GoPro RMC Banja Luka Half Marathon gathered some 2,000 runners from 40 countries on Saturday to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH’s) city of Banja Luka, located some 200 kilometers northwest of the capital Sarajevo, the official website stated the same day.
In the 21 kilometers-long race, the first place in men’s category was taken by Kenyan Paul Tiongik (1:02:31), second by Noel Hitimana (1:05:17) and third by Jean Baptiste Simueka (1:05:28).
On the women’s side, Ivine Lagat won the first place with result od 1:12:41, second was Ruth Nundu Mbatha (1:14:04), and third Helen Jepkosgei Kimutai.
Half Marathonis the central race of the “Vivia Run & More Weekend” held under slogan “Running belongs to everyone!” calling all people aged from 2 years-old to 92 years-old to participate.
The “Vivia Run & More Weekend”festival gathered around 7,000 runners who participated in six races, as well as 10,000 visitors, guests and fans on the streets of the city.
Apart from semi-marathon race, there will be races on 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers, Team Run, School Run, Bambini marathon for children and Colour Fun Run.
Organizer Goran Coric said that this is the biggest festival of running and entertainment in the region.
The second festival of sports, education and entertainment “Vivia Run & More Weekend” is taking place from April 19-21 in Banja Luka and it is organized by the Support Marketing Center, the Banja Luka Athletic Club Banja Luka and the Run & More Community Team.