"GAT 2025" BRINGS TOGETHER ADVENTURE AND NATURE ENTHUSIASTS ONCE AGAIN

The mountain race "Gat 2025" has grown into a cherished tradition in the heart of Herzegovina. Often called the "Olympus of Gacko" due to its historical significance, Mount Gat once again welcomed nature lovers and elite runners alike with a diverse and engaging program.

For the fourth consecutive year, the challenging 1,000-meter trail was successfully conquered by 57 adults and 120 children. The event attracted great interest, drawing a large crowd of athletes, recreational runners, and fans of the outdoors.

Once again, Uroš Gutić from Nevesinje claimed first place, completing the course in an impressive 5 minutes and 26 seconds. Gutić, a national champion and Republika Srpska record holder in the 3,000 and 5,000 meters, competes in about 80 races annually across the region. Participating for the third year in a row, he expressed his joy in returning to enjoy the natural beauty of Gat.

Second place was secured by Dragan Ilić, also from Nevesinje, while third place went to 13-year-old Nikola Klisara from Pale, who competed in an older category despite his young age.

In the women's division, all top three positions were claimed by competitors from Pale. Last year’s champion, Dijana Terzić, retained her title by completing the trail in 8 minutes and 16 seconds. She was followed by Lana Mališ and Anđelija Vuković in second and third place respectively.

Among the boys, Aleksa Nikolić, Milan Kojović, and Mirko Nikolić recorded the best times. In the girls’ category, the top spots went to Marija Šuković, Nađa Nikolić, and Anđela Miletić.

"We need more activities that promote a healthy lifestyle and highlight our historical and tourism potentials," said Gacko municipality mayor Vukota Govedarica. "The Municipality of Gacko recognizes the efforts of the Gat Association and will continue to fully support them."

He also announced Gacko’s involvement in a cross-border cooperation project with the town of Nikšić, Ston (Croatia), and several local governments in Republika Srpska. “If everything goes according to plan, we hope to begin developing serious tourism infrastructure on Gat next year — a source of pride for Gacko,” he added.

Prizes were awarded to the winners, with gifts and medals for the youngest participants. Special recognition was also given to the oldest runner, Radmilo Nenadić, and the youngest — Matej Govedarica.

Saša Nikolić, president of the Gat Association, emphasized that the race aims to promote the natural and historical significance of Mount Gat. “From the beginning, the race has enjoyed strong support, and we’re thrilled to see so many children and families participating. This helps us fulfill one of our key goals — encouraging a healthy lifestyle while preserving our natural and cultural heritage,” he said.

Around a hundred children from the "Spartakus" Sports School reached the finish line accompanied by their coaches and parents. Milan Gutović, one of the coaches, noted that the race offered children the chance to breathe fresh mountain air, overcome challenges, and learn vital lessons about perseverance, support, and teamwork.

The event was organized by the Association for the Protection of Natural and Cultural-Historical Heritage “Gat” and the Brljevo local community, under the patronage of the Municipality of Gacko, as part of the celebration of Gacko Municipality Day.

The "Gat 2025" mountain race is an official part of the "Gacko 2025 Cultural and Sports Summer" and listed in the municipality's event calendar.

The Gat Association, founded to protect and promote the natural and historical heritage of Mount Gat — one of Gacko's most recognizable symbols — has made significant progress in restoring the old Austro-Hungarian fortress at the mountain’s peak. In 2024, the Municipality of Gacko declared the area a protected zone.