June 20, 2020 - The 10th edition of the Hvar Half Marathon will take place on June 27 as things return to a semblance of normal on the island.

After weeks of lockdown, what could give a more refreshing feeling of freedom than taking part in one of the most beautiful races in the world, running through natural beauty flanked either side by spectacular views of the Adriatic on Croatia's premier island of Hvar?

Tourism event calendars have been decimated this year due to the effects of COVID-19, but as the season now begins to start slowly, several events look more certain to take place. Among them is the 10th edition of the Hvar Half Marathon, which made its debut back in 2011. The 21 km race starts from historic Stari Grad, then rises sharply along the old road to Hvar Town,  through olive groves and lavender fields, before descending to the finish in Hvar's majestic main square, the largest in Dalmatia, right next to the oldest public theatre in Europe. 

Race organisers believe this is the first marathon to take place in Europe after the corona lockdown, one more reason to take part. The race traditionally attracts runners from all over the world, from as far away as Brazil, and both the men's and women's race often have international winners.

It is all taking place on June 27, 2020, and registration is still possible until June 24. Below you can get a flavour of a previous race, as well as taking in some of the natural beauty and atmosphere at the finish. 

Hvar, which is developing its credentials as an adventure and sporting island, also has another marathon each year, one which has taken place for more than 40 years and is considered one of toughest swims in the world, attracting top athletes including Olympic gold medal winners. The Faros Marathon in Stari Grad takes place in late August/early September each year, and it involves a 16 kilometre swim in open water from the Stari Grad harbour out to the tip of the Kabal Peninsula (8  km) and back. Check out the 2015 race report, with English subtitles, below. 

To learn more about Hvar, check out the Discover Hvar article in our Virtual Croatia series. 

Take a break from the beach on June 29, 2019, as the sunshine island of Hvar hosts its annual Hvar Half Marathon, one of the prettiest races in all Europe. 

Looking to keep in shape while enjoying your Dalmatian summer this year? Why not take part in what is surely one of the most beautiful races in all Europe, the Hvar Half Marathon?

The race, now a fixture on the Hvar tourism calendar for a decade, attracts an increasingly international field, and no wonder! The race stars in historic Stari Grad, a 2,400-year-old settlement with its own UNESCO World Heritage Site, before ascending the old road towards Hvar Town. 

This old road used to be the main connection between the island's two main settlements, and late June (the Hvar Half Marathon takes place on June 29) is the absolute best time to visit, for this is when Hvar's famed lavender is in full bloom, just one aromatic distraction for the runners, as they enjoy spectacular views of the Adriatic both to the left and right. Indeed, this year's race coincides with the final day of the annual Lavender Festival in Velo Grablje. 

Be prepared for a challenging run, despite the views, as the ascent from coastal Stari Grad to the wonderful views on top of the hill is a quick ascent of about 400 metres. Want to check out the route in advance? Enjoy a motorbike tour of the route, which was shot several years ago, below.

The race kicks offs at 18:00 on June 29 from Stari Grad. Co-sponsors Suncani Hvar Hotels have a special arrangement for participants of the race. 

For more details about the race, and to register, check out the official website. 

Learn more about the island with the Total Croatia Hvar in a Page guide.