Fruska Gora — a lonely mountain
Surrounded by rich golden and green fields of the Vojvodina region in Serbia lies a lonely mountain: Fruska Gora.
Situated in the heart of the historic region of Pannonian Plain, it is guarded by massive mountain chains. Compared to the Dinarides or the Carpathian mountains, Fruska Gora is merely a small hill covered in woods.
But for the residents of the surrounding area it is a true nature oasis and quite a high ground! I am allowed to say this as I am one of the residents living nearby and know from personal experience that any kind of incline is an obstacle of epic dimensions.
In 1960, most of the mountain was designated a national park. As the first one in Serbia, it was only a matter of time before some kind of event taking place here would become an annual tradition.
In 1978, the first Fruska Gora Marathon was organised and thus the tradition was born. To this day it is held once a year on a pleasant April weekend under the slogan “It’s not important to beat the others, it is important to beat yourself”.
Thousands of people gather at the foot of this lovely mountain and together start the journey of collecting kilometers on the marked trails. Every participant of the marathon gets their own booklet to keep score of how many kilometers they have you passed on this year’s marathon. And then these kilometers are added to the general sum, if they are a regular participant of the marathon. I can’t pride myself with a big number — I have only 18 km in my booklet, but it’s still something!
The trails are designed to pass through the most beautiful parts of Fruska Gora and generally are at an incline. One moment you’re on the ridge and next at the foothill. This is what makes this marathon special (and why I don’t have some more kilometers collected). I always admire runners who go for the Ultra Extreme trail. It’s 125 km long!
For the rest of us, just being a part of this event is a success and satisfaction, as you can enjoy the scenery and see many famous vineyards, some archaeological sites, and variety of old monasteries while going through the woods.
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