Brilliant victory and record for Bibić at the Belgrade Half Marathon
Sunday, 26. November 2023
Elzan Bibić marked the fourth edition of the Belgrade Half Marathon, which saw a record-breaking 4,080 participants from 42 countries despite extremely cold weather. Serbia’s representative clinched victory in the 21.095-kilometer race with a time of 62:15 minutes.
The young man from Novi Pazar broke the course record previously held by Moroccan runner Mohamed El Gauzani, who stopped the clock at 62:43 last year. Bibić missed breaking the national half marathon record by just four seconds, which remains held by Janko Benša since 1998 at 62:11.
The aforementioned El Gauzani finished second this time, reaching the finish line in 62:57, while the bronze medal was secured by Chilean runner Carlos Martin Diaz with a time of 63:53. Fourth place went to Vijani Niyokumiza from Burundi (65:09), followed by Dixon Niyakandi finishing fifth in 66:47.
“I expected even colder weather, so I felt comfortable during the race. I started strong, keeping pace with last year’s winner El Gauzani from Morocco. The course is demanding but beautiful, leading through the stunning parts of Belgrade. I must admit I enjoyed it. Towards the end, I was certain I’d break the national record, and I relaxed too much in the last 200 meters. I’m not regretful because on such a challenging course, I’ve shown I’m ready for an even better result. I had to leave something for next year,”Bibić said after the race.
There were no surprises in the women’s race. Kenyan athlete Tereza Omoza, arriving in Serbia with the best result, won with a time of 72:38. Kavalina Nahimana from Burundi followed the winner by 16 seconds, while another Kenyan, Silvia Meduga, secured third place with 77:06 minutes.
In the men’s 10-kilometer race, representing Serbia, Đuro Borbelj triumphed with a time of 31:11 minutes. Vyačeslav Sokolov from Russia finished second (31:55), and Uroš Gutić claimed third place (32:50).
On the same 10-kilometer distance in the women’s category, Milica Tomašević from Serbia crossed the finish line first (36:49). Bulgarian Emi Pamela secured second place (37:47), while Tea Božinovska from Macedonia finished third (37:51).
Apart from the half marathon and the 10-kilometer race, there was also the Sava osiguranje Family Race covering 2.3 kilometers, which had a charitable purpose. All proceeds were dedicated to the Humanitarian Organization “Children’s Heart.”
“Elzan Bibić came close to breaking the national record, and the other elite competitors lived up to expectations despite the extremely cold weather. It’s great to see this event gain significant international recognition. Most importantly for us, over the past year and a half, we’ve regained the trust of the running community in Serbia, and that’s what makes us all proud.” He further added,
“Elzan Bibić came close to breaking the national record, and the other elite competitors lived up to expectations despite the extremely cold weather. It’s great to see this event gain significant international recognition. Most importantly for us, over the past year and a half, we’ve regained the trust of the running community in Serbia, and that’s what makes us all proud.”The Belgrade Half Marathon, organized by the Belgrade Marathon under the patronage of the City of Belgrade and with the support of the Serbian Athletics Federation, concluded this year’s running season in Serbia.