BELGRADE MARATHON Race through the heart of the city More than just a sporting event, this is a happening that brings together people and cultures through a love of running. It is a day when the entire city turns into a big stage that celebrates endurance, togetherness and the spirit of Belgrade T here’s something special you’re a professional or a rec- reational runner, or simply a about cities that live for their marathon. Whether fan of good atmospheres, the Belgrade Marathon is one of the most important sporting events in this part of Europe, each year bringing together runners from more than 70 countries. It is held in April (on 6 th this year), when the city emerges from its winter slumber and the streets become a multicoloured race course. More than 11,000 participants are expected to compete again this year and will have the opportunity to choose between running a marathon (42 km and 195 m), half marathon (21.1 km) or 10-kilometre race.
nities to grab a high-quality meal before the race, and you can organise your fa- mous “carb loading” evening ahead of the race at the city’s numerous restaurants and bakeries that offer the perfect bal- ance of carbohydrates and proteins. Ital- ian restaurants, such as those in the vi- cinity of Skadarlija or located along Kralja Petra and Strahinjića Bana streets, offer excellent pasta and pizzas that are ideal for refuelling ahead of the race. Bakeries are known for their quality, and their bu- rek pies and other pastries are a good and tasty source of carbohydrates. If you pre- fer a healthier approach, numerous salads with pasta, quinoa or rice are available at the trendy bistros of Savamala or Dorćol. One of the most emotional moments for any marathon runner comes at the end of the race, when they enter the final sec- tion in Kralja Milan Street, with thou- sands of spectators cheering with ap- plause and shouts of encouragement. The finish line lies at the heart of the city, near Hotel Moskva, which represents one of the symbols of Belgrade. Once the marathon is over, Belgrade is ready to welcome the celebrating runners in a way few other cities can. One of the traditions among the runners is gathering at one of the cafés near Republic Square, where you can share your impressions.
The starting line is on one of Belgrade’s most famous boulevards: Kralja Aleksan- dra Boulevard. The runners then head along Nemanjina Street, past the mon- umental building of the former Main Railway Station, and down to the Sava and Danube. For marathon participants, this isn’t only a race – it’s an opportuni- ty to see Belgrade from a perspective that no tour offers. One of the most strik- ing parts of the route is Branko’s Bridge, which offers spectacular views of Kale- megdan fortress that dominates the city’s panorama. As the route continues through New Belgrade, runners pass the Sava Quay, where Belgrade raft venues of- fer views of the river. Passing along Bule- var Nikola Tesla provides a reminder of the contribution of one of the world’s greatest ever scientists, while the atmos- phere of the city is felt at every step. Preparations for any marathon don’t start at the starting line, but rather days in ad- vance. Belgrade offers plenty of opportu-
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