JOVANA CUMBO RUNS THE WORLD’S BIGGEST MARATHON

When she first walked the streets of New York a few years ago, Jovana Cumbo from Šipovo could never have imagined that one day she would run her very first marathon through those same streets. Today, that dream has come true.

PHOTO: Glas Srpske

Last weekend, Jovana achieved one of her greatest athletic milestones — she participated in the world-famous TCS New York City Marathon, joining 60,000 runners from around the globe. She dedicated her run to the “Iskra” Parent House from Banja Luka, which provides support to children with cancer and their families.

“It was my dream to make New York my first marathon. The idea was born long ago, the first time I visited the city and felt its energy. Everyone I spoke to in the U.S. told me that the New York Marathon is something truly special — now I know why,” Jovana told Glas Srpske.

Running through the five boroughs of New York was, as she described, an unforgettable experience.

“At first, you don’t even realize how many people are around you because we start in waves. But when you see that there are 60,000 runners sharing the same dream, the same breath, the same energy — it’s indescribable. I just felt grateful to be there,” she said.

Of course, every marathon comes with its challenges. For Jovana, that’s where the true beauty of endurance lies.

“A marathon is the biggest parallel to life. Pain comes, but it’s important to know when it’s temporary and when your body needs to be heard. The last few kilometers were tough, but I didn’t let the pain steal the moment. It was fleeting, and I wanted to enjoy every step forward,” she added.

RUNNING FOR A CAUSE

For the last three months leading up to the race, Jovana lived in New York for work — a city that, she says, became her daily source of inspiration.

“I trained every day through the streets, met the running community, and saw how much locals respect this event. They truly love marathon day — I wouldn’t be surprised if it became a holiday one day. You can be physically ready, but nothing can fully prepare you for the emotion of it,” she said.

Jovana finished the marathon in an impressive 3 hours and 42 minutes, though she insists that numbers were never her focus.

“What matters most are the emotions that carry you through every street. At one point, surrounded by the cheering crowds, I suddenly felt sad — not from exhaustion, but because I realized the race was nearing its end. I just felt overwhelming gratitude for everything I have,” she shared.

Her accomplishment wasn’t only personal — Jovana ran to support Iskra, an organization she describes as “filled with people anyone would want by their side in life.”

“The idea started with my friend Katarina and me in Basel this May. The marathon was a symbol of what those children and families go through daily. Their marathons are, unfortunately, much longer. Through this, I wanted to give as much as I could at this moment,” Jovana explained.

She hopes her effort will raise awareness about health, community support, family strength, and the courage of young heroes. Although the “Health Beyond Borders” campaign — where supporters ‘bought’ kilometers — has ended, donations can continue.

“Anyone who wants to help can call the humanitarian number 17165 to donate two marks. More information is available at iskrabl.com,” Jovana said, adding a heartfelt message to all children and families at Iskra: “You are not alone. Everyone, in their own way, can make someone’s battle a little easier.”

ROOTS AND FUTURE GOALS

Reflecting on her childhood in Šipovo, Jovana says it was defined by warmth, activity, and love.

“I grew up with my grandmother while my parents and brother worked in other cities. I can proudly say it was the most beautiful upbringing in the world — full of energy, garden work, sports, and love,” she recalled with a smile

Though she spent many years playing tennis, running has always been a part of her life.

“Walking and long runs were part of me since childhood. It’s my kind of meditation — a time to clear my mind and learn to listen to myself,” said Jovana, who has lived in Banja Luka for 18 years, though she often spends time abroad.

Family and friends, she adds, have been her strongest support.

“The point of everything is to have people with whom you can share both the good and the bad. I hope we’ll keep creating more shared moments, both among ourselves and within our community,” she said.

Looking ahead, Jovana plans to continue her marathon journey.

“I’d love to run another major marathon next year, but I also want to keep the idea of connecting running with charity alive. The New York Marathon is big, yes — but wherever we run, our steps matter, especially when we run for those who still have many steps to take. Together, we can make a much bigger impact than we think,” Jovana concluded.

A MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH

“It might sound like a cliché, but comfort zones have limits. The key is to learn to listen to yourself — and that’s not easy in today’s world. Once you start exploring your authentic path, there are no limits. With discipline — not routine — we achieve our goals,” she advised.

The TCS New York City Marathon is the largest marathon in the world, held annually through all five boroughs of New York City. In 2025, it brought together over 59,000 finishers and continues to inspire millions across the globe.