BOAT MARATHON

BOAT MARATHON

The Neretva River Boat Marathon is a unique story of tradition, strength and togetherness that turns into one of the most memorable events on the Croatian tourist scene every year. Organized by the Neretva Boatmen's Association, this impressive race combines sport, heritage and spectacle in an authentic way that can rarely be experienced anywhere else.

On a picturesque 22.5-kilometer route, from Metković via Opuzen to Ploče, competitors in traditional Neretva boats face a challenge that requires exceptional endurance, perfect synchronization and unwavering team spirit. What makes this race especially captivating is not only the competition, but also the atmosphere that accompanies it.

The start in Metković is a moment that remains etched in the memory, where more than thirty boats, densely lined up on the water, move towards the finish line with a strong and rhythmic sound in a scene that simultaneously exudes strength, emotion and tradition. At that moment, the Neretva becomes the stage, and the rowers are its main actors.

Along the entire route, tens of thousands of spectators gather on the riverbanks, bridges, and boats, creating a lively backdrop that further emphasizes the magnitude of this event. The energy of the audience, the natural beauty of the Neretva landscape, and the exciting race merge into an experience that goes beyond classic sports competitions.

Today, the Marathon Boat Race is much more than a race. It is a symbol of the identity of the Neretva River, but also a strong ambassador of Croatian tourism. Through television broadcasts and media presence, this event attracts the attention of viewers and visitors from all over the world every year, inviting them to discover Croatia through an authentic experience that combines tradition, nature and passion for sport.

For all those looking for an experience that inspires, takes your breath away and leaves a lasting impression – the Boat Marathon is not just an event, but an emotion to be lived.

BASIC RULES AND A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE SHIP MARATHON

The Boat Marathon is a traditional sports and cultural event held every year on the Neretva River, with the aim of preserving the Neretva heritage, promoting unity and sportsmanship. Over the years, the Boat Marathon has grown into one of the most important amateur sports competitions in the Republic of Croatia, gathering a large number of participants from the country and abroad.

The race is held on the route Metković - Ploče, approximately 22.5 kilometers long, and the start is at 17:00 under the Port Bridge in Metković. The right to participate is open to male Croatian and foreign citizens who are at least 15 years old by the date of the Marathon. Minor participants older than 15 years of age may participate only with the written consent of a parent or guardian.

Each boating association or team is required to apply for participation no later than July 31st of the current year using the official form of the Neretva Boating Association.

The competition takes place under completely equal conditions for all participants. All teams row in unique boats that are built according to strictly prescribed dimensions and rules, ensuring equality of competitors. All elements of equipment are also prescribed, including oars, rudder, mast and flags.

During the race, only 12 crew members may be on the boat: 10 rowers, 1 helmsman (coxswain) and 1 drummer. Crew changes are permitted within the team during the race, provided that no more than ten rowers are rowing at any one time.

Rowing is performed with traditional wooden oars, while the pair is made of wood of prescribed dimensions. Each boat is required to have a wooden mast with three flags of precisely specified dimensions: the upper flag with the competitor's number, the middle flag of the association or team, and the lower flag of the sponsor. All dimensions and the method of placing the flags are clearly defined in the regulations.

During the race, all teams are required to move within the defined navigation corridor and respect the rules regulated by the refereeing organization appointed by the organizer.

A few days before the main race, the so-called speed races, which represent shorter competitive sections. Based on the results achieved in the speed races, the order of selection of starting positions is determined, whereby the most successful teams have the right to choose the first starting position at the Boat Marathon.

As for the prizes, the top 10 teams in the overall standings win cash prizes. The top three teams additionally win small shields of Prince Domagoj and medals, while the winning team also wins the transitional shield of Prince Domagoj. The team that achieves three consecutive victories in the Ship Marathon acquires the right to permanent ownership of the shield of Prince Domagoj.

In addition to the Boat Marathon, there is also the Women's Boat Marathon, which is traditionally held every year in August on the Metković-Opuzen route. Interest in the Women's Boat Marathon has grown so much over the years that a separate Women's Boat Marathon was launched in 2014. The Boat Marathon represents a combination of sport, tradition and identity, and as such has exceptional significance for the local community and the wider public.