World elite at the 12th VIDOVDAN ROAD RACE in Bosnia-Herzegovina

At a press conference held today, Race Director Borislav Djurdjevic, Secretary-General Alen Raslic and Chief Security Officer Risto Lugonjic informed that Vidovdan Road Race is about to meet all the conditions needed to get an IAAF silver or gold label.

This is a great achievement for Brcko and the entire Bosnia-Herzegovina, especially for its athletics and sports in general. To host such a high-ranking sporting event is not only a matter of prestige, but also an indication of development of a society. This indicates that Brcko is a leader in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and that Bosnia-Herzegovina is one of the countries that hosts an athletics event which is known and recognised all over the world, Djurdjevic said.

He informed that this year's favourites will be one of the best long-distance runners Patrik Makau from Kenya and Olivera Jevtic from Serbia. A huge number of male and female athletes from several continents are expected to participate, and there will be at least five competitors from the IAAF top 50 list in both categories.

It was informed at the press conference that BHT 1 from Sarajevo will provide live coverage of the race, and that journalists will be provided with excellent working conditions in a press centre that will be open for this event.

Secretary-General Alen Raslic informed that athletes from 42 countries have applied to participate, and that it is realistic to expect that athletes from 35 countries will take part. 7000 participants in all categories are expected to finish the race, and the biggest number of participants is traditionally expected in the  kids' race.  
Mr.Lugonjić's estimate is that 25000 spectators will watch the race, at least 2000 of them will come from other countries and 5000 from other parts of Bosnia-Herzegovina. He stressed that supporters behaving in a sportly manner have been the “trademark” of Vidovdan Road Race all these years.  He added that all those who will not be able to stand by the track and watch the race and its finish will have a chance to see all that on a big screen to be installed near the finish line.