PHOTOS: 250 runners from around the world run unique Ston Wall Marathon

Stop Wall Marathon

STON, 22 September 2019 – More than 250 runners from Croatia and across the globe gathered in the village of Ston on Croatia’s Pelješac peninsula this weekend to compete in the unique Ston Wall Marathon which takes place on the longest preserved fortress in Europe.

The winner in the 4 km category was Marko Tot in a time of 18:46 minutes, whilst the first female runner was Sara Andrijić which finished in 23:05 minutes.

In the 15 km category the winners were Phil Payne and Kim Lo in times of 1:04:56 and 1:16:15 h. 

The winners of the marathon were Matija Ivakovic and Therese Löfqvist in times of 3:36:31h (Matija) and 4:14:54h (Therese). Both winners won entry and accommodation to the Conquerthewallmarathon which takes place on the Great Wall of China.

The Ston Wall Marathon was held this year as part of the Zero Waste Blue project, whose main goal is to analyse the negative effects of organising sporting events in specific areas. This year, plastic cups, as well as plates and cutlery was replaced by biodegradable cups, plates and cutlery. There were no plastic bottles used at the race.

Runner’s numbers were also made of special materials with no heavy metals and the medals were made of natural materials – stone just like the prizes for the winners.

The winners received souvenirs made by children with special needs from the “Children of Peljesac” association, and products from local manufacturers were used at the race, reduced logistics costs and CO2 emissions.

The Ston Walls were built in 1333 when Ston became a part of the Republic of Dubrovnik. Their purpose was to defend the Republic and the peninsula and is considered one of the best planned and best structured cities in Europe. The walls of Ston were a massive architecture and construction feat. Originally 7,000-meters long, they consist of several parts; the Ston city walls, the Mali Ston city walls and the Big wall with its three forts. The walls were last used in the 19th century for defense of the city and salt pans, and today they are a priceless monument of immense architectural and cultural value.

Organisers of the Ston Wall Marathon were Udruga Biseri Hrvatske whose aim is to promote the natural beauties of Croatia. There was also support from Društva prijatelja dubrovačkih starina and Tourist Boards of Ston and Dubrovnik-Neretva County.