On September 20 and 21, Sarajevo will host the Sarajevo Run Fest 2025, the largest running event in Bosnia and Herzegovina, celebrating this year a special milestone – the 18th edition of the Sarajevo Half Marathon.
The two-day festival will gather more than 2,000 runners, recreational athletes, children, families, and visitors from over 50 countries, reaffirming Sarajevo’s reputation as a city of sports, healthy living, and open doors. In addition to the half marathon, the program includes the Crvena Jabuka Market Bambini Marathon, the Intersport Fun Run, and the Fitpass 5K, creating a vibrant atmosphere of sport, community, and fun in the heart of the capital.
Marking the “coming of age” of the half marathon, organizers presented a special anniversary medal symbolizing tradition, perseverance, and nearly two decades of shared memories. The humanitarian spirit of the festival also continues this year through cooperation with the Older Brother, Older Sister Foundation, whose members will symbolically participate in the race to highlight inclusion and solidarity. Another initiative, “Caring for Children is a Marathon! Be the Godfather of the Family,” launched with SOS Children’s Villages BiH, further underscores the festival’s mission to connect sport with community and humanity.
Elvedin Tunović, Executive Director of NGO Marathon, emphasized the broader vision behind the event:
“We are proud that every year we attract an increasing number of domestic and international participants. Sarajevo is now recognized as a city of sport, healthy living, and open doors. As we celebrate the 18th anniversary of the half marathon, we invite everyone—whether they run, walk, cheer, or volunteer—to be part of this story,” said Tunović.
This year’s Sarajevo Half Marathon also doubles as the national half marathon championship, ensuring the participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s best long-distance runners. The certified AIMS race route will guide participants through some of Sarajevo’s most scenic areas, from Zmaj od Bosne and Vilsonovo šetalište to Vrbanja and Franc Lehar.
For the first time, thanks to cooperation with Sport Vision BiH and adidas, participants will run in official event T-shirts—black for men and pink for women—placing Sarajevo Run Fest alongside other prestigious global running events supported by the adidas brand.
The festival is organized with the support of the Sarajevo Canton’s Ministry of Culture and Sports, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Tourist Board of Sarajevo Canton, and the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo. Main sponsors include Red Apple, Intersport, Fitpass, Vivia, BH Telecom, Sport Vision, and Powerade.
