Last night, the ninth edition of the Imlek Impact Sarajevo city night race was held in Sarajevo. The fastest on the 10-kilometer course were the Russian representative Viacheslav Sokolov, who celebrated in the men’s competition with a time of 31:53, and the Hungarian representative Tünde Szabó, who defended last year’s title and won the women’s competition with a time of 37:48. More than 700 male and female runners from Bosnia and Herzegovina and numerous other countries took part in a unique race that connected three recognizable sports symbols of the capital city: the Zetra Olympic Arena and the Koševo and Grbavica stadiums.
“Last year I came second in Sarajevo, and this year I came back with a clear plan and I am delighted that it brought me victory. The rain made the race much more demanding, especially on the sections around the Grbavica stadium, but the temperature was ideal for running and I managed to stay focused from start to finish. The Sarajevo Marathon has a unique and very interesting route that requires good tactics, not just speed, which is why I always enjoy returning to Sarajevo. I hope to stay healthy and I believe we will see each other again at the Sarajevo Half Marathon in September,” said the race winner, Viacheslav Sokolov.
The title of the fastest Sarajevan was won by Berin Mušanović with a time of 34:19, while the fastest Sarajevan was Emina Alagić with a time of 39:50. The overall race results are available on the OnTime Timing platform.
The special award “Soul of Man”, which is traditionally awarded to individuals who, through their actions, promote humanity, solidarity and selfless support for others, this year went to Eldin Omeragić.
“Year after year, the Sarajevo Festival confirms that it is much more than a sports race. This is an event that brings together people of different generations and backgrounds, promotes a healthy life, humanity and togetherness, and at the same time represents Sarajevo in a special way. I thank all the participants, partners, institutions, volunteers and citizens who once again showed that our city knows how to host great sports events,” said Elvedin Tunović, executive director of the Sarajevo Marathon Association.
This year’s edition of Sarajevo cener also had a strong humanitarian dimension through cooperation with the “Older Brother, Older Sister” Foundation, whose work was supported. The special symbolism of the event was given by the burgundy and blue motifs on the official T-shirts and medals, which once again sent a message of unity and connection between Sarajevo’s two biggest sports rivals. The racing atmosphere was additionally completed by numerous citizens along the route, as well as the entertainment program in the finish area in front of the Zetra Olympic Arena.
The Marathon Sarajevo Association has been developing the culture of recreational running and an active lifestyle for almost two decades through the organization of the largest road races in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the Sarajevo Running Festival and the Sarajevo Race. Through its projects, the association continuously promotes sports, urban tourism, social responsibility and community values.
The implementation of this year’s Imlek Impact Sarajevo festival was supported by Powerade, Olimpija, Klas and Mak Zara, together with numerous partners who recognize the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle, recreation and sports in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The organizer of the race, the Sarajevo Marathon Association, has been promoting recreational running, healthy living and urban tourism for almost two decades through events such as the Sarajevo Half Marathon and Run Fest Sarajevo and the Sarajevo Running Club. Through its activities, the Association emphasizes social responsibility through humanitarian action and actively contributes to the development of sports culture and positive energy in the community.
