Maja Knezović, Cim, Bosnia & Herzegovina
More Than a Race
Author: Maja Knezović
Approximately two decades ago, our options for socializing as young individuals in Mostar were limited to cafés and clubs. However, a group of us desired something more meaningful, something that would fill the void we felt upon returning to our hometown after completing our studies. We longed for diverse activities that were not prevalent at the time, and we were determined to see them flourish in our city. We understood that this endeavor would demand significant effort, but our resolve to contribute to the creation of a vibrant community for ourselves, our children, and our fellow citizens remained unyielding. We knew that action was required.
In 2011, Franjo came up with the idea of organizing a half-marathon in Mostar. However, upon realizing that there was little interest or enthusiasm for running among the locals, we recognized the need for a more gradual approach. We understood that accomplishing smaller goals would pave the way for the realization of our larger vision. That same year, with the support of the late Professor Žarko Bilić from the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Education, Department of Kinesiology, as well as the mountaineering society HPD Prenj 1993, we embarked on organizing the Mostar Challenge Race on Planinica.
The Mostar Challenge Project proved to be a resounding success, igniting the birth of a running community through these events. People rallied together, organizing themselves and participating in races across the region. Encouraged by this progress, we established the association “Healthy Life — KINEZIS.”
After a few years, we felt that the time had come for the next step, even though we lacked support. In 2017, we made the bold decision to hold the first Mostar Half Marathon. However, as the city of Mostar did not have a City Council at the time, obtaining all the necessary permits and navigating the required protocols for organizing such an event, which included temporarily closing certain streets, posed significant challenges.
We engaged in negotiations with the city, collaborated closely with the Mostar Police Station to define the routes, and diligently sought permits from the Ministry of the Interior. Additionally, we faced the daunting task of gathering 200 volunteers to ensure the safety of the race course. On top of that, securing sponsors proved to be another hurdle we had to overcome.
Thankfully, luck was on our side, as we encountered open-minded individuals along the way who were willing to extend a helping hand. With their support and our unwavering determination, we successfully organized the first Mostar Half Marathon. Despite being the inaugural event, it attracted around 400 participants from 16 countries. Since then, our event has been steadily growing, making strides in the right direction.
In addition to the adult race, in the subsequent years, we embarked on organizing children’s races as well. One of the primary objectives driving our efforts is to foster a habit of physical exercise and promote an active lifestyle among the younger generation. In these races, we refrain from declaring winners; instead, every child receives a participation medal and gift packages provided by our generous sponsors. Our ultimate aim is not to encourage competition among them but to empower each child to become the best version of themselves.
However, what I find crucial and most noteworthy about this half-marathon is the simultaneous organization of a four kilometer charity race.
The spectrum covered by this race is truly broad:
- It was designed to assist local associations and organizations in presenting the issues they face in their work, particularly the challenges encountered by those under their care.
- It serves as a platform for raising funds that directly contribute to the endeavors of our partner organizations.
- We aim to motivate our fellow citizens to engage in sports, thereby positively impacting their own health.
The members of our association have the important task of closely monitoring the work of various organizations in Mostar throughout the year. After reviewing proposals, we carefully select a partner organization. Undoubtedly, the highlight of our festival is the charity race, which has had a tremendous impact on the local community. In the past, we have partnered with organizations such as INSULA, the Diabetic Association; the Mostar Association for Down Syndrome; Novi Pogled, an organization dedicated to supporting women with breast cancer and their families; and Minores, an association providing assistance to the homeless and socially vulnerable individuals. This year, our focus was on “Los Rosales,” the Center for Children and Youth with Special Needs in Mostar. For the past 25 years, this center has been offering a range of services, including education, socialization, rehabilitation, and various support programs for children and young people with developmental challenges. Year after year, the number of participants in the charity race continues to grow.
One of the most inspiring stories from the Mostar Half Marathon is that of Afan Habibović, an eighteen-year-old boy from Kakanj. Since the age of 13, Afan has been bravely fighting a severe brain tumor. Despite facing tremendous adversity, his love for sports has never waned. He used to train in karate, gymnastics, and handball before his diagnosis. Following surgery and chemotherapy, he faced significant physical challenges, including difficulty speaking and limited mobility in his right arm and leg. Thankfully, following the surgery, he has been showing remarkable recovery each month, and he has participated in our charity races for the past three years without missing a single one. Whenever he takes to the field, it fills me with awe and brings tears to my eyes. His indomitable spirit inspires me to persist in my endeavors.
I take great pride in the fact that we were able to successfully organize the half-marathon in 2020, even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it couldn’t be held in March as usual, we worked diligently to comply with all the necessary hygiene and epidemiological protocols for the race. As a result, we received the approval of the Public Health Institute of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Following the triumph of our well-executed event, it was granted a three-star rating by European Athletics, a testament to its safety and quality standards. Surpassing our expectations, the event attracted a significantly larger number of participants from the region. Our unwavering dedication to maintaining continuity and adhering to strict health measures sets us apart. This marked a significant milestone for our organization, serving as a validation of our efforts.
It is important to emphasize that the half-marathon is not solely a sporting event but also a tourism opportunity. We received registrations from approximately 1,600 individuals representing 36 countries worldwide. While the half-marathon does not coincide with the peak tourist season in Mostar, it generates a surge in demand for accommodations and significantly boosts consumption in local hospitality establishments. We are immensely proud that our event resonated with people, transforming our city into a vibrant hub of positive energy and a strong sense of unity.
Organizing the Mostar Run Weekend comes with immense time commitments, alongside our regular jobs and familial responsibilities. The hours dedicated to this endeavor cannot be quantified in monetary terms. However, the satisfaction and joy we derive from successfully hosting each race, as well as witnessing the reactions of participants, are priceless.
Our sole motivation is to contribute to the betterment of Mostar, at least for those three days, fostering a positive and vibrant atmosphere. We strive to ensure that all the guests and runners leave with the most heartfelt and beautiful impression of our city, serving as a treasured memory they carry within their hearts.