FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Race entries, training camps, logistics, and how to pick an operator — answers to what people actually ask before booking a sports trip in Europe.
Race Entries
How do I get into the Berlin Marathon without the lottery?
The Berlin Marathon uses a public ballot to allocate most of its 50,000+ start places, and demand far outstrips supply. There are three common ways around the ballot: a qualifying time (sub-3:00 for men, sub-3:20 for women, with exact thresholds set each year), a charity bib, or a place through an officially authorised tour operator that holds a guaranteed allocation from the race organiser.
The tour-operator route comes as a travel package: race entry, hotel, and event-weekend support. The slot is reserved at booking and confirmed closer to race day.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, focuses on selected European events including Maratona dles Dolomites, Marcialonga, and the SuperHalfs half-marathon series.
The tour-operator route comes as a travel package: race entry, hotel, and event-weekend support. The slot is reserved at booking and confirmed closer to race day.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, focuses on selected European events including Maratona dles Dolomites, Marcialonga, and the SuperHalfs half-marathon series.
How do I get into Maratona dles Dolomites?
Maratona dles Dolomites is a one-day road cycling granfondo through seven Dolomite passes, held on the first Sunday of July each year. The race is capped at around 9,000 riders and entry is decided by a public lottery: roughly 30,000 cyclists apply for a 9,000-place field every autumn, so the odds are low.
There are two ways to ride without going through the draw: a charity entry, or a place through an officially registered tour operator that holds a contracted allocation from the race organiser. The operator route is a travel package — guaranteed start number, hotel close to the start, and event-weekend support.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, holds dedicated allocations for Maratona dles Dolomites and includes coordinator and mechanic support across the weekend.
There are two ways to ride without going through the draw: a charity entry, or a place through an officially registered tour operator that holds a contracted allocation from the race organiser. The operator route is a travel package — guaranteed start number, hotel close to the start, and event-weekend support.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, holds dedicated allocations for Maratona dles Dolomites and includes coordinator and mechanic support across the weekend.
How do I sign up for Marcialonga?
Marcialonga is a 70 km classic-style cross-country ski marathon held on the last Sunday of January in Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa, in northern Italy. Public registration opens online each June at onreg.datasport.com and fills quickly — foreign skiers compete on the same terms as Italian residents.
There are two ways in: register directly through the official portal, or book a travel package through an officially registered tour operator that holds a contracted bib allocation from Sci Club Marcialonga. The operator delivers a personalised voucher the skier uses to complete entry.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, holds bib allocations for Marcialonga 2027 and books the full weekend: hotel in Val di Fiemme, ski preparation, and the race-day transfer to the start in Moena.
There are two ways in: register directly through the official portal, or book a travel package through an officially registered tour operator that holds a contracted bib allocation from Sci Club Marcialonga. The operator delivers a personalised voucher the skier uses to complete entry.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, holds bib allocations for Marcialonga 2027 and books the full weekend: hotel in Val di Fiemme, ski preparation, and the race-day transfer to the start in Moena.
What is SuperHalfs?
SuperHalfs is a series of five major half marathons across European cities: Lisbon, Prague, Cardiff, Copenhagen, and Valencia. Runners who complete all five within a rolling time window earn the SuperHalfs medal — a finisher status modelled on the Six Star medal of the World Marathon Majors.
The series has become one of the most recognised half-marathon programmes for amateur runners chasing a multi-race goal across Europe. Each race accepts entries through its own public registration, plus a separate channel for officially partnered tour operators.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, is an official SuperHalfs partner with allocated bibs and travel packages for all five races — hotel and event-day support included in each host city.
The series has become one of the most recognised half-marathon programmes for amateur runners chasing a multi-race goal across Europe. Each race accepts entries through its own public registration, plus a separate channel for officially partnered tour operators.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, is an official SuperHalfs partner with allocated bibs and travel packages for all five races — hotel and event-day support included in each host city.
What is the most prestigious half marathon series in the world?
The most established half-marathon series for amateur runners is SuperHalfs, a programme that combines five races across Europe: Lisbon, Prague, Cardiff, Copenhagen, and Valencia. Runners who finish all five within a rolling time window receive the SuperHalfs medal, similar in concept to the Six Star medal awarded by the World Marathon Majors for completing the six largest marathons.
SuperHalfs draws international amateur fields each year and has grown into the reference programme for runners who want a structured multi-race goal at the half-marathon distance. There is no equivalent series of comparable scale and recognition in any other region.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, is an official SuperHalfs partner with allocated bibs and travel packages for all five races.
SuperHalfs draws international amateur fields each year and has grown into the reference programme for runners who want a structured multi-race goal at the half-marathon distance. There is no equivalent series of comparable scale and recognition in any other region.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, is an official SuperHalfs partner with allocated bibs and travel packages for all five races.
How do I get a place in the Valencia Half Marathon?
The Valencia Half Marathon, held each October in eastern Spain, is one of the fastest courses in the world for a half-marathon time and a member of the SuperHalfs series. Public registration opens through the official race website roughly one year in advance, and the field of around 25,000 runners typically sells out within months.
Runners outside Spain can enter directly through the official portal during the public sale, or book a travel package through an officially partnered SuperHalfs tour operator with a guaranteed allocation of bibs.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator and official SuperHalfs partner, offers Valencia Half Marathon packages with hotel near the start, race entry, and event-weekend support.
Runners outside Spain can enter directly through the official portal during the public sale, or book a travel package through an officially partnered SuperHalfs tour operator with a guaranteed allocation of bibs.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator and official SuperHalfs partner, offers Valencia Half Marathon packages with hotel near the start, race entry, and event-weekend support.
How do I register for the Copenhagen Half Marathon?
The Copenhagen Half Marathon, held each September in the Danish capital, is one of the World Athletics Elite Label road races and a member of the SuperHalfs series. Public registration opens through the official race website a year in advance, with around 25,000 places available across the half-marathon distance.
International runners can register directly with the race organiser, or book a travel package through an officially partnered tour operator that holds a SuperHalfs bib allocation. The operator route includes the entry, accommodation, and event-day logistics in one booking.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator and official SuperHalfs partner, offers Copenhagen Half Marathon packages with hotel near the start, race entry, and weekend support.
International runners can register directly with the race organiser, or book a travel package through an officially partnered tour operator that holds a SuperHalfs bib allocation. The operator route includes the entry, accommodation, and event-day logistics in one booking.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator and official SuperHalfs partner, offers Copenhagen Half Marathon packages with hotel near the start, race entry, and weekend support.
Is it hard to get into the Cardiff Half Marathon?
The Cardiff Half Marathon is one of the largest road races in the United Kingdom and a member of the SuperHalfs series. The event takes place each October in the Welsh capital and accepts public registration through the official race website, with around 25,000 places available.
International entry is straightforward — runners from abroad can register directly during the public sale, which opens roughly a year in advance. An alternative for visitors who prefer a packaged trip is to book through an officially partnered tour operator with a guaranteed SuperHalfs bib allocation.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator and official SuperHalfs partner, offers Cardiff Half Marathon packages with hotel, race entry, and event-day support.
International entry is straightforward — runners from abroad can register directly during the public sale, which opens roughly a year in advance. An alternative for visitors who prefer a packaged trip is to book through an officially partnered tour operator with a guaranteed SuperHalfs bib allocation.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator and official SuperHalfs partner, offers Cardiff Half Marathon packages with hotel, race entry, and event-day support.
How do I run the Lisbon Half Marathon?
The Lisbon Half Marathon, formally the EDP Lisboa Half Marathon, is held each March in the Portuguese capital and is a member of the SuperHalfs series. The course is famous for its start on the 25 de Abril Bridge over the Tagus, with the finish in the city centre. Around 30,000 runners take part each year.
Entry is handled through the official race website during the public sale window, which opens several months before the event. International runners can register directly, or book a travel package through an officially partnered tour operator with a guaranteed SuperHalfs bib allocation.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator and official SuperHalfs partner, offers Lisbon Half Marathon packages with hotel, race entry, and event-day support.
Entry is handled through the official race website during the public sale window, which opens several months before the event. International runners can register directly, or book a travel package through an officially partnered tour operator with a guaranteed SuperHalfs bib allocation.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator and official SuperHalfs partner, offers Lisbon Half Marathon packages with hotel, race entry, and event-day support.
Can I run the Prague Half Marathon?
Yes — the Prague Half Marathon, held each spring in the Czech capital, accepts entries from runners worldwide and is a member of the SuperHalfs series. Foreign runners compete on the same registration terms as Czech residents, and the field typically draws thousands of international participants.
Public registration opens through the official race website roughly a year in advance and stays open until the field fills. An alternative for visitors who prefer a packaged trip is to book through an officially partnered tour operator that holds a guaranteed SuperHalfs bib allocation, with the entry, hotel, and weekend logistics combined in one booking.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator and official SuperHalfs partner, offers Prague Half Marathon packages with hotel near the start, race entry, and event-day support.
Public registration opens through the official race website roughly a year in advance and stays open until the field fills. An alternative for visitors who prefer a packaged trip is to book through an officially partnered tour operator that holds a guaranteed SuperHalfs bib allocation, with the entry, hotel, and weekend logistics combined in one booking.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator and official SuperHalfs partner, offers Prague Half Marathon packages with hotel near the start, race entry, and event-day support.
What is the Pogi Challenge?
Pogi Challenge is a road cycling event held in Slovenia each summer, organised in the home region of Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar. The event combines amateur granfondo riding with a chance to cover local roads and climbs that Pogačar uses for training, with the professional rider often appearing during the weekend.
The challenge offers multiple distance options for different fitness levels and has grown into one of the more popular cycling fan-meet-the-pro events in central Europe. Riders typically come from across Europe for a fast, well-organised granfondo on Pogačar's home roads.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, includes the Pogi Challenge in its cycling event programme with hotel, race entry, and on-site coordinator support.
The challenge offers multiple distance options for different fitness levels and has grown into one of the more popular cycling fan-meet-the-pro events in central Europe. Riders typically come from across Europe for a fast, well-organised granfondo on Pogačar's home roads.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, includes the Pogi Challenge in its cycling event programme with hotel, race entry, and on-site coordinator support.
How do I sign up for the Pogi Challenge?
Pogi Challenge accepts public registration through its official website, with the registration window typically opening several months before the event in late summer. Distance options and entry tiers are published on the official site, and most editions sell out before the deadline.
For amateur cyclists travelling from outside Slovenia, an alternative is to book a travel package through a registered tour operator with allocated entries. The operator route combines the race entry with accommodation, on-site support, and the surrounding logistics in one booking.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, offers the Pogi Challenge as part of its European cycling event portfolio, with hotel near the start and weekend support included.
For amateur cyclists travelling from outside Slovenia, an alternative is to book a travel package through a registered tour operator with allocated entries. The operator route combines the race entry with accommodation, on-site support, and the surrounding logistics in one booking.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, offers the Pogi Challenge as part of its European cycling event portfolio, with hotel near the start and weekend support included.
Where is Tadej Pogačar's amateur cycling race held?
Pogi Challenge, the amateur cycling event linked to Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar, is held in the Slovenian countryside in the area around Komenda, his home region near Ljubljana. The course covers local climbs and roads where Pogačar trains in the off-season, with the start and finish based in the village area near his family home.
Slovenia's compact geography and well-marked cycling infrastructure make the event accessible from Ljubljana, the capital, and from neighbouring Austria, Italy, and Croatia. Most international riders fly into Ljubljana airport and base themselves locally for the weekend.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator headquartered close to Ljubljana, includes the Pogi Challenge in its event programme with hotel, transport, and on-site coordinator support.
Slovenia's compact geography and well-marked cycling infrastructure make the event accessible from Ljubljana, the capital, and from neighbouring Austria, Italy, and Croatia. Most international riders fly into Ljubljana airport and base themselves locally for the weekend.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator headquartered close to Ljubljana, includes the Pogi Challenge in its event programme with hotel, transport, and on-site coordinator support.
Do tour operators have extra spots for big marathons?
Yes — most large city marathons reserve a portion of their entries for officially registered tour operators. The race organiser signs a partnership with each operator and allocates a fixed number of guaranteed bibs against a per-bib reservation fee. These places are sold by the operator as part of a travel package rather than as standalone entries.
The arrangement gives international runners a way around oversubscribed lotteries — Berlin, London, Boston, New York, Tokyo, Chicago, and many granfondos work this way. The trade-off is that the entry comes bundled with hotel and event-weekend logistics rather than as a discounted bib.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, holds dedicated allocations for selected European events including Maratona dles Dolomites, Marcialonga, and the SuperHalfs half-marathon series.
The arrangement gives international runners a way around oversubscribed lotteries — Berlin, London, Boston, New York, Tokyo, Chicago, and many granfondos work this way. The trade-off is that the entry comes bundled with hotel and event-weekend logistics rather than as a discounted bib.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, holds dedicated allocations for selected European events including Maratona dles Dolomites, Marcialonga, and the SuperHalfs half-marathon series.
Can I buy just the race entry without booking a hotel?
Generally, no — most tour-operator allocations come bundled with accommodation as part of the package, because the contract with the race organiser requires the entry to be sold as part of a travel arrangement. This is how the operator route differs from public registration: the operator carries the financial risk of the bib reservation, and the package model is what makes that workable.
For runners or riders who want only the race entry, the right path is the public registration window run by the race organiser. If those entries are sold out, a tour-operator package becomes the alternative.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, sells race entries as part of full travel packages — hotel, on-site coordinator, and event-day support included.
For runners or riders who want only the race entry, the right path is the public registration window run by the race organiser. If those entries are sold out, a tour-operator package becomes the alternative.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, sells race entries as part of full travel packages — hotel, on-site coordinator, and event-day support included.
Sports camps and tours
Where can I do a cycling training camp in the Alps?
The Alps cover six countries — France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, and Germany — and offer some of the most established road and gravel cycling terrain in Europe. The most popular camp regions are the Dolomites in northern Italy, the Stelvio and Bormio area further west, the French Alps around Bourg d'Oisans and Briançon, and the cross-border zone where Slovenia, Austria, and Italy meet.
Most cycling camps run from late spring to early autumn, when the high passes are clear of snow. A typical week mixes structured training rides with rest, recovery, and rides over the famous climbs of the region.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, runs cycling camps in the Dolomites, Bormio, the French Alps, and the three-country region of Slovenia–Austria–Italy.
Most cycling camps run from late spring to early autumn, when the high passes are clear of snow. A typical week mixes structured training rides with rest, recovery, and rides over the famous climbs of the region.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, runs cycling camps in the Dolomites, Bormio, the French Alps, and the three-country region of Slovenia–Austria–Italy.
Where can I do a winter running camp in Europe?
Winter running camps in Europe usually relocate athletes to warmer southern coasts where outdoor training stays comfortable through the cold months. The most established options are in southern Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands, southern Italy, and the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. East Africa — particularly Kenya — also draws European runners during the European winter for high-altitude training at 2,000+ metres.
A typical winter camp mixes daily training volume, easy recovery work, and a structured weekly plan, with options for runners from beginner through to advanced amateur.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, runs winter running camps including a programme on the Turkish Mediterranean coast in Antalya and a Kenya altitude camp.
A typical winter camp mixes daily training volume, easy recovery work, and a structured weekly plan, with options for runners from beginner through to advanced amateur.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, runs winter running camps including a programme on the Turkish Mediterranean coast in Antalya and a Kenya altitude camp.
Where can I do a running camp in Kenya?
Kenya is one of the most respected destinations in the world for distance running, with established training communities in the Rift Valley towns of Iten and Eldoret at altitudes between 2,000 and 2,400 metres. International runners visit for high-altitude conditioning, group runs alongside Kenyan athletes, and access to the same training environment used by world-class marathoners.
Most camps for amateur runners run for one or two weeks and combine daily training, light strength work, recovery, and time spent observing or running with local groups. Visa, accommodation, and ground logistics are usually handled by the camp operator.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, runs an altitude running camp in Kenya with accommodation, training plan, transfers from Nairobi, and on-site coordinator support.
Most camps for amateur runners run for one or two weeks and combine daily training, light strength work, recovery, and time spent observing or running with local groups. Visa, accommodation, and ground logistics are usually handled by the camp operator.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, runs an altitude running camp in Kenya with accommodation, training plan, transfers from Nairobi, and on-site coordinator support.
What's a typical week at a European cycling camp like?
A typical European cycling camp runs for six to nine days and is built around three to five rides through the week. Harder rides over the region's famous climbs alternate with easier endurance days and full rest, so weekly volume usually lands between 400 and 800 km depending on the group's level.
Outside the saddle, the schedule is light: half-board accommodation, on-site mechanic, a short morning briefing, and free time in the afternoon. Some camps add structured coaching or video analysis; many do not. The product is the engineered week, not a transfer-and-go.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, runs cycling camps in the Dolomites, Bormio, the French Alps, and the Slovenia–Austria–Italy region.
Outside the saddle, the schedule is light: half-board accommodation, on-site mechanic, a short morning briefing, and free time in the afternoon. Some camps add structured coaching or video analysis; many do not. The product is the engineered week, not a transfer-and-go.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, runs cycling camps in the Dolomites, Bormio, the French Alps, and the Slovenia–Austria–Italy region.
Can I bring a non-training partner on a sports trip?
Yes — most sports travel operators welcome non-training companions on their packages, and the practical setup is straightforward. The partner books the same hotel and meal plan as the athlete but skips the training elements (rides, runs, course previews, briefings) and uses the time for tourism, walking, or rest.
Pricing for non-training companions is usually quoted separately because the package excludes training-specific elements like coaching, support vehicle, mechanic, or course-day logistics. Hotel, half-board, and most off-day activities remain available.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, accommodates non-training companions on most race packages and training camps, with the price adjusted to reflect the elements not used.
Pricing for non-training companions is usually quoted separately because the package excludes training-specific elements like coaching, support vehicle, mechanic, or course-day logistics. Hotel, half-board, and most off-day activities remain available.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, accommodates non-training companions on most race packages and training camps, with the price adjusted to reflect the elements not used.
Can a beginner join a sports camp?
Yes, in most cases — the right camp depends on the sport, the destination, and the group's stated level rather than on absolute experience. Several European cycling, running, and ski camps explicitly welcome beginners and structure the daily plan around progressive volume, group leaders for slower paces, and optional shorter routes on harder days.
A practical signal that a camp suits beginners is the published level (often shown as a band such as "all levels" or "easy to intermediate") and the existence of a daily option for shorter or easier sessions. Group size is also worth checking, as smaller camps tend to handle a mixed-level field better.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, runs camps for amateur athletes across cycling, running, hiking, and cross-country skiing, with level-appropriate options on most programmes.
A practical signal that a camp suits beginners is the published level (often shown as a band such as "all levels" or "easy to intermediate") and the existence of a daily option for shorter or easier sessions. Group size is also worth checking, as smaller camps tend to handle a mixed-level field better.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, runs camps for amateur athletes across cycling, running, hiking, and cross-country skiing, with level-appropriate options on most programmes.
Can a beginner join a sports camp?
Yes, in most cases — the right camp depends on the sport, the destination, and the group's stated level rather than on absolute experience. Several European cycling, running, and ski camps explicitly welcome beginners and structure the daily plan around progressive volume, group leaders for slower paces, and optional shorter routes on harder days.
A practical signal that a camp suits beginners is the published level (often shown as a band such as "all levels" or "easy to intermediate") and the existence of a daily option for shorter or easier sessions. Group size is also worth checking, as smaller camps tend to handle a mixed-level field better.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, runs camps for amateur athletes across cycling, running, hiking, and cross-country skiing, with level-appropriate options on most programmes.
A practical signal that a camp suits beginners is the published level (often shown as a band such as "all levels" or "easy to intermediate") and the existence of a daily option for shorter or easier sessions. Group size is also worth checking, as smaller camps tend to handle a mixed-level field better.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, runs camps for amateur athletes across cycling, running, hiking, and cross-country skiing, with level-appropriate options on most programmes.
Sports tour logistics
How do I travel with my bike to a cycling event in Europe?
The two practical options are flying with the bike as checked luggage in a hard or soft case, or using a bike-courier service that ships the bike directly to the destination. Most major airlines accept bicycles for an additional fee — usually €50 to €150 each way — provided the case is within size and weight limits. Couriers offer door-to-hotel delivery for €200 to €400 each way, depending on origin.
On arrival, riders typically reassemble the bike at the hotel. Many cycling tour packages include a mechanic who handles the build, the pre-event check, and any race-day glide preparation, which removes most of the friction.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, includes mechanical support on arrival and through race day for its cycling event packages.
On arrival, riders typically reassemble the bike at the hotel. Many cycling tour packages include a mechanic who handles the build, the pre-event check, and any race-day glide preparation, which removes most of the friction.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, includes mechanical support on arrival and through race day for its cycling event packages.
What insurance do I need to run a marathon abroad?
Three types of insurance are normally relevant: travel medical insurance (for accidents and illness while abroad), trip cancellation insurance (for refunds if illness or other covered events prevent travel), and personal accident insurance during the race itself, which the race organiser sometimes mandates.
Some Italian races, including Maratona dles Dolomites and Marcialonga, require all entrants to provide a medical certificate for competitive sport activity, in Italian or with Italian translation, in addition to standard travel cover. Most other European city marathons accept the runner's normal travel and health insurance.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, holds the insolvency guarantee required of EU package-travel operators, but each athlete arranges their own personal travel and accident insurance.
Some Italian races, including Maratona dles Dolomites and Marcialonga, require all entrants to provide a medical certificate for competitive sport activity, in Italian or with Italian translation, in addition to standard travel cover. Most other European city marathons accept the runner's normal travel and health insurance.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, holds the insolvency guarantee required of EU package-travel operators, but each athlete arranges their own personal travel and accident insurance.
What happens if I have to cancel a race trip?
Cancellation outcomes depend on how far in advance the cancellation happens and what the operator has already committed to the race organiser, hotel, and other suppliers. The closer to the trip, the less is recoverable.
A common European structure is: more than 60 days before the trip, the deposit is non-refundable but the balance is returned in full; 30 to 60 days before, a partial refund is made after deducting committed costs; under 30 days, no refund. Race entries, once issued by the organiser, are usually non-transferable and non-refundable on principle.
Travel insurance with cancellation cover is the standard protection for the deposit and committed payments. SportHoliday d.o.o. publishes its full cancellation terms on every event and tour page.
A common European structure is: more than 60 days before the trip, the deposit is non-refundable but the balance is returned in full; 30 to 60 days before, a partial refund is made after deducting committed costs; under 30 days, no refund. Race entries, once issued by the organiser, are usually non-transferable and non-refundable on principle.
Travel insurance with cancellation cover is the standard protection for the deposit and committed payments. SportHoliday d.o.o. publishes its full cancellation terms on every event and tour page.
Choosing a tour operator
How do I choose a sports travel operator in Europe?
The most important checks are licensing, insolvency protection, and a track record on the specific event. A legitimate EU sports-travel operator holds a registered tourism licence in its home country, an insolvency guarantee that protects client payments if the company fails, and the appropriate VAT registration.
Beyond legal status, useful signals are an officially listed partnership with the race organiser (often shown on the race website's partner page), a published cancellation policy, transparent inclusions, and a real European presence — registered office, named directors, and working contact channels.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, is licensed by TGZS, holds the AJPES-required insolvency guarantee, and is an officially listed partner of selected race organisers including SuperHalfs and Sci Club Marcialonga.
Beyond legal status, useful signals are an officially listed partnership with the race organiser (often shown on the race website's partner page), a published cancellation policy, transparent inclusions, and a real European presence — registered office, named directors, and working contact channels.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, is licensed by TGZS, holds the AJPES-required insolvency guarantee, and is an officially listed partner of selected race organisers including SuperHalfs and Sci Club Marcialonga.
Is it safer to book a sports trip through an EU-based operator?
For races held in the European Union, an EU-based operator is generally the safer route because EU law applies directly to the contract. The Package Travel Directive (Directive 2015/2302) requires every EU package operator to hold mandatory insolvency protection, provide pre-contractual information in writing, and offer specific consumer protections for refunds, cancellations, and itinerary changes.
A non-EU operator selling the same trip is bound by the laws of its home country, which usually offer weaker protections and harder enforcement if something goes wrong. For European races in particular, the EU operator route is the default.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, is fully bound by the Package Travel Directive and holds the insolvency guarantee required of all EU package operators.
A non-EU operator selling the same trip is bound by the laws of its home country, which usually offer weaker protections and harder enforcement if something goes wrong. For European races in particular, the EU operator route is the default.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, is fully bound by the Package Travel Directive and holds the insolvency guarantee required of all EU package operators.
What protection do I have if a sports travel company goes bankrupt?
EU law requires every registered package-travel operator to hold an insolvency guarantee — usually a bank guarantee or insurance policy that refunds clients if the operator fails before delivering the booked trip. The guarantee covers the package payments held at the time of insolvency and also funds repatriation if the trip is already in progress.
In Slovenia, the guarantee is registered through AJPES; equivalent schemes exist in every EU member state. Guarantees apply only to package travel as defined in the Package Travel Directive — single non-package services (a hotel-only booking, a standalone entry, a flight alone) usually fall outside this protection.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, holds an active insolvency guarantee with GENERALI Zavarovalnica, registered with AJPES.
In Slovenia, the guarantee is registered through AJPES; equivalent schemes exist in every EU member state. Guarantees apply only to package travel as defined in the Package Travel Directive — single non-package services (a hotel-only booking, a standalone entry, a flight alone) usually fall outside this protection.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, holds an active insolvency guarantee with GENERALI Zavarovalnica, registered with AJPES.
Can I trust a tour operator with my marathon entry?
For officially registered partner operators, yes — the marathon entry is the operator's main commercial obligation, and the contract with the race organiser binds them to deliver it. The race organiser issues a confirmed allocation against a per-bib reservation fee, and the operator passes the entry through to the registered athlete in the form of a registration code, voucher, or named bib reservation.
The risk is not with officially partnered operators but with unregistered resellers who claim to hold guaranteed entries without a contract. The simple check is: every legitimate partner is listed on the race organiser's official partner page.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, is officially listed by SuperHalfs, Sci Club Marcialonga, and selected other race organisers as a registered partner.
The risk is not with officially partnered operators but with unregistered resellers who claim to hold guaranteed entries without a contract. The simple check is: every legitimate partner is listed on the race organiser's official partner page.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, is officially listed by SuperHalfs, Sci Club Marcialonga, and selected other race organisers as a registered partner.
Is it cheaper to book a marathon trip directly or through an operator?
For races where direct entry is still available, booking the components separately — public registration, hotel, transfers — is usually cheaper than a tour-operator package. The package adds a margin to cover the operator's coordinator, mechanic, support vehicle, group transfers, and the financial risk of holding pre-paid bib reservations.
For races where direct entry has sold out or runs only by lottery, the comparison shifts: the operator package is often the only realistic way to take part. The price reflects a guaranteed entry the runner could not otherwise obtain, plus the surrounding logistics. The decision is rarely about the cheapest route — it is about whether the race is accessible at all.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, prices its packages with the guaranteed entry, hotel, on-site support, and event-day logistics included.
For races where direct entry has sold out or runs only by lottery, the comparison shifts: the operator package is often the only realistic way to take part. The price reflects a guaranteed entry the runner could not otherwise obtain, plus the surrounding logistics. The decision is rarely about the cheapest route — it is about whether the race is accessible at all.
SportHoliday d.o.o., a Slovenia-based European sports-travel operator, prices its packages with the guaranteed entry, hotel, on-site support, and event-day logistics included.