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.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
