On September 20 and 21, Sarajevo will once again host the largest running event in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Sarajevo Run Fest 2025. This two-day sports festival includes the children’s race Crvena jabuka market Bambini marathon, the Intersport Fun Run, a recreational team and individual 5K race under the slogan “Run or walk, you choose” and the 18th edition of the Sarajevo Half Marathon, which is thus symbolically marked as “coming of age”. This continues the tradition of gathering runners from all over the world in the heart of Sarajevo, with participants expected to arrive from more than 50 countries.
“Sarajevo Run Fest has become a recognizable symbol of the city, an event that promotes healthy living, togetherness and inclusion. We are particularly pleased with the fact that the number of domestic and international runners, as well as spectators, who recognize Sarajevo as a city of sports and open doors, is increasing every year,” said Elvedin Tunović, executive director of the NGO Marathon association, which is behind the organization of the festival.
This year’s half marathon course has received the official AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) certification, which guarantees international standards in precision and quality of the route, and this year’s special attention is also drawn by the fact that for the first time, participants will have the opportunity to wear official Adidas T-shirts. The event, as in previous years, also has a humanitarian component – cooperation with the “Older Brother, Older Sister” foundation, which underlines the importance of running not only as a sport, but also as a means for social change and community bonding.
“This year we are celebrating the 18th anniversary of the Sarajevo Half Marathon, which is more than just symbolic for us. It is confirmation that there is a strong running community in Bosnia and Herzegovina and that together we have managed to build an event that inspires and connects people. And that is why we invite everyone – whether they run, walk, cheer or volunteer – to join us and be part of this story,” adds Tunović.
Standard registrations for all races are open until September 8, while the deadline for registration is September 15, provided that the race capacity is not previously filled. Group registrations are possible until September 1 with a 20% discount on the current registration price.
The organization of Sarajevo Run Fest 2025 was supported by the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Sarajevo Canton, the City of Sarajevo, the Tourist Board of Sarajevo Canton, the Ministry of Transport of Sarajevo Canton, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Sarajevo Canton, and the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo. The main sponsors of the event are Crvena jabuka, Intersport, Vivia, Sport Vision and Powerade.
