At the traditional ceremony titled “Heroes of the Belgrade Marathon 2026,” awards were presented to individuals who have contributed to the development of the Belgrade Marathon, as well as to those who have made a significant impact in promoting inclusion, humanity, and healthy lifestyles. Special recognitions were also given to individuals whose life stories have become symbols of struggle, perseverance, and the belief that obstacles do not have to mean the end of the road.
With this event, the Belgrade Marathon once again unequivocally demonstrated that sports are sometimes much more than just competition, and that this renowned running event in our capital city has, for nearly four decades, brought together thousands of people around noble ideas such as unity, support, and social responsibility.
“The Belgrade Marathon is no longer just a race. It is a moment when thousands of people breathe as one, and when Belgrade shows its most beautiful face — the face of unity, support, and humanity. The heroes we celebrate today have shown that the greatest strength is not in how fast we run, but in how far we are willing to go for one another,” said Habuš.
In front of numerous guests from the world of sports, business, state institutions, media, and the civil sector, the stories of this year’s Heroes of the Belgrade Marathon were especially highlighted—people who, despite difficult life circumstances, illnesses, or disabilities, managed to run a marathon or half-marathon and, through their example, inspired thousands
Among them was nineteen-year-old Pavle Mirović, a young man with autism who became the only person in Europe with this diagnosis to complete both a half marathon and a marathon, together with his coach Desimir Gajić, who has been his greatest support for years. Recognition was also awarded to Andrej Bobocki, who lives with Crohn’s disease and, despite daily health challenges, managed to complete a half marathon, proving that illness does not have to limit human determination. Milan Srdić was also honored after overcoming a severe traffic accident and life in a wheelchair to independently complete a ten-kilometer race, with the support of his friend Nemanja Đurić.
Particularly emotional was the story of Milan Petrović, a completely blind marathon runner and two-time Paralympian, who, with the support of Dejan Ivanković, continued pursuing his goal of becoming the only completely blind runner in the world to complete all six of the world’s major marathons.
Among the award recipients were Dušan Marisavljević, Vladan Simić, Snežana Vešović, Jovan Supurović, Zoja Milinković, and many other participants whose stories showed that a marathon is not only a sporting challenge, but also a space of equal opportunities for everyone.
Special recognition awards were also presented to parents who pushed their children along the marathon course during the race, as well as to humanitarian volunteers who assisted people with disabilities throughout the entire event.
One of the most emotional moments was when an award was presented to Lazar Makulović, who completed his first marathon in a regular basketball wheelchair, without assistance or specialized preparation, independently covering the entire marathon course.
The “Heroes of the Belgrade Marathon” Foundation presented some of its projects aimed at supporting people with disabilities, including the donation of specialized racing wheelchairs, thanks to which more people with disabilities were able to participate equally in this year’s half marathon.
Special emphasis was placed on the importance of inclusion and equal opportunities in sports, with the reminder that the goal is not only to organize a major sporting event, but also to create an environment in which everyone has the right to participate, be accepted, and feel a sense of belonging within the community.
During the ceremony, awards were also presented to numerous institutions, companies, and partners that have supported the development of the Belgrade Marathon and the projects of the “Heroes of the Belgrade Marathon” Foundation for many years.
Among the recipients were representatives of city and state institutions, sports organizations, humanitarian partners, healthcare institutions, media outlets, and companies involved in organizing one of the largest sporting events in the region.
The “Heroes of the Belgrade Marathon” ceremony once again confirmed that the greatest values of a marathon are not found only on the course itself. They live in the people who inspire through their example, bring the community together, and show that it is possible to push boundaries — both personal and societal. It is precisely because of them that the Belgrade Marathon remains far more than just a race.
