Ostrog Halfmarathon

The Ostrog Half Marathon is one of the most challenging half marathon tracks in existence. Legend has it that it exists somewhere between the two cities of Nikšić (at 647m above sea level) and Ostrog (at 639m). The race begins at Shaka Petrović Square at the foot of Petrova Glavica, the home of the magnificent Cathedral of St. Vasilije Ostroški and the imposing sculpture of the Mother of God, crafted by Russian sculptor Vjačeslav Klikov, whom St. Vasilije had great admiration for. The running track takes runners through the city center, symbolically replicating the path of St. Vasilije's Liturgy (held on May 12th, one of the largest Christian festivals). The trail then continues through the village of Kličevo, going over 18 arches of the Emperor's Bridge on the River Zeta, up the hill Pandurica and rocky Povija, before finally ending in front of the Lower Monastery of Ostrog, where the winners of the half marathon are ceremoniously crowned. This demanding race is a metaphor for a spiritual journey of self-transcendence. It is an example of how one can overcome oneself and achieve one's goals. The ones who reach the top of the podium at the Ostrog Half Marathon, completing the track that pushed them to go beyond their limits, will serve as an inspiration for future athletic endeavors.The Ostrog Monastery, the most visited sanctuary in Montenegro, and the third most visited in the world (after the tomb of Christ and the Holy Mountain), is known for miracles, attracting people from all walks of life who are looking for physical and mental healing. For the past 20 years, a group of athletes and running enthusiasts from Nikšić have been running the 20km journey from the temple to the monastery of Ostrog in honor of the Saint.