The Mostar Racing Weekend was traditionally held in the early days of spring, specifically from March 22nd to 24th, 2024. Over the previous years, this event has established itself as the leading event of its kind in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With a skillful blend of sports, tourism, education, cultural, and entertainment programs, the Healthy Life Association - KINEZIS, with the support of Mayor Dr. Mario Kordić and the Prime Minister of the HNŽ (Herzegovina-Neretva Canton) Government, Mrs. Marija Buhač, along with numerous companies from both the public and private sectors, managed to attract more than 2,000 runners from 51 countries who ran through the streets of Mostar as part of the "Rolla Mostar Half Marathon" and the 4k Charity Run.
This year's event program was dedicated to women and the promotion of the importance of physical exercise for women. The program kicked off with a professional running conference at the Queen Congress Hall, where strong women gathered to share their inspiring stories.
Croatian Olympian Marija Vrajić shared interesting insights from her long athletic career. Serbian athlete Dragana Špehar shared her life story about her journey from being a national marathon champion to her heroic battle with cancer, which forced her to relearn how to walk and speak, and yet, she emerged victorious, running the Mostar Half Marathon again a few years later! Mirela Babić, the only Mostar IronWoman, encouraged everyone present that it is possible to balance family and professional obligations while finding time for oneself and being physically active and engaged in what you love! Alma Galešić Okić shed light on the corporate world and provided answers on how running can help us physically, mentally, and emotionally to be more functional and productive in everyday life. Alma believes that physical activity is necessary and indispensable for the lifestyle imposed on us. She emphasized that companies should also recognize the importance of physical activity for the efficiency of their employees and encourage them to be active. Alma is fortunate to work for the Rolla company, which has recognized these benefits and allowed its employees to swap up to 2 hours of work time for 2 hours of exercise.
The central event of the festival was undoubtedly the "8th Rolla Mostar Half Marathon," which brought together a record-breaking 1,019 competitors from 51 countries. Designed as a running tour of the city of Mostar, the race route led runners over 7 city bridges and through the most beautiful parts of Mostar, finishing in front of the Mepas Mall Shopping Center. Kenyan runners Philice Kipkerio (1:16:23) in the women's category and Shedrack Kimaiyo (1:07:48) in the men's category, who set a new course record, claimed the first places. All other runners enjoyed a beautiful spring day that only the Mostar sky can offer. Running alongside 19 cheering and musical stations with more than 200 volunteers, partner races, elementary and high schools, who turned the streets of Mostar into one big outdoor entertainment scene. The atmosphere attracted smiles and particularly positive energy from all citizens who joined, offering their support along the route to all competitors.
The charity run, with a record 1,053 participants running a 4-kilometer route, was held under the patronage of the Prime Minister of the HNŽ Government, Mrs. Marija Buhač, and under the symbolic name "A Step for Children," aiming to raise funds for equipping a children's playroom within the Children's Clinic of the University Clinical Hospital Mostar.
The cultural and tourist part of the event included a sports photography workshop in collaboration with the Mostar Photo Club, a demonstration jump from the Old Bridge, and an evening entertainment program featuring the promotion of Mostar musicians and singer-songwriters under the symbolic name "Music Marathon." This interesting musical journey began with Jazz sounds at the Theater Café, where the talented band Misty performed during Jazz & Wine night. Following that, at 9:00 p.m. at the Gastro pub Nova priča stage, the Mostar Tamburitza Orchestra performed a classic tamburitza repertoire.
To end the evening, an excellent main concert was held at 10:00 p.m. in the Abrašević Cultural Center, featuring Mostar singer-songwriter Ivo Jurić with his band "Zadnja šansa" (Last Chance), along with the evening's guest, the young talented Mostar musician and singer-songwriter Anita Šunjić!
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