Company news·24 Sep 2026
Company news
24 Sep 2026
UF PRO Striker Challenge 2026 Brings Competitors from 16 Countries to Pokljuka
KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (24 September 2026)
On 12 September 2026, UF PRO, part of Mehler Systems, hosted the fourth edition of the Striker Challenge at Pokljuka, Slovenia.
The event received 226 applications from 16 countries. Competitors faced a 15-kilometre alpine course with 19 military-inspired obstacles testing their strength, endurance and focus.
Located within Triglav National Park, this year’s course included steep elevation changes, cold-water crossings, mud crawls, and weighted carries through forest terrain. Some obstacles were revealed only on race day, adding an element of unpredictability and requiring focus under pressure.
A New Challenge for Teams
The team category returned in 2026 with a new format. Teams of three faced the same demanding terrain and obstacles, but completing the course required coordination, communication and shared effort.
Each team also had to carry a large wooden Striker Challenge baton from start to finish. The three members had to transport it together while completing the course, adding another challenge to every obstacle and transition.
Competitors could also enter the individual male and female categories. Final rankings were based first on the number of obstacles completed and then on total course time, placing execution ahead of speed. The top three finishers in each category received UF PRO gear vouchers.
"Honestly, I wasn't sure I'd finish. By the halfway point I was already exhausted, and the last few kilometers felt endless. But crossing that finish line made every bit of it worth it."
The First Striker Junior Challenge
The 2026 edition also introduced the Striker Junior Challenge, featuring a one-kilometre course with age-appropriate obstacles in a fun, non-competitive format.
The new course gave younger participants the opportunity to test their abilities and experience their own version of the Striker Challenge, with every child receiving a gift after crossing the finish line.
Supported by Strong Partners
The accompanying programme brought together UF PRO, Mehler Protection, Oberland Arms, Stryx Motors, Masters of Gloves and the Slovenian Police in the expo area. Visitors could explore products, meet representatives and take part in Stryx Motors vehicle test drives, while the Red Bull DJ truck provided music and drinks.
Partners also contributed directly to the challenge. Mehler Protection, Lindnerhof and Oberland Arms supported dedicated course obstacles, while UF PRO, Lindnerhof, Oberland Arms, Masters of Gloves and Red Bull provided additional prizes and promotional gifts.
"I'm not a big fan of running — the longest I'd ever run before this was about 12 km — but the view, and the fact that people had come from all over Europe, pushed me to keep going."
More Than a Finish Line
Favourable weather and the accompanying programme encouraged competitors, families and spectators to stay after the awards ceremony. The programme included food, activities and opportunities for participants to exchange experiences from the course.
Preparations for the 2027 edition are already underway, with more details to be announced early next year.
Press Release
EN_Press-Release_UF-PRO-Striker-Challenge-2026-Brings-Competitors-from-16-Countries-to-Pokljuka.docx
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