BANJA LUKA HOSTS THE LARGEST TOURIST-SPORTING EVENT IN THE REGION

The largest city in the Republic of Srpska will host the sixth consecutive edition of the cycling ultramarathon “B-HARD Ultra Race & Brevet” from June 14 to 19. Over 130 cyclists from Europe, Asia, and America will participate.

PHOTO: Vedran Ševčuk

"This is the biggest and most extreme tourist-sporting event not only in Banja Luka but in the entire region. The route spans 1,215 kilometers, with participants conquering nearly double the height of Mount Everest within 90 hours," said Nikica Atlagić from the Association "Center for a Better Quality of Life," on behalf of the organizers.

As he explained, the race starts and finishes in Banja Luka, emphasizing the promotion of the city on the Vrbas River and its tourist potential, especially for cycling.

"We already have participants from Finland, some of whom have traveled here by bicycle. The route begins in Banja Luka, goes to Kozara, through Manjača, Jajce, then Kupres, Mostar, Trebinje, through the 'Sutjeska' National Park, all the way to Višegrad, up to the top of Jahorina, and then through Konjic, Bjelašnica, Visočica, Vlašić, and back to Banja Luka," said Atlagić. He added that this is the only event where participants can be tracked via GPS, allowing for online tracking.

He emphasizes that this special event was recognized by the City as an innovative tourist project in 2018 and supported through the Calendar of Tourist Events.

Luka Gajić, last year's race winner in the pairs category, expressed his pleasure at being part of the event again this year.

"I've participated twice and am glad to be part of this, representing our city in some way. Last year, I managed to sleep for about three hours, and at times it can be very challenging, making it a true test of endurance," said Luka.

Organizers announced that the race will officially start on June 14 at 5:00 AM.

For more information about this unique event, visit the event’s website – www.bhardultrarace.com .