February 27, 2022 - Despite harsh weather, the 2022 Split Marathon was successfully held in the Old Town, with very good results for the Croatian runners and where the African competitors returned triumphantly, after not being able to participate last year due to travel restrictions.

This Sunday the 22nd edition of the Split Marathon was held, and the winners have already been announced. In the morning, at the Split Riva, a crowd of runners and supporters gathered to start the traditional marathon, which this year had to face harsh weather with low temperatures and strong winds, but which in no way lowered the spirits of those present.

The 2022 Split Marathon, unlike last year, was held at the end of February instead of September. Let us remember that in the previous edition the participants enjoyed sunny and pleasant weather, but those who attended today can attest that the event was held in the same spirit. The race started at 9 o'clock, and a great wave of runners, led by the main contenders, started from the Split Riva.

This year's edition marked the return of runners from the African continent, who unfortunately were unable to participate in the 2021 marathon due to travel restrictions in place at the time. However, their return to Split in 2022 was triumphant, taking top results in all marathon categories.

In the half marathon, Josea Kimeli Kisorio from Kenya was the first to cross the finish line with a time of 1:04:33. Croatian Silvije Tomac came in fifth place, with a time of 1:10:37.

''I'm happy, of course. This was my first race in Split and an immediate victory. I will definitely be back next year. Yes, it was cold, especially in some places where there was a strong wind. But, all in all, it was possible to endure'', said Kisorio.

Among the women, also in the half marathon, it was Cavaline Nahimana from Burundi who came out on top with a time of 1:13:42.

Clementine Mukandanga, winner of the 2022 Split Marathon Women's Competition. (Photo: Ivo Cagalj/PIXSELL)

Clementine Mukandanga, meanwhile, won the Split marathon and placed seventh overall. The Rwandan runner won with a time of 2:37:05. She was followed by the Czech Pastorova, who came in second, and third, fourth and fifth place went to three Croatians: Jasmina Ilijaš, Ingrid Nikolesić, and Kimberly Pašalić, respectively.

It was a great day for Rwanda, as Mukandanga was not the only one to celebrate, but also her compatriot Jean Baptiste Simukeka, who won the 2022 Split Marathon with a time of 2:21:22, first overall.

''I am very pleased with the victory. And the weather was good in the end considering the cold'', Simukeka said shortly, still breathing well.

Jean Baptiste Simukeka came in first place in the 2022 Split Marathon. (Photo: Ivo Cagalj/PIXSELL)

The Rwandan, crowned winner at the 2022 Split Marathon, came ahead of Morocco's Redouan Nouini. The Croatian Ivan Dračar, the winner of the previous edition, came third with a time of 2:27:28, certifying a day with very good results for the Croatian runners. His compatriot Kristijan Rubinić came fifth. The ninth was Goran Murić (2:42:13), and the tenth was Dalibor Vujević (2:43:40).

''The feeling is phenomenal. Winning third place in such strong competition is no small thing. The conditions did not go my way due to the wind. Until the 19th kilometer, I kept the connection with the two leaders, but in the end, I kept the pace and finished third, Dračar said.

Ivan Dračar, who won the 2021 Split Marathon, came in third this year. (Photo: Ivo Cagalj/PIXSELL)

''This was my third marathon and third podium. Last year I won in Zagreb and Split, and now a third place here. All in all, I am very pleased. The atmosphere, too, was great.'', he added.

The official results of the 2022 Split Marathon are as follows:

Half marathon (absolute)

1. Josea Kimeli Kisorio (Kenya) - 1:04:33
2. Szemerei Levente (Hungary) - 1:04:39
3. Gert-Jan Wassink (Netherlands) - 1:07:35
4. Đuro Borbelj (Serbia) - 1:09: 20
5. Silvije Tomac (Croatia) - 1:10:37

Women's Half Marathon (Absolute)

1. Cavaline Nahimana (Burundi) - 1:13:42
2. Anja Fink (Slovenia) - 1:17:15
3. Gresa Bakraci (Kosovo) - 1:17:24
4. Špela Gonza (Slovenia) - 1:18:39
5. Jasmina Pitamic Army (Slovenia) - 1:20:04

Marathon (absolute)

1. Jean Baptiste Simukeka (Rwanda) - 2:21:22
2. Redouan Nouini (Morocco) - 2:25:01
3. Ivan Dracar (Croatia) - 2:27:28
4. Fredrik Kallstrom (Sweden) - 2:34:28
5 Kristijan Rubinić (Croatia) - 2:34:57

Marathon (women - absolute)

1. Clementine Mukandanga (Rwanda) - 2:37:05
2. Petra Pastorova (Czech Republic) - 2:54:01
3. Jasmina Ilijaš (Croatia) - 2:58:50
4. Ingrid Nikolesić (Croatia) - 3:06:00
5. Kimberly Pašalić (Croatia) - 3:10:20

The 2022 Split Marathon was, overall, a huge success returning to its original date in February, and the harsh weather didn't get in the way. A great example that shows that the city of Split has plenty of reasons, as in the sports field, to be recognized as a destination to visit during the winter.

Source: Slobodna Dalmacija

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ZAGREB, 20 Feb 2022 - The 22nd edition of Split marathon will take place on 27 February, and about 2,750 runners from 40 countries are expected to participate, organisers said last Wednesday.

"Preparation for the 22nd Split marathon are nearing completion," the president of the marathon's organising committee, Kristijan Sidik, told a press conference.

He said that he was proud that the continuity of the Split marathon hadn't been lost even during these challenging times, which was a rarity in the world.

Split Mayor Ivica Puljak said that the marathon had become an event of strategic importance for the development of the city of Split, calling it a unique sporting and tourism event that promotes all those values which they are known for and which they are proud of.

He said that the City of Split, its services and utility companies would provide their maximum support to make the organisation flawless and to make the competitors coming to the city feel welcome.

"The marketing and tourist potential of the marathon is exceptional, the athletes are also our guests, and in the future we will strengthen the brand of Split as a city of sport and sportspeople even more," said Puljak.

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February 8, 2022 - The 22nd Split Marathon is around the corner, with the famous race returning to its standard term at the end of February 

This is the largest multidisciplinary event in Split, on which the organization works 365 days a year. Therefore, everything is ready to begin, and only the final permits remain, issued according to the procedure 14 days before the event. It is worth emphasizing that the marathon is in line with the standards of major international races, which involve strict Covid protocol. This magnificent and essential event for the city of Split will take place on February 27.

Dalmacija Danas spoke to Split marathoner Kristijan Sindik, the race director and a member of the Split Marathon organization since 2014. Secondary connoisseurs of this sport will surely remember him for his unique endeavor when he ran seven marathons in seven days. And all to raise funds for the Department of Pediatric Oncology at the University Hospital Center Split, as he is also a former oncology patient.

"After last year's early fall edition, we are back to our standard term. The last Sunday in February is again a holiday of running in Split and this part of Europe. We are also returning to the record numbers from 2020, with about 3,000 participants from 45 countries worldwide. As of this year, the Split Marathon has entered the list of qualifying races for the Wanda Age Group World Championship, which is held in one of the six major world marathons (Tokyo, London, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, New York), which is certainly a big lure for runners from all over the world. We are also growing in terms of quality and speed, so we have secured several elite participants who come from Kenya, Ethiopia, Burundi, Rwanda, Morocco," Sindik said at the beginning of the conversation.

He pointed out the running track:

"It is one of the most beautiful in the world. We had to try and test dozens of other variants before that to get to it. It is a thorough job that requires time, dedication, and above all, education in terms of standards for organizing world marathons. The second guiding thought was to include all important city symbols such as Diocletian's Palace, the Riva, Poljud Stadium, Marjan, Grgur Ninski and to give all our guests a real sports and tourist postcard," he added. 

Volunteers build the whole event.

"It is worked on diligently 365 days a year. The organizing committee consists of 14 members and is entirely voluntary. In the last days before the marathon, in operational terms, the number of volunteers exceeds 400. It is important to note that they are local, domestic citizens and our guests from various quarters. However, we will never refuse a couple of hands, so those still interested can still apply on our website," invites Sindik.

"The most difficult was in 2014, when you were not perceived properly by local institutions and when you are working on the legacy of something that was not good or was average. However, from the local race with a maximum of 150 participants, we managed to create a sports brand in the city, breaking stereotypes, raising public awareness, and convincing ourselves and then colleagues that we can make an event that Split, as a city of sports, deserves," says Sindik.

"February is a fickle month in terms of weather, and the only thing we can expect in that regard is - the unexpected. We had anthological snow, which falls once in 7-8 years in Split, and to fall exactly at the start of the marathon in 2018 is to be recounted. We also had a hurricane in 2019, when the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. Borut Pahor, also participated. But we like to say that there is no bad time to run, but only well and poorly prepared organizers."

The Split Marathon is special to Sindik. 

"A real marathon is run through the city. From one round, without repetition. So I like to tell my fellow citizens, in all sports, whether they run or do some other sport, to try to run a marathon at least once in their life. So let them decide what to do next. And try it in your city! Because if they manage to overcome the challenges of preparing for the marathon and fight and cross the finish line in the race, it can change lives forever. They will realize that they are ready for some things that they thought were impossible," he said.

Everyone wants to come to Split.

"The best confirmation of the success of the race is when runners return to it every year. Well-known marathoners are not immune to that either. Split is an attractive city, and the race is full of positive energy," concluded Sindik.

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September 26, 2021 - The 21st Split Marathon was held on Sunday, with Croatian male and female runners finishing first! 

The 21st Split Marathon was held in a beautiful ambiance only the people of Split can create. Hundreds of people crowded along the fence that separated the nearby barricades from the finish line, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.

The first marathoner to cross the finish line was Ivan Dračar, a member of Zagreb's Mladost, thus winning the title of one of the most beautiful marathons in the world. Second place went to Ante Živković from the Athletic Club Dubrovnik, while Frenchman Lucas Gourg overtook Croatian Zdravko Jadrijev just before the end of the race. The Frenchman thus came in the way of a completely Croatian triumph.

All three medals went to Croatians in the women's competition. Ljiljana Mišlov Brkić finished first with a time of 3:18:22. In second place was Marijana Katić, while Marija Vrajić took third. 

"The last few kilometers were really hot but good; that's how it is in Split. I always love coming back because I spent my student days here. I am satisfied with the result, considering that almost nothing was run for two years due to the pandemic," said Mišlov Brkić.

Milan Mitrović from Serbia celebrated in the half marathon. Second place went to Alija Imamović from Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the third place went to Aleš Lindič from Slovenia. The best-placed Croat was fourth-placed Renato Sertić.

The deputy mayor of Split, Bojan Ivošević, also ran the half marathon.

"The last few kilometers were tough because I haven't trained for a long time, but with goodwill and a team that pushes you forward, everything is easier. I ran because of the position I hold; if someone attacks me, I can escape, haha," Ivošević joked.

Around 300 marathon runners started from the Riva, which is twice less than last year. The biggest news is that there were no forces from Kenya and Ethiopia because they failed to get a visa due to Covid. There were a little over 600 half marathoners, while a hundred of them took part in the relay marathon.

The marathoners toured Split's old town, Vranjica, the Lora military base, Poljud stadium, and. the West Coast to Bačvice beach and Diocletian's Palace near the end.

The Split marathon is known as one of the most demanding due to the elevation of 267 meters.

The organizers also set the musical background at every step. Josip Hatze's orchestra, band 058, Marjan choir, Split Down Syndrome Association, and many others performed along the way. 

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September 21, 2021 - The 21st Split Marathon will hit the streets this weekend, organized by the Marjan Club. On Saturday, September 25, at 6 pm, the five-kilometer 'Slobodna Dalmacija Trophy' will also take place. 

Dalmatinski Portal reports:

"For the first time, I hope we will organize the last marathon in early autumn. We were forced to do this because of the coronavirus. Split is known for being the sportiest city in the world. We are one of the few who will hold marathons in these two years without interruption. The number of participants is slightly smaller than usual, but we are specific in that we have many foreign competitors from as many as 46 countries. That's a record. I hope everyone enjoys what we provide them. I want to ask for the understanding of all our fellow citizens to show patience and support for this event. Everyone who participates in the race will need to have a Covid certificate. For all those who do not have it, we have provided on-site testing," said the president of the organizing committee, Kristijan Sindik.

The Deputy Prefect of Split-Dalmatia County, Stipe Čogelja, emphasized the importance of this event.

"This is a very valuable event. Mr. Čular recently said at the Paralympic reception that our County won more medals at the Paralympics than India. This speaks volumes about the uniqueness of this region and how important sport is. The county recognized that, and this is one of the significant events."

Last year, Ivica Puljak ran the marathon. Today, Puljak is the mayor of Split. 

"The atmosphere that is being created around the Split Marathon makes us happy. I ran the marathon last year, and I can testify to how interesting this event is. It is perhaps the most beautiful sporting event I have participated in. I persuaded 13 people to run the marathon. It prompted me to participate. I wish you a sports and tourist weekend this year as well. We prove once again that we are the sportiest city in the world. I won’t run this year, but I will next year."

The mayor of Solin, Dalibor Ninčević, announced that he would also participate in the half marathon this year.

"For the second year in a row, the city of Solin is part of this significant event, which is an important tourist period for the entire Split-Dalmatia County. I am grateful to the organizers for connecting Split and Solin even more. We are a proud sponsor of this event. I will try to run the half marathon this year."

Split Tourist Board director, Alijana Vukšić, is also satisfied.

"The city of Split is constantly branded as a city of culture and sports. The city offers many opportunities and can be branded in all markets. Our guests want to continue their active lifestyle when they come to a destination. This is a specific year, but I hope that this event will return to the pre-season."

The director of the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, Joško Stella, compared this event to Ultra.

"This is a sports Ultra. We watched marathons on television and wondered when they would come to us. That is a huge achievement. We from tourism see that sports tourism is on the rise."

Celebrated Split Olympian Igor Boraska is also looking forward to the marathon.

"Running and marathons have become the lifestyle of hundreds of thousands of people around the world. I was very pleased to be with 60,000 people at the New York City Marathon. I want to congratulate the organizers for bringing the marathon to our city. I wish all marathon participants a good time and time."

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February 11, 2021- With tears in his eyes and a smile across his face, Split marathoner Kristijan Sindik arrived in rainy Tivat, where he spectacularly finished his seventh humanitarian marathon as part of the "Golden Ribbon - 7 marathons in 7 days" campaign, an impressive undertaking that started in Split to raise money for the KBC Split Department of Pediatric Oncology.

"The seventh marathon is over! For the first time, I am speechless," said Kristijan for Slobodna Dalmacija, who was greeted on the waterfront in Tivat by many friends and all those who wanted to express their support and congratulate him on this incredible feat.

Accompanied by a group of runners full of energy, Sindik set off from Čilipi to Tivat Wednesday morning, despite the relentless rain that followed them for 42 kilometers, even stronger than the day before when they ran from Orašac to Dubrovnik to Čilipi.

Friends from Montenegro greeted them at the border crossing, with whom they continued the seventh marathon to the final finish.

"Thank you all! The action lasts until March 1! Many donations came from 15 countries around the world, including Croatia, the USA, Russia, and Turkey. The corona topic has burdened us for a year, and one such issue is unnecessarily marginalized.

So you have the opportunity to do a great thing and donate 100 kuna for children in oncology. I’ve been through this, I know what that means, and I know how much outside help means," Sindik said. 

"They ask me if it was difficult. On the way, we were followed by rain, today all day. The water was up to my knees! The right path is always difficult. I went that way," Kristijan said, inviting all people of goodwill to donate 100 kuna or 15 euros to the KBC Split Department of Pediatric Oncology. 

"This is equal to 3 packs of cigarettes, three drinks at a cafe," he emphasized.

He did not forget to thank his entire team that followed him on the journey and Richard Kuhar, ultramarathoner, and Ante Bebić, the triathlon coach who ran all seven marathons with him.

Many others joined Kristijan along the way, all motivated by the act of helping others. Those interested in donating to KBC Split can do so here: HR1424070003106794371.

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February 2, 2021 - Famous Split marathoner Kristijan Sindik will run from Split to Tivat for the KBC Split Department of Pediatric Oncology, completing seven marathons along the way. 

Running a marathon is one of the most difficult athletic disciplines, with roots that date back to Greek soldier Philippides, who ran from Marathon to Athens to announce Greece's victory over the Persians.

Marathons today boast 42,195 kilometers, and one long-distance runner from Split - Kristijan Sindik - is preparing for a unique venture on Thursday, February 4, World Cancer Day, reports Dalmacija Danas.

Namely, Sindik plans to run the distance from Split to Tivat in seven days, equivalent to one marathon a day, all for the noble goal of raising funds for the KBC Split Department of Pediatric Oncology.

The race consists of seven sections, starting from the Marjan Gate in Split. Stations will mark where 42 km is achieved each day. Kristijan and the other runners will stay at each station overnight to rest and gather strength for the next marathon. The team will run Ruskamen, Drašnica, Ploče, Ston, Orašac, Čilipi, and the grand finale on the Pine waterfront in Tivat.

"As a former cancer patient, I know how difficult it is to fight malignant diseases, and it is challenging when you are a child, when you should be playing, not going to chemotherapy. As a current marathoner, I felt I needed to do something for the Pediatric Oncology Department of KBC Split and all the brave little heroes fighting malignant diseases. This idea has been stirring inside me for a long time, and missing the sports activities that I usually have professionally, allowed me to realize this project this year," said Kristijan Sindik, runner and leader of the Split Marathon.

This commendable humanitarian action is designed so that interested donors buy kilometers on the route. The minimum price of one kilometer is 100 kuna or 15 euros, and 295 kilometers are available. All interested participants in this action can donate funds directly by payment to the account of the KBC Split Pediatric Oncology: IBAN: HR1424070003106794371, OTP banka d.d. Split.

The running action was recognized by other runners, triathletes, and athletes, and Kristijan will be joined by three famous triathletes: Rikardo Kuhar, Ante Bebić, and Bruno Grgurević. Support will also be given at the start by Olympian Igor Boraska and Hajduk captain Mijo Caktaš.

The official race starts on Thursday, February 4, 2021, at 7:00 am at the Marjan Gate, and entry into the finish line is expected on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, on the Pine waterfront in Tivat. You can follow all the details and the course of the action on the Facebook page Golden Ribbon race - 7 marathons in 7 days.

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January 19, 2021 - The 2021 Split Marathon will not be held in February like in previous years, but in late September. 

Dalmacija Danas reports that one major sporting event that has gathered several thousand runners in the city of Split in recent years is the Split Marathon. The event is usually held in February, and last year, for example, it was held on February 23.

The second marathon in the newer edition, which the organizers are preparing in this calendar year, has now been moved to autumn, more precisely to September 26, 2021. The starting time will be "at dawn", i.e., at 7:30 am, so the participants can avoid running through unbearable heat. 

The new date was revealed by Kristijan Sindik, the president of the Organizing Committee, on the official Split Marathon Facebook page. 

The Split Marathon is an event presented by the city for some time to position itself as a sports and tourist destination for many international competitors who have the opportunity to run the track and enjoy the beauties of Split and the surrounding areas.

The Split marathon is the third-largest in the region, with only Ljubljana and Belgrade ahead, which is to be expected considering the number of inhabitants. Split, however, is said to be the best organized.

The Split Marathon event saw a record number of participants in 2020, or over 4,000, who ran on the Marathon and Half Marathon routes below. 

The Split Marathon route:

Route: Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda – Marmontova ulica – Ulica kralja Tomislava – Zagrebačka ulica – Manuška poljana – Livanjska – Ulica Domovinskog rata – ulica Zbora narodne garde – Ulica Domovinskog rata – Solinska ulica – Splitska ulica – Krešimirova ulica – Obala pomoraca – Krešimirova ulica – Splitska ulica – Solinska ulica – Hercegovačka ulica – Put Supavla – Lora – Zrinsko Frankopanska – Osmih mediteranskih igara – Stadion Poljud – Osmih mediteranskih igara – ZrInsko Frankopanska – Ulica 7 Kaštela – Matoševa ulica – Šetalište Marina Tartaglie – Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića – Obala kneza Branimira – Trumbićeva obala – Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda – Obala Lazareta – Obala kneza Domagoja – HŽ Bačvice – Plaža Bačvice – Šetalište Petra Preradovića – Put Firula – Spinčićeva ulica – Šetalište Kalafata – Šetalište pape Ivana Pavla II – OKRET – Šetalište pape Ivana Pavla II – Šetalište Kalafata – Spinčićeva ulica – Put Firula – Šetalište Petra Preradovića – Hatzeov perivoj – Ulica Matije Gupca – Prilaz braće Kaliterna – Plaža Bačvice – HŽ Bačvice – Obala kneza Domagoja – Obala Lazareta – Hrvojeva ulica – Ulica kralja Tomislava – Marmontova ulica – Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda – FINISH

The 20th edition of Split Half Marathon ran on an AIMS certified track: 

Route: Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda – Marmontova ulica – Ulica kralja Tomislava – Zagrebačka ulica -Manuška poljana – Livanjska – Ulica Domovinskog rata – ulica Zbora narodne garde – Ulica Domovinskog rata – Stinice ulica – Put Supavla – Lora – Zrinsko Frankopanska – Osmih mediteranskih igara – Stadion Poljud – Osmih mediteranskih igara – Zrinsko Frankopanska – Ulica 7 Kaštela – Matoševa ulica – Šetalište Marina Tartaglie – Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića – Obala kneza Branimira – Trumbićeva obala – Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda – FINISH

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February 25, 2020 - Organized by the Marjan Marathon Club, Split once again became one of Europe's leading racing destinations over the weekend thanks to the Split Marathon. 

Dalmacija Danas writes that the first-ever marathon and 20th edition of the half marathon began on Sunday at 9 am and finished in the afternoon around 3 pm. 

“Over three thousand competitors from all over the world were in Split over the weekend, which presented a beautiful postcard of Split, Dalmatia, and Croatia. A lot of people have worked on this and we finally have a real marathon,” said State Secretary for Tourism Tonci Glavina.

Split Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara emphasized that this was excellent promotion and an excellent success for the organizers.

"This is the first time we have a marathon in Split. We've had a half marathon so far. We have grown into a beautiful event. The start took more than three minutes. More than three thousand people passed us, who ran the streets of the most beautiful city in the world,” Opara concluded on Sunday. 

The Split Marathon event saw a record number of participants this year, or over 4,000, who ran on the Marathon and Half Marathon routes below. 

The Split Marathon route:

Route: Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda – Marmontova ulica – Ulica kralja Tomislava – Zagrebačka ulica – Manuška poljana – Livanjska – Ulica Domovinskog rata – ulica Zbora narodne garde – Ulica Domovinskog rata – Solinska ulica – Splitska ulica – Krešimirova ulica – Obala pomoraca – Krešimirova ulica – Splitska ulica – Solinska ulica – Hercegovačka ulica – Put Supavla – Lora – Zrinsko Frankopanska – Osmih mediteranskih igara – Stadion Poljud – Osmih mediteranskih igara – ZrInsko Frankopanska – Ulica 7 Kaštela – Matoševa ulica – Šetalište Marina Tartaglie – Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića – Obala kneza Branimira – Trumbićeva obala – Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda – Obala Lazareta – Obala kneza Domagoja – HŽ Bačvice – Plaža Bačvice – Šetalište Petra Preradovića – Put Firula – Spinčićeva ulica – Šetalište Kalafata – Šetalište pape Ivana Pavla II – OKRET – Šetalište pape Ivana Pavla II – Šetalište Kalafata – Spinčićeva ulica – Put Firula – Šetalište Petra Preradovića – Hatzeov perivoj – Ulica Matije Gupca – Prilaz braće Kaliterna – Plaža Bačvice – HŽ Bačvice – Obala kneza Domagoja – Obala Lazareta – Hrvojeva ulica – Ulica kralja Tomislava – Marmontova ulica – Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda – FINISH

The 20th edition of Split Half Marathon ran on an AIMS certified track: 

Route: Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda – Marmontova ulica – Ulica kralja Tomislava – Zagrebačka ulica -Manuška poljana – Livanjska – Ulica Domovinskog rata – ulica Zbora narodne garde – Ulica Domovinskog rata – Stinice ulica – Put Supavla – Lora – Zrinsko Frankopanska – Osmih mediteranskih igara – Stadion Poljud – Osmih mediteranskih igara – Zrinsko Frankopanska – Ulica 7 Kaštela – Matoševa ulica – Šetalište Marina Tartaglie – Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića – Obala kneza Branimira – Trumbićeva obala – Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda – FINISH

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February 14, 2020 - The Split half marathon will celebrate 20 years this year, while the Split marathon will run for the first time. 

Dalmatinski Portal reports that the program, which is held from February 21 to February 23, will have its main event on Sunday, when the 42-kilometer Riva marathon begins at nine in the morning. A record number of 4,000 participants from more than 40 countries is expected. The marathon will also include the relay made up of Mladen Bartulovic, Dalibor Nincevic, Jakov Vetma, and Andro Krstulovic Opara, the leaders of Podstrana, Solin, Klis and Split.

“After three years of preparations, Split and the whole region will receive a full marathon. It is the result of the meticulous and dedicated work of the volunteer group that works throughout the year. We are ready, and as far as the race is concerned, it could start tomorrow. The marathon sold out two months ago, we have 900 competitors, making us the largest marathon in Croatia so far. In addition to the marathon, we have a half marathon race where we have 2000 competitors. 

Starting this year, we moved the 5k race to the day before. We have strong names from Kenya and Ethiopia, and we expect a fairly good race. Split is a beautiful city, and the trail is beautiful. I have run numerous marathons, but the split track is still the most beautiful. A Japanese woman who is 72 is also arriving, and Split will be the 100th marathon in her career, with the addition that she started running 15 years ago,” said Organizing Committee President Kristijan Sindik.

Organizing Committee Deputy Chairman Sandra Russo Zelenovic was surprised by the large number of journalists at the press conference.

“I am incredibly happy to see you in such great numbers. This is not just a sporting event. The whole event could not be organized without the support of the City, the County, and the Tourist Board. The event also includes the Sports Fair, which will be held at Gripe from February 21-22. Within the Fair, there will be a workshop on healthy eating and injury prevention. There will also be a hand-wrestling competition. The Split Marathon has had a humanitarian element for years. This year, we will be raising funds with Dina Levacic to buy educational supplies for the Perla Association.”

The director of the Split Tourist Board, Alijana Vukšić, emphasized the importance of marathons for Split tourism in the preseason.

“It is my pleasure to have worked together for many years. Last year, over ten thousand overnight stays were realized in six days, and this year we expect this number to be even higher. Split deserves this kind of event. Our guests are very modern and all are willing to pay for healthy food and healthy living. This is an opportunity for them to keep their habits while on their journey and come back to us. It is also important to emphasize that such guests do not come alone and spend more,” she said.

The director of the Split and Dalmatia County Tourist Board, Josko Stella, emphasized the importance of this event for the entire county.

“The marketing effect of this marathon is extremely important to us and we have supported it from the very beginning, and we will support it in the future.”

Jakov Vetma, Mayor of Klis Municipality, is one of the participants in the relay marathon. The first change is run by Mladen Bartulovic, from the Riva to Vranjic. The Mayor of Solin, Dalibor Nincevic, who runs from Vranjic to Lora, will take over the baton there. At the western exit will be Jacob Vetma, who will run across Poljud and Marjan, and at Banovina will be Andro Krstulović Opara, who will take the final leg.

“I’m here as one of the participants. Together with Mayor Opara, Dalibor Nincevic and Mladen Bartulovic, we plan to run this marathon,” Vetma said.

Dalibor Nincevic, Mayor of Solin, will also be part of this sports and cultural story.

“The marathon section will pass through the town of Solin, thus connecting it with Split. I am pleased that the participants of the marathon, apart from Split, will have the opportunity to get to know the beauties of Solin and Vranjic,” said Nincevic, and was inspired by Mayor Andro Krstulović Opara.

“I run the last leg of the relay. It's about 12 kilometers and the handoff will be right next to Banovina. A large number of enthusiasts have brought this attribute to the city of Split, which proves that we are one of the sportiest cities in Split. Where in the world do you have a route that goes from Diocletian's Palace to Solin, the 'little Venice', via Lora, Marjan, the port, Bacvice, Žnjan, Duilovo and back to the Palace?

The marathon season begins in Split. I hope that in the future, this marathon will be one of the largest in this part of Europe. I would ask the citizens to be patient because we will have to close certain lanes,” said Opara Krstulovic.

The head of the Department for Tourism and Maritime Affairs, Stipe Čogelj, stressed the importance of this event for the entire County.

“The sportiest city in the world has earned this marathon. This is a capital event that the County supports every year. The figures themselves show how much this organization deserves our support. We can do great things with the synergy of all cities and counties,” concluded Čogelj.

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