Branko Šubić completes a ten-year venture: another 205 km to Petrinja

Branko Šubić, a 64-year-old Croatian runner, has completed a decade-long journey aimed at honoring fallen and missing Croatian defenders through long-distance running. His final leg of this project will see him cover the remaining 205 kilometers to his hometown of Petrinja, marking the culmination of a ten-year effort that has spanned over 1,465 kilometers across Croatia. The final stage of his journey will begin in Žabnik, the northernmost settlement in Croatia, and conclude in Petrinja on August 6, which coincides with the Day of Liberation of Petrinja and the Day of Croatian Defenders. This date holds special significance for Šubić, who aims to connect his personal journey with national remembrance days. Šubić began his initiative in 2016 after forming the idea to create a tribute to Croatian defenders. At the time, he could not have imagined the scale of the undertaking, which would eventually involve completing five multi-day ultra-marathons and two additional day-long runs. These races would link all the extreme points of Croatia to his home city of Petrinja. He initially started with walking long distances before transitioning into running, beginning this endeavor at age 54. Now, at 64, he continues with unwavering determination. The final phase of his journey will take place in early August, during which he plans to run 205 kilometers over five consecutive days starting from Žabnik. This route will pass through four counties, including the City of Zagreb, nine cities, and more than 30 settlements, villages, and urban districts. During his passage through Zagreb, Šubić intends to visit the Altar of Homeland on Medvedgrad Hill and the Monument to Homeland on Stjepan Radić Square, central symbols of the Homeland War. At both locations, he plans to light candles and observe a minute of silence in honor of fallen and missing Croatian defenders and civilian victims of the war. Despite the challenging timing, August is known for its high temperatures, Šubić remains committed to linking his efforts with the commemoration of August 5, the Day of Victory and Homeland Gratitude and the Day of Croatian Defenders. This year, however, is expected to bring particularly extreme heat, making the challenge even greater. Running five marathons in five consecutive days poses a formidable task even for elite endurance athletes, let alone a 64-year-old man. Among the most difficult segments of the final race will be the second stage, covering 46 kilometers from Varaždin to Sveta Ivan Zelina, and the fifth and final stage, requiring the completion of 53 kilometers from Velika Gorica to Petrinja. Šubić acknowledges these challenges but recalls past experiences that have tested his limits. In 2021, he ran 520 kilometers from Dubrovnik to Knin over 11 days, including the last segment from Glina to Petrinja. The most arduous experience was in 2017, when he covered 265 kilometers from Vukovar to Petrinja in five days, losing 10 kilograms in total. Despite the physical toll, he emphasizes that love and passion can overcome any obstacle. Vatreni Zlatko Dalić, former head of the Croatian Olympic Committee, expressed support for Šubić's endeavors. Dalić stated that Šubić will always have his backing, recognizing the unique way in which he honors the memory of those who stood up for Croatia during its most critical times. Šubić’s journey has garnered widespread support from public figures, sports institutions, and clubs, including top athletes such as Slavko Goluža and Vlado Lipovac, as well as teams like RK Zagreb and KK Cibona. As the final stretch approaches, Šubić remains focused on his goal. He believes that his efforts contribute to preserving the culture of remembrance through athletic achievement. With just 205 kilometers left, he prepares to complete what has become a defining chapter of his life, a decade-long tribute to the brave men and women who fought for Croatia’s freedom and independence.