Pag island hosted a unique trekking race that is sure to become an annual tradition
From the moment you step off the ferry at Žigljen Port on Pag, you’ll have an impression you sailed to another planet instead of a Mediterranean island. The rocky parts of Pag, with their vast stretches of stone where vegetation is scarce or nonexistent, truly do resemble the surface of the Moon… or Mars, depending on who you ask.
Metajna town on Pag hosted the second edition of Pag Island Trail & Trekk – an attractive race entitled Life on Mars as a double tribute to David Bowie and the island’s unique terrain, reports Morski on March 30, 2018.
The race saw over eight hundred participants who arrived from all parts of Croatia, the wider region and several other European countries. The visitors were also joined by local residents of all generations who were happy to support the manifestation either as contestants or volunteers.
Just as last year, Life on Mars had three distinctive routes: Light (6 km), Active (14 km) and Challenger (25), with the categories devised to accommodate racers of all ages and levels of physical fitness. Most opted for the Active category; Light proved ideal for those who were only starting to discover the beauty of trekking, while the Challenger category saw the most experienced racers.
Life on Mars proved worthy of its name, with the overall ambiance described as ‘out of this world’: the weather was perfect, and the visitors so enchanted by the stark contrast of white stone and the blue sea, most of them decided to stick around after the race and spend the rest of the weekend on Pag.
Tourist Board Novalja aims to position the trekking race in Metajna as a new tourist product in the segment of active tourism. Life on Mars was organised in collaboration with the company Outdoor which specialises in events of this type; add to that the local gastronomic offer and Pag’s unique landscapes, and you’re left with a one-of-a-kind experience that will certainly become an annual tradition on this unforgettable island.
