HILL RACE AT GAT NEAR GACKO BECOMES A TRADITION

The hill race at Gat near Gacko is becoming a tradition. This year, the combination of a trail race and classic running saw the best performance from a couple from Nevesinje, Uroš Gutić and Dijana Terzić, both members of the Athletic Club "Borac" from Banja Luka.

More than 300 participants completed the 850-meter course, with the finish line at 1120 meters altitude. The event was filled with adrenaline and good camaraderie.

Saša Nikolić, president of the Gat Association, stated that there were over 50 competitors in the senior category, about 40 children aged six to twelve, and around 200 children participated in the walk to the finish line, which they are particularly proud of.

"I am extremely satisfied because it was slightly better than last year, from the organization to the attendance. This event requires serious preparation, and I am sure it is gradually surpassing our amateur organization. Each year, we aim to improve. I am delighted that there were so many competitors, including children, amateurs, and a few professionals who participate in similar competitions," Nikolić told Direkt portal.

The event provided an opportunity for both local athletes and those from surrounding municipalities to try their hand at this challenging race.

"I am especially pleased with the large number of children, as the race's goal is to promote nature, a healthy lifestyle, cultural and historical sites, and our association. Additionally, it's important for such events to happen in the rural part of our municipality, even if only once a year," Nikolić said.

There were no surprises in the men's category, with Uroš Gutić winning. He mentioned that the course was tiring due to the steep climbs.

"I won last year as well. The course is really challenging when you push hard. My time was slightly better than last year, and I carry the best memories from this beautiful place. It’s an atypical race because it’s neither a classic trail nor a regular race since it’s uphill," Gutić said.

His girlfriend, Dijana Terzić, completed the demanding course in eight minutes and 41 seconds.

"I was here last year but didn’t compete because there wasn’t a women’s senior race. I enjoyed every meter; the views from Gat are beautiful. Gacko and nature are two things that should never be separated. I did some uphill training for the preparation, and we are very happy to return to Nevesinje," Terzić said.

Nada Jovović, a coach at the Universal School of Sports and Corrective Gymnastics "Spartakus," said they fully supported the Hill Race Gat 2024. She added that they are very happy and proud that this race is held in the municipality of Gacko.

"We gladly accepted the invitation from the Gat Association to be part of this event. We always support events that aim to gather families, where we can see participants from two to 60-70 years old. We are going on a summer break. We had many activities and races, but this one is our favorite and the crown of our work this year. We had about 140 registered children. They were very excited," Jovović emphasized.

The Hill Race Gat 2024 is organized to commemorate the Day of the Uprising and the Day of the Municipality of Gacko.

Author: Miloš Vasiljević / Source: Direkt portal