifying his place in the top ten.
- Slovenian surge: Šušelj (9th) and Andrej Tepina (10th) have both climbed the leaderboard thanks to consistent results in SLO24 and Albi.
- Women leading the way: Paula Vrdoljak (4th), Ankica Pavlović (6th), and Veronika Jurišić (7th) remain the top women overall, maintaining strong performances across multiple events.
- Big early scores still count: Mirjana Šimek Bilić (99.0 pts) and Nataša Šustić (91.5 pts) earned major points earlier in the season at the Polojska Ultra, keeping them competitive in the women’s standings despite fewer races since.
Up next: The final race of the series will decide the 2025 Balkan Express Cup Champions when the circuit concludes in Croatia this November.
WHAT: Croatian 6-hour and 12-hour Ultramarathon Championship
WHEN: Saturday – 8. November 2025. from 8:00am to 8:00pm
WHERE: Zagreb, Mladost Athletic Stadium
At the conclusion of the IAU Balkan Express Cup the top three male and female participants will be recognised. They will receive cup and will be granted free entry for all IAU Balkan Express Cup races in the region in the following season.
John O'Regan
Director of Communications.
