The 61th annual Walk Along the Wire has begun. Thousands of people take part of the event every year. On noon on Saturday, participants plan to encircle Ljubljana in a human chain for the first time.
The event takes place every year on the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before May 9, when Ljubljana celebrates its municipal holiday and Europe marks the end of World War II. Participants walk along a trail just under 35 kilometers in length around Ljubljana – along the location of a wire fence erected by Italian and later German occupying forces during World War II.
The event began with the city's youngest residents. Children from most of Ljubljana's kindergartens took part if the walk; they were joined by kindergartners from other places in Slovenia. The children joined the walk at the most suitable control points and walked a section of the trail.
Elementary and high school students will take part in the walk on Friday, when organizers expect some 9000 participants.
The main event will be held on Sunday, when walkers will be joined by runners who compete in groups of three.
Walkers will be able to select stretches of the trail between three and 35 kilometers in length, thereby making sure that the distance is appropriate to their skills and fitness levels. Each participant will be able to sign up for the walk at control points starting at 6 a.m. They will receive a control card, which will be enable them to collect stamps at various waypoints. The finish lines will remain open until 5 p.m. Participants will be able to walk as much or as little as they wish, while those who will finish the entire 35-kilomter trail will receive a special trophy.
Another new feature will be introduced this year. On the initiative of the Veterans' Association for the Values of the National Liberation Struggle (ZZB NOB), a special campaign, titled Let's Hug Ljubljana, will take place on noon Saturday to mark the 75th anniversary of the erection of the wire fence. In a sign of friendship, cooperation, and love for the city, the participants will take each other's hands when a siren is activated and will form a human chain around Ljubljana.
T. H.
Translated by J. B.
The event will be joined this year by a special Let's Hug Ljubljana campaign
