Osječki polumaraton 2009
Osijek Half Marathon
Osijek is in the far north-eastern corner of Croatia, very close to the Hungarian and the Serbian border but 280km from the capital Zagreb. Nevertheless, year by year runners from all parts of the country travel to the city on the banks of the River Drava to compete in this flat and fast half marathon.
Last year, they were joined by a fair number of elite runners from neighbouring countries, notably from Hungary. Olympian Ida Kovacs from Veszprem near Lake Balaton won the women's race, and five Hungarian men finished among the top seven. The top male half marathoner was Roman Kejžar of Slovenia.
Long distance running doesn't seem to be the first choice for women in Slavonia, the eastern part of Croatia. Just 15% of the 153 competitors were ladies, and most of them came from far afield.
Map: Osijek, Trg Ante Starčevića
Event website (in Croatian): Maraton Klub Hrvatski sokol
