The first obstacle race on the Island of Hvar was successfully held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 as part of the Mountain Madness Croatia series.
Despite the looming clouds and previous stormy weather, there was a group of adventurous competitors ready to test their abilities on a hilly terrain above the city of Hvar. Along the panoramic 7km long route they had encounters with curious tourists, who were positively surprised about such an event happening in the offseason.
‘Running is an all year activity and it’s not only a sport, but it’s also a way of life. Runners choose more and more destinations which respond to their active needs and services which support their goals throughout the year.
“We’re very happy to have found such a partner in Suncani Hvar Hotels, having an open-minded attitude towards introducing new kind of events in their offer and working together on extending the season.’ said Iva Hafner, one of the race event organizers.
The overall winner of the first island race edition of Mountain Madness Hvar is Aleksandar Balažinec (30:39) from the local Trail and Trekking Club Strka.
In the women’s category Marzia Marti won the 1st place (39:16) cheered upon by her colleagues from Suncani Hvar Hotels.
The rain came finally as announced at the end of the event, but it didn’t spoil the joy of achievement among participants.
A few minutes earlier they were supporting each other through the obstacles, somewhere up in the wilderness of Hvar, and now almost surreally they enjoyed their lunch even more, looking forward to the quiz with valuable prizes and the winners’ ceremony in the fancy Hotel Riva.
Mountain Madness is the latest adrenaline event to be hosted on Hvar, which is working hard to add to its image as a beach and nightlife destination by diversifying its sporting portfolio. Leading hotel group Suncani Hvar Hotels has been a key partner in this new direction, providing accommodation packages and logistical support for a host of events as Hvar seeks to extend the season beyond its summer sunshine stereotype. These events have included the winter cycling training camp for leading cycling team Bahrain Merida, various sailing regattas, the Otillo Swim Run series, and the Hvar Half Marathon.
It has been a busy year for Hvar Town, which is celebrating 150 of organised tourism in Europe, which began back in 1868 with the founding of the Hvar Health Society, and the next major event will be the hosting of Days of Croatian Tourism, the annual celebration of the very best of Croatian tourism, which kicks off on October 24.
