Women for Women: A Record Number of Participants at the Traditional dm Women’s Race

The Traditional dm Women’s Race, organized by the Belgrade Marathon, was held for the 17th time at Ada Ciganlija. On the 7.7 km course around Lake Sava, Saima Murić won with a time of 26 minutes and four seconds, followed by Mejra Mehmedović in second place, and Milica Tomašević in third place. Additionally, all participants who successfully completed the race and crossed the finish line received medals and online certificates.

With 2,500 participants, this year’s dm Women’s Race set a record for the number of women crossing the finish line. As in previous years, the race, intended for women of all generations, promoted the importance of physical activity, especially running and walking, as a form of health prevention. Additionally, this year’s race had a humanitarian aspect, fostering togetherness and strengthening solidarity through support and motivation.

“I am proud to say that we had yet another outstanding running event. What brings us particular joy is the fact that street races organized by the Belgrade Marathon continue to show rapid growth in the number of participants, especially women, and I believe this is the best confirmation of the quality of our work.” , said the director of the Belgrade Marathon, Darko Habuš, and then added:

“Half a century ago, women generally didn’t run, and it was believed that running marathons was bad for them, as well as harmful for pregnant women. Now, we’ve reached a point where, in 10-kilometer races, the number of women participants has reached 50 percent, and often even more than men. For example, in the 2007 Belgrade Marathon, there were only 20 female marathon runners from Serbia, whereas this year that number has risen to 200, so we can say that, when it comes to Serbia, women are running more and more. The large turnout at this year’s dm Women’s Race is also significant due to the humanitarian aspect of the event, and I am convinced that all the women at Ada Ciganlija had the opportunity to enjoy it,” Habuš concluded.

In collaboration with the “Heroes of the Belgrade Marathon” Foundation, for each purchased registration, the event’s title sponsor, dm drogerie markt, donated a package of Jessa sanitary pads to members of the Special Olympics from 16 clubs across Serbia, as well as to members of the Sports Association for People with Disabilities in Belgrade. In this way, women ran to help other women and actively contributed to the fight against period poverty.

“Our dm Women’s Race is not just about the kilometres and steps we take on the track, but also about those other steps that bring us closer to ourselves, our bodies, and our health. Every woman standing at the starting line today carries her story, strength, and courage. In the year when dm celebrates 20 years of business in Serbia, we want every woman to feel that she is not alone, that together we are building support and unity that make us unbeatable. Through the entire campaign dedicated to women’s health, we want to provide everyone with moments they can dedicate to themselves, their health, and the beauty they carry within. We are especially pleased that through this year’s dm donation, we are collectively supporting the most vulnerable among us, showing that the strength of women can change the world,” said Svetlana Jovanović Mitić, Marketing and Communications Manager for dm Serbia and North Macedonia. said Svetlana Jovanović Mitić, the Marketing and Communications Manager for dm Serbia and North Macedonia.

As part of the campaign titled “Take Care of Yourself, You Care for Everyone!”, in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the “Heroes of the Belgrade Marathon” Foundation, in collaboration with the MediGroup system, will provide all participants who registered for the race before the closing of online registrations with a gift voucher offering a 15% discount on breast ultrasound examinations. This voucher will be valid from January 1 to March 31, 2025, and will serve as a reminder to have a breast examination next year. Instructions for scheduling the examination are included on the voucher.

All participants received a T-shirt and gifts from sponsors in their starter packages, and, as in previous years, alongside good company and refreshments, an engaging entertainment program was provided, as well as additional activities for the youngest participants.

Support for the organization of this event was once again provided by the City of Belgrade and JP Ada Ciganlija.