Borderless Friendship March 2026

You are invited to the traditional Friendship March, which will take place this year on Sunday, April 26.

The Nova Gorica Public Sports Institute and Nova Gorica – Gorizia, European Capital of Culture 2025, in collaboration with A.S.D. "GRUPPO MARCIATORI GORIZIA" under the auspices of F.I.A.S.P., are organizing:
FRIENDSHIP WALK – 2 CITIES, 1 HEART
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2026

A recreational walk along two routes: 6 km and 12 km 

The Friendship Walk (La marcia dell'Amicizia) was a major sporting event that took place once a year in the 1970s and 1980s and opened the borders for a single day. Slovenians and Italians walked together along a circular route between the two towns and crossed the border freely without having to show “passes.” All they needed was a simple cardboard tag for participants, provided by the organizers. It was a true Schengen experience, even before anyone could dream of a Europe without border controls. The first hike took place in 1976, nine years before the Schengen Agreement was even signed. Locals participated in the hike with enthusiasm, and at its peak, the event attracted thousands of participants. The Friendship March is a symbol of cooperation across the border, a clear sign that the region, with its cross-border mindset, was already several steps ahead in the 20th century. The Friendship March (La marcia dell'amicizia) is once again becoming a traditional event. This year, the two towns are coming together for the third time. The event is intended for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, who are aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and wish to spend a day in good company, in a relaxed atmosphere, and get to know both cities from a hiker’s perspective.

1.    HIKE RULES: a recreational hike with a choice of two distances, 6 and 12 km. Each participant may, depending on their ability, choose the appropriate hike distance, provided they complete it within the scheduled time frame. During the hike, participants must observe traffic regulations and signs. During the hike, they must follow the instructions of the marshals. Depending on weather conditions, we recommend appropriate clothing and footwear. 
2.    ORGANIZER: Nova Gorica Public Sports Institute, GO! 2025 Public Institute, and Associazione Sportiva Dilettantistica GRUPPO MARCIATORI GORIZIA 
3.    MEETING POINT and START / FINISH OF THE WALK: NOVA GORICA / GORIZIA – Trg Evrope / Piazza Transalpina 
4.    GROUP REGISTRATION: Group registration is open until Thursday, April 23, at 11:59 PM via the form available at: https://sz-ng.si/sportni-programi/pohod-prijateljstva-2-mesti-1-srce or by email to
5.    REGISTRATION FOR THE HIKE: On the day of the event at the meeting point from 8:00 AM to 9:15 AM
6.    START OF THE HIKE: between 9:30 and 10:30; marshals will be present along the route at all times until the end of the hike, i.e., 1:00 PM. Bicycles are not permitted on the hike. 
7.    REGISTRATION FOR THE HIKE:
•    ADULTS: REGISTRATION FEE + MEAL (pasta): €10.00 (€9.00 for FIASP - ITALIA members)
•    ADULTS: REGISTRATION FEE (without meal): €4.00 (€3.00 for FIASP - ITALIA members)
•    CHILDREN aged 2 to 12: REGISTRATION FEE + MEAL (pasta): €6.00
•    CHILDREN aged 2 to 12: REGISTRATION FEE (without meal): €2.00
•    CHILDREN under 2: Registration FREE.
8.    END OF THE HIKE AND EVENT: upon the arrival of the last participant, in any case before 1:00 PM
9.    ROUTE: The hike will take place mostly on paved roads, hiking trails, and gravel sections. In Rafut Park, due to the incline, we recommend that families with strollers and people with limited mobility use the bike path and rejoin the route through the tunnel
10.    CHECKPOINTS AND REFRESHMENT STATIONS: two along the route (1 with snacks, 1 water station) and one at the finish line
11.    AWARDS CEREMONY: at 1:30 PM – group hikers (groups, individuals...) will receive promotional gifts from sponsors (the first 10 groups with at least 10 participants, the youngest and oldest hikers)
12.    HOMOLOGATION OF THE HIKE on ITALIAN ROUTES: the event is recognized by the FIASP Territorial Committee, GORIZIA – TRIESTE GO 002, and is valid for all international IVV and national FIASP competitions, Piede Alato Senior and Giovani
13.    SERVICES DURING THE HIKE: rescue vehicle, first aid on the route, refreshment stations with appropriate drinks and food along the route and at the finish line, directional and other signage. The event is insured and organized in accordance with applicable legislation through Groupama. Liability for third-party accidents involving participants (no age limit). In the event of "adverse weather conditions," for the safety of participants, the event may proceed with last-minute route changes. Hikers with pets are asked to keep them on a leash
14.    COLLECTION OF PERSONAL DATA: The Italian association FIASP collects personal data (first name, last name, and date of birth) upon registration for the hike for the purpose of organizing the event and providing insurance in case of injury. Insurance is provided by Groupama Assicurazioni S.p.A. FIASP processes the collected data exclusively for the stated purposes, does not disclose it to third parties, and deletes it after the event concludes. Insurance does not apply to participants who do not comply with the event rules. By registering, participants confirm that they are familiar with the FIASP rules and fully accept them. For any matters not specifically addressed, the FIASP regulations apply. Any injury must be reported to the organizer immediately. The participant must send the relevant documentation to the Groupama insurance company (Pordenone)
15.    INFORMATION ABOUT THE HIKE: Nova Gorica Public Sports Institute, tel: 00386 (0) 5 330 2027 or