We asked the people of Subotica: “Will you run the Subotica Half Marathon?”
Answers that made us laugh, inspired us and made us look forward to 31 August even more. In the city centre, on Korzo, at Radijalac, by the Sports Hall and even at Palić, we asked people just one thing: “Will you take part in the Subotica Half Marathon?” We had no idea how interesting, emotional and full of local pride the answers would be. Because the Subotica Half Marathon is not just a race, it is a story about the people who make Subotica special.
Marko, 28, from Palić: “I don’t miss a single race in town and this is my third Subotica Half Marathon. Last year I ran under 1:45, now I’m aiming for 1:40. But honestly, what I love most is that feeling when we run through the centre and people cheer us on from the sidelines. There’s no better training for the ego!” he says, adding that this is his annual “festival of endurance”, and that after the race he plans to head straight for pancakes with his crew. Tradition is tradition.
Milica, 41, from Radijalac: “I’ll be running with colleagues from work. 10 kilometres each, just enough to get out of breath, but not to ‘drop dead’. Last year we had personalised T-shirts, this year we’re thinking about caps. If we’re running anyway, at least let everyone remember us!” Milica adds that the team will have an interesting name, and that the goal is to reach the finish with a smile, but not at any cost, rather for the enjoyment.
Petar, 9 years old: “I’ll be running in the little race! Mum and Dad run the real one, I’m going with Grandma. I had trainers with lightning bolts, but I outgrew them, so now I have ones with dragons.” Petar says he ran the course for the youngest for the first time last year and got a medal that he keeps next to his Lego bricks. He says the half marathon is “the best day in Subotica because you can shout and nobody tells you to be quiet”.
Ana, 33, from the centre: “I won’t be running, but the half marathon is one of my favourite events of the year. I make a support sign for my sister: colourful, big, with lots of humour. Last year it said: ‘If you could survive three relationships, you can do 21 km too!’” Ana adds that this time she plans to stand at the 18th kilometre, “because that’s where it’s hardest. In the race, and in life.”
Jovan, 66, pensioner: “I used to run back when I worked at the Post Office. I can’t any more, but every year I come out, sit in front of my house and cheer. I give some of them water, and the odd one some sugar when I see they’ve gone pale.” Jovan adds that the race matters for the city. “It’s lovely to see everyone breathing together, young and old, those who run and those who wave.”
And you? Have you decided to be part of this story? There are 23 days left until the race, and registration runs until noon on 20 August! Just enough time to put on your trainers, call your crew and register. The Subotica Half Marathon is not just a sporting event. It is the day when Subotica shows how big its heart is – big, running and cheerful.
Registration is open here! See you on 31 August in Subotica as we Run through History!