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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