Today we’re moving a bit off the coast and more inland - into the Neretva Delta, where the traditional amateur sports competition in rowing small autochthonous Neretva boats (lađa) is held every year at the beginning of August.
‘Maraton lađa’ (Small Boat Marathon) is one of the biggest tourist spectacles in Croatia, with more than tens of thousands of spectators watching along the entire route. The marathon starts in Metković and finishes in the coastal town of Ploče, near Dubrovnik.The women’s marathon route is shorter (10 km) and goes upstream; the start is in Opuzen and the finish line is in Metković.
The traditional small boat of the Neretva region (Wikimedia Commons)[/caption]
This year's fourth edition of the women’s Small Boat Marathon was held in Opuzen on August 10 and saw five teams competing, three of which were from the Neretva area, one from Bjelovar and one from Sisak. This year, the team named Gusarice (Pirate Women) from Metković were the fastest and crowned the winners.
The race for the first place was close from the very beginning when Gusarice from Metković and Nereide from Bjelovar immediately separated from the rest. First through the finish line were Gusarice, followed by Nereide only a few seconds apart. The young team from Opuzen came in last, but we’re not disappointed as they haven’t prepared much and only had five practice sessions before. Unfortunately, two of the teams forfeited. Next year, the organisers are expecting more than 10 teams to compete in the women's marathon.
Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
Tomorrow, August 12 is reserved for the 20th edition of men’s small boats marathon. The programme starts at 3 P.M., while the race starts at 5 P.M. First teams are expected to reach Ploče at around 7.15 P.M. and at 9 P.M. there will be an awards ceremony.
For more details about the event, click here.
The finish line in Ploče (Wikimedia Commons)[/caption]
Source: HRT
