The White Cross is being held for the 58th time at Ušće.

The White Cross, one of the most renowned and long-standing running events in Serbia, will be held for the 58th time on Sunday, March 2, at 11 AM in Belgrade, at the Friendship Park in Ušće. This prestigious sporting event is organized by the Belgrade Marathon with the support of the Serbian Athletics Federation, while the funding for its realization has been provided by the City of Belgrade and the Ministry of Sports.

At the press conference held for the White Cross at the Athletics Hall in Banjica, the media were addressed by Slobodan Branković, Director of the Serbian Athletics Federation, Darko Habuš, Director of the Belgrade Marathon, and renowned Serbian athlete Elzan Bibić, who is this year’s promoter of the White Cross.

“The fact that this event is being organized for the 58th time speaks volumes about its significance,” said Slobodan Branković in his opening remarks, and then added:

“We are approaching the 60th edition, and I don’t even need to emphasize how important that is. Last year, the Belgrade Marathon took over the technical organization, and everything has been elevated to an even higher level. I am convinced that we will be excellent hosts and organizers, and I hope that all athletics enthusiasts will be at Ušće on Sunday, finding their place among the best competitors from Serbia and the region,” emphasized Branković.

The City of Belgrade, specifically the Secretariat for Sports and Youth, has significantly contributed to the realization of the 58th White Cross by providing the necessary funds for its financing.

“I must mention the Secretariat for Sports of the City of Belgrade and the Ministry of Sports of the Republic of Serbia. Everything we do would not be possible without the support of the City of Belgrade and the Serbian government. Of course, I also want to thank the sponsors and donors who help athletics thrive and achieve top results.”

Darko Habuš expressed his satisfaction that the White Cross is yet another running event organized by the Belgrade Marathon.

“This is one of the oldest and most significant sports events in our country. Technically, we are the organizers together with the Serbian Athletics Federation, with whom we have excellent cooperation and jointly promote athletics. The White Cross is a combination of tradition, endurance, and sportsmanship. We will have the opportunity to see competitors ranging from the youngest to seniors on the track. This year, we have also revived the races for the military and police. Everything we do here should be the foundation of a healthy lifestyle and recreation. I wish everyone to achieve their sports goals on Sunday.”

The Belgrade Marathon faces numerous challenges in the upcoming period, with the most important being the European Championship in road running in 2027, for which preparations have long since begun.

“We want to present ourselves in the best light on the world stage. I believe we are doing this in the best possible way with the Serbian Athletics Federation, our institutions, and partners,” said Darko Habuš.

Elzan Bibić will not be on the track this year, but as a promoter, he will support the participants of the White Cross.

“I have fond memories associated with the White Cross. That competition was, in a way, a springboard in my career. I’m sad that I won’t be running on Sunday, as the European Indoor Championships are coming up soon. I must say that since last year, when the Belgrade Marathon took over the event, everything has been elevated to a much higher level. We have once again proven that we can organize the biggest events at the highest level, from the Balkan to the European and World Championships. I wish all the competitors ‘light legs,’ and they will have my full support,” said Elzan Bibić.

COMPETITION SCHEDULE AND PROGRAM:

11:00 AM – MILITARY AND POLICE RACE – 1.5 km

11:15 AM – U16 GIRLS – 1.5 km (Eligibility for U16 and U14)

11:15 AM – U16 BOYS – 1.5 km (Eligibility for U16 and U14)

11:35 AM – U20 WOMEN – 4.5 km (Eligibility for U20 and U18)

12:05 PM – U20 MEN – 4.5 km (Eligibility for U20 and U18)

12:30 PM – SENIOR WOMEN – 6 km (Eligibility for SEN, U20, and U18)

13:05 PM – SENIOR MEN – 6 km (Eligibility for SEN, U20, and U18)