On Sunday, 13,000 participants from 72 countries around the world will be running through Belgrade.

Everything is ready for the start of the 37th Comtrade Belgrade Marathon. The most massive sports event in Serbia will break numerous records this year, and at the same time, many new features in organization will be seen.

The three main races are separated. The marathon race starts at 8 o’clock, the half marathon and relay half marathon at 9:30h, and the 10-kilometre race at 11:00h. The fun run will start at 13:00h. The start is traditionally at Saint Mark’s Church, and the finish line is at Terazije.

At the press conference held at the Belgrade City Assembly, various aspects of the organization were discussed by Darko Habuš, the director of the Belgrade Marathon, Marko Kešelj, the state secretary at the Ministry of Sports, Nikola Penić, the city secretary for sports, and special guest Michael Nishi, the head of the Chicago Marathon, one of the six most famous in the world.

Darko Habuš expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the organization of the Belgrade Marathon.

“Every year we have plenty of novelties. We are grateful to Minister of Sports Zoran Gajić and Mayor of Belgrade Aleksandar Šapić for their great support. It’s significant to have individuals in those positions who have achieved top results in sports. Only together can we raise the standards. I want to announce that Belgrade will be a candidate for the European Street Running Championships in 2027. It will be a fantastic prelude to the Expo, and after that, the Belgrade Marathon, which will then be held for the 40th time, will no longer be the same event.”

The number of foreigners participating in the Belgrade Marathon is increasing every year.

“Over 3000 participants from abroad indicate that we are a desirable sports tourism event. We are constantly progressing, and that is very important. We have learned from the Chicago Marathon and are trying to implement that in all aspects. I invite all our fellow citizens to come out onto the streets and support the marathon runners. Thanks to all the partners who have understood the significance and potential that the Belgrade Marathon holds,” said Habuš, before elaborating on the novelties at the 37th Belgrade Marathon:

“We will have around 110 volunteers on electric scooters directly on the track, deployed at 27 points so they can quickly reach those in need, with response times reduced to less than a minute. We will also have three field hospitals. Software support has been provided, which we tested in November, and at any given moment, we will know the density of runners on the track, as well as the location of all our vehicles on the track through GPS device control. This will enable us to know exactly where each runner is, allowing us to gradually open streets.”

This is a significant organizational improvement for the Belgrade Marathon, all aimed at enabling the best possible movement for our fellow citizens,” concluded Habuš.

The City Secretary for Sports and Youth, Nikola Penić, emphasized that the Belgrade Marathon is the most significant sports event the city hosts.

“The Secretariat for Sports and Youth has also allocated significant funds for the marathon this year. We have provided full logistical support for a record-breaking 15,000 participants from over 70 countries. I wish everyone the best of luck in organizing the 37th Belgrade Marathon, and I believe it will be the best one yet in every aspect.”

Marko Kešelj, the State Secretary at the Ministry of Sports, stated that the Government of Serbia intends to support and organize major sports events in our country.

“The Belgrade Marathon has a great tradition, and I greet all participants, wishing them to feel great and enjoy the spectacle.”

The Belgrade and Chicago marathons have been sister events since 2022, continuing the friendship between the two cities. Michael Nishi, the director of the Chicago Marathon, emphasized the importance of collaboration for the development of marathons.

“Thank you for inviting me; this is an incredible experience for me. I’ve been welcomed by friends, and our relationship is great. We have been sister cities since 2005, and the Belgrade Marathon is one of our partners. We’ve developed the spirit of the marathon; we want to elevate this sport both globally and locally. The goal is for both competitors and everyone involved in this unique event to enjoy themselves,” Niši said in one breath.

The Belgrade Marathon will be broadcast live by TV Arena Sport using 35 cameras and over 120 personnel. The 37th edition of the Comtrade Belgrade Marathon will also have a humanitarian aspect, realized through the “Heroes of the Belgrade Marathon” project. By sending an SMS with the content “heroji” to 3023, funds will be donated to help people with disabilities.