Record 3,500 Participants to Run the Boka Marathon from Tivat to Kotor
Major sporting event returns this weekend for the fourth year in a row
The fourth edition of the Boka Marathon will take place this weekend, bringing together 3,500 runners for the marathon, relay marathon, and half-marathon events on Sunday, as well as the 5km “Fun Run” on Saturday. Organized by the Tivat and Kotor Triathlon Clubs, the event highlights the Bay of Kotor as a global running destination.
“Marathons around the world attract a large number of participants, but in comparison to the populations of these large cities, the percentage is small. This weekend in Tivat and Kotor, we’ll have 3,500 runners—more than 10% of the local population. That’s why I say the Bay of Kotor is a true phenomenon!” said race director Kristijan Sindik at a press conference.
Sindik emphasized his pride in the organizing team and the many volunteers, expressing gratitude to the municipalities of Tivat and Kotor for their support and cooperation. “Marathons reflect how modern and globally connected their host cities are. Tivat and Kotor have proven their openness,” he noted. He also announced that starting in 2026, the Boka Marathon will become a qualifying event for the World Championships and part of the Wanda Age Abbott Marathon Majors calendar, which includes iconic races in New York, Boston, Chicago, Berlin, Tokyo, and Sydney.
Tivat and Kotor Embrace the Marathon “Tivat has come alive with a wonderful sporting atmosphere,” said Nina Lakičević, director of Tivat’s Tourist Organization (TO Tivat). “The Boka Marathon is one of the most important events in our winter calendar, and the municipality will continue to support it wholeheartedly. Tivat has great potential for developing sports tourism and becoming a year-round destination.”
TO Kotor director Jovan Ristić also highlighted the marathon’s significance: “The Boka Marathon promotes healthy lifestyles, fosters sportsmanship, and connects people from across the region. It’s an excellent foundation for developing sports tourism, enriching the off-season, and uniting our municipalities through shared projects.”
Athletes Look Forward to the Race Serbian triathlete and multiple Balkan champion Ognjen Stojanović expressed excitement about his return after 10 years. “The half-marathon on Sunday will be more of a training session for me, as I’m just beginning preparations for 2025. I’m looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere.”
Croatian marathoner Nataša Šustić, last year’s champion, said: “It’s an honor to be part of this beautiful event. The Boka Marathon is undoubtedly the most stunning course I’ve ever run. Last year’s race left me with wonderful memories, and I’ll do my best to perform well again this year.”
The event will also feature Valent Sinković, Croatia’s most decorated Olympian and rowing champion, who will attempt to complete the full marathon in under three hours.
Traffic Restrictions on December 14-15 Due to the marathon, traffic will be temporarily closed in Tivat and Kotor:
- Sunday, December 15:
- Tivat – Župa – Lepetane: 8:45 AM – 10:30 AM (until the last runner passes)
- Lepetane – Prčanj – Kotor – Old Town entrance: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Saturday, December 14: The 5km Fun Run will cause temporary closures in Tivat: II Dalmatinska, Luke Tomanovića, Njegoševa, Omladinskih radnih brigada, Šetalište Seljanovo, and Obala Filipa Miloševića from 2:45 PM to 4:00 PM.
Event Sponsors The marathon is supported by Opština Tivat (general sponsor), Opština Kotor, and the tourism boards of Tivat and Kotor. Sponsors include Siro Boka, Coca-Cola HBC Montenegro, Supplement Store, Powder Ade, Garmin, Sea Point, Hotel La Roche, and others. Media partners include Radio Tivat and Radio Kotor.
