News

Annual Ladja Marathon boat race brings huge crowds to the Neretva riverbank

Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to be watching the 26th annual Ladja Marathon boat race on the Neretva river near Dubrovnik

Written by
Nikolas Pfanner
Junior Journalist
Ladja Marathon
Ladja Marathon
Advertising

Croatia is famed as a sailing nation, but this legacy isn't limited to maritime activities – the inland rivers and waterways of Europe have played their part, too. This history is celebrated every year in the Neretva river valley near Dubrovnik during the magnificent Ladja Marathon boat race. Using centuries-old indigenous designs, more than 400 oarsmen will traverse a course 22.5 kilometres long, starting from Metković Bridge and finishing at the sea in Ploče. 

Ladja Marathon
Ladja Marathon

Each boat usually consists of ten rowers, a drummer to keep pace and a helmsman. Teams compete each year to win the coveted 37kg bronze shield of Duke Domagoj. With 30 boats, hundreds of racers, and tens of thousands of spectators, the Ladja Marathon is the largest event of its type in the region. 

Participants set off at 5pm on Saturday, August 12, for the 26th annual running of the race. For more details and to learn more about the history of the event, see the Ladja Marathon website

Where: From Metković Bridge to Ploče. When: August 12, 5pm.

You may also like
You may also like
Advertising