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.
