SARAJEVO, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- On a cold snowy Sunday, some 190 persons participated in the first "Unusual 42.195km Sarajevo", the first marathon of this type in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
The marathon began at 10 am local time after Kondo Sead, BiH sportsman who has set the record in the marathon in BiH and former Yugoslavia, gave a sign.
Three hours later, the winner of 42km-long marathon was Matthew Simonson, followed by Emir Hastor and Samir Mehmedagic, BiH citizens who like to run, and they are not professionals in this sports.
Participants ran through five municipalities in Sarajevo, over Miljacka and Zeljeznica Rivers, and through the snow.
Organizers explained for Xinhua that it is different from usual marathons in a way that there are no judges, but every participant wears special GPS systems.
"What is specific is that we did not stop the traffic. In cooperation with Ministry of Internal Affairs of Canton Sarajevo, the intersections were regulated and the passage to runners was opened," Elmir Cerimagic, president of Athlete Club "Novo Sarajevo" said.
"We want to believe that the runners are good and honest people, and hence we will value the information on a cell phone, clock or pedometer, and by the account on the STRAVA application," Cerimgic added, explaining that this GPS running the STRAVA application can be downloaded on smartwatch or mobile phone and allows users to track running and riding with GPS, join challenges, share photos, and follow friends.
"The marathon is run for the first time in January, during winter, what makes this marathon even more specific," Cerimagic said.
After the marathon, Anila Gajevic, owner of Casting and talent agency "Zona" and a member of the delegation who filmed an international movie in Beijing in 2017, told Xinhua that she participated in marathon together with her two colleague.
"I think it is a great idea to organize a marathon for amateurs in our city. I especially congratulate to organizers, participants, who were amazing," Gajevic said, adding proudly that she finished the marathon.
Amra Dzikic, 21 years-old, said that this is the first marathon she tried to finish, however, she did not manage, especially part where there are lots of snow.
"This is a historical marathon for Sarajevo, for me as well. Next year, I will try to finish it for sure," Dzikic said.
