DEJAN ŽERAJIĆ: THE MAN FROM NEVESINJE WHO KNOWS NO LIMITS

One of the most prominent ultramarathon runners from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dejan Žerajić from Nevesinje, is deep in preparations for new challenges—one of the most notable being the Jahorina Ultra Trail. From race to race, Žerajić continues to push the boundaries of both mental and physical endurance. As a professional soldier, discipline and flawless preparation are his strongest assets.

PHOTO: Direkt portal

Adrenaline and a thirst for challenge are essential traits for any athlete willing to conquer 100 or more kilometers on rugged trails. Žerajić, who has claimed victory in some of the toughest races across the country and the region, tells Direkt that what started as a hobby has now become his daily routine and a way of life.

"A trail runner must embrace the 'suffering' that comes with ultra trail marathons. That’s the biggest obstacle, and it must be loved. Everything else—training, gear, nutrition, technique, and endurance—comes afterward," Žerajić explains.

Each race demands unique preparation, according to him. Many factors come into play, including altitude and weather conditions.

“Training is tailored to each planned race—its length, elevation, and the region where it takes place. Often, I can’t train directly on the terrain where the race will be held, so I adapt and improvise as needed,” he says. “This year, I ran the Trebinje Vertical and the 100 Miles of Istria, where I had to withdraw—a valuable lesson for future challenges.”

For Žerajić, taking part in this extreme sport requires a certain level of intensity that often surfaces through life’s journey.

“Ultra trail running is where I’ve channeled that intensity—something that’s been a part of me since childhood, alongside a deep love for the mountains and nature where I grew up,” he shares.

Keeping mental focus during a race is no easy task, he admits. Runners often face internal battles, struggling not only with physical barriers but with personal demons, emotional highs and lows, and moments of existential reflection.

“The most important thing during moments of deep crisis and pain is to remind yourself why you’re doing it all—to remember the blessings this sport has brought me, the amazing friends I’ve made, and above all, my family who supports me no matter where I am,” says Žerajić.

Since last year, he has been representing the Jahorina Ultra Trail team, which also serves as his main sponsor.

“I now compete outside the region, where the competition is stronger, and the experiences more valuable. My next major goal is a 160-kilometer ultramarathon with over 7,000 meters of elevation gain. It will pass through some of the most breathtaking areas of our mountains, starting below Maglić—the highest peak in the country—and ending on Jahorina,” Žerajić concludes.