8. The Night Run Metlika has officially been awarded the GoodEvents Bronze sustainability certificate!
Sport and sustainability in Bela Krajina make for a winning combination! The traditional 8th Night Run Metlika, which took place on 30 May 2026, achieved a 71 per cent compliance rate with strict sustainability standards following an official assessment and proudly earned the international GoodEvents Bronze certificate.
An independent on-site assessment was carried out by an evaluator, who examined the event in detail at the venue and along the running route through the old town centre of Metlika. The certificate confirms that the organiser, the Bela Krajina Running Club, and the co-organiser, RIC Bela Krajina, together with the green coordinator, have set an exemplary standard for a responsibly organised sporting event.
Examples of good practice: Why is the Night Run Metlika a model of sustainability?
The assessment report highlights several specific measures and examples of good practice that impressed the assessors and provided runners with an excellent experience:
- 100% separately collected waste & Green Guard: At the venue, the so-called ‘Green Guard’ was present at all bins (for paper, packaging and organic waste), guiding visitors and runners on how to dispose of waste correctly. The result was 100 per cent separate waste collection!
- No bottled water or single-use plastics: Runners refreshed themselves with drinking water from barrels, served in returnable/washable glasses, and using the ‘Drop the Glass’ disposal system into designated bins.
- Local flavours and sustainable equipment: Instead of industrial snacks, runners and visitors were treated to homemade Bela Krajina flatbread (Bela Krajina Rural Women’s Association Metlika) and organic dairy products from the Totter farm. The trophies awarded were made of glass, the medals of metal, and the wooden stands and running T-shirts were distributed entirely without unnecessary plastic packaging.
- Sustainable mobility: A survey of runners and volunteers showed that more than half of those questioned had travelled to the venue on foot, by bike or via car-sharing.
"The 8th Night Run Metlika is an example of a smaller sporting event where the passion for sporting activity, the motivation of the members of the Bela krajina Running Club and the enthusiasm of the runners combine to bring the town’s streets and the historic centre of Metlika to life for one evening.”
Revitalising the town centre and enthusiastic supporters
The Night Run is not just a sporting challenge, but also a celebration for the local community. The start, finish and route through the town’s streets bring a special energy to the old town centre. It is the residents who really put their stamp on the event; every year, the organisers select and award the best group of supporters lining the route!
The Bela Krajina Cup continues!
The Night Run Metlika was the first stage of the Bela Krajina Cup, developed by RIC Bela krajina. This sustainability-focused running series continues with the following challenges:
- Gas na Gače (13 km) – 4 July 2026
- Lahinja Trail (10 km) – 7 November 2026
Congratulations to the entire team at the Bela Krajina Running Club, the green coordinator, the volunteers, the supporters, and all the runners for their contribution to the green story of Bela Krajina!
