20th Anniversary Maraton Lađa in Neretva this Weekend

The traditional sporting event celebrates its 20th anniversary (Photo: www.maraton.ladja)

An annual traditional sporting event held on the second Saturday in August in Croatia will be held for the 20th time on Saturday 12 August 2017.

Maraton lađa is a rowing competition which involves racing of traditional vessels, known as lađa, which are native to the Lower Neretva River which flows through Croatia. Lađa were used by the old Neretva pirates, who terrorized the area back in the 10th century.

To preserve the traditions of the old Lađa, the 22.5 kilometer rowing race from Metković to Ploče was introduced for the first time in 1998.

(Photo: maraton.ladja)

Competing Lađa’s must meet certain requirements. Apart from being wooden, they must be between 7 and 8.2 meters in length, between 2.45 and 2.8 meters wide, 70cm deep, with 23 spokes or wooden rods. The oars must also be made of wood.

Lađa boat (Photo: maraton.ladja)

The women’s Maraton lađa race, which is held over 10 kilometers, was held on Thursday from Opuzen to Metković.

Neretva Valley (Photo: Ivo Biocina / Source: CNTB)

If you are in the area this Saturday the men’s Maraton lađa race will start at 17:00.