The Zasavje pits are part of the Trbovlje-Hrastnik coal mining complex, which is closing down. To make their adventure even more interesting, they had to overcome miners’ obstacles and face the mischievous mine elf, Perkmadeljc.

This was a unique experience organised by Zasavski tednik newspaper in cooperation with the Trbovlje-Hrastnik Mine. “The idea of Jamatlon was born when we were thinking about what to organise in the mine so that the pits wouldn’t be empty and that the mine elf Perkmandeljc wouldn’t die of boredom and loneliness, and also prevent in a symbolic way that coal mining would completely vanish, after more than 200 years of tradition,” says Marko Planinc, the editor of Zasavski tednik. They thought of popular obstacle courses and began the organisation of the Jamatlon, a recreational challenge in the tunnels of the Trbovlje-Hrastnik Mine to which they added various obstacles connected with mining.

Miners were indispensable
And what did the miners think of the idea that recreational runners would be taking over their tunnels? Before the first Jamatlon, the miners were sceptical and the management of the mine also did not know quite what to expect. But the miners gladly participated in the preparation of obstacles, suggesting certain interesting ideas, and participated at the event as mine rescuers and assistants at the obstacles. They cheered on the competitors, helped them over obstacles, guided them and supplied them with beverages. They even lent them their lamps if the competitors’ lamps went out. The participants in the Jamatlon were given a nice opportunity to learn first-hand about the mines and the miner’s life.

Jamatlon participants in action
The first Jamatlon was attended by 180 competitors. Some were so excited that they also attended the Winter Edition, which attracted 237 competitors. The participants also included Zasavje residents whose fathers and grandfathers worked in the mines, recreational sportspeople from all over Slovenia and even some foreigners. Certain competitors were so driven and full of adrenaline that they could hardly wait for the next interesting obstacle, while others preferred walking to running and gasping for air. The mischievous Perkmadeljc, the elf of the Zasavje underground, provided entertainment. Each person going past him was ‘baptised’ by being hit with a plank on the backside. The mine elf also granted special awards. That’s right - he had to select the most frightened competitor. The most original and ambitious participants were awarded the commemorative prizes and everyone was able to try a traditional miner’s lunch (a quarter of a bread loaf, two Kranjska sausages or spare ribs and a mandatory half of an onion).

Two Jamatlons a year
The organisers are planning to organise two Jamatlons a year. One on Miners Day, celebrated on 3 July to commemorate the great hunger strike of Zasavje miners in 1934, and the Winter Edition on St Barbara’s Day, the patron saint of miners, celebrated on 4 December. “We are planning to make Jamatlon even more interesting, with better obstacles and the accompanying programme, which would be attractive for participants. We have further plans and ideas for events (sports and cultural) relating to happenings in the mine,” said Planinc. Their goal is to keep the pits alive and they are certain that Jamatlon can be one of the most attractive experiences in the pits. “The Jamatlon is certainly an event which fairly fit recreational sportspeople should attend at least once in their lives. The pit is not dangerous, the running and dealing with the obstacles, meeting the miners and Perkmadeljc are unique experiences which they will fondly remember forever,” says Planinc.

In an innovative and fun way, Jamatlon combines recreation and learning about a tradition which will be kept only in memory due to the closure of the mine.

Danila Golob, SINFO