The mountain race “Gat 2025” has become a tradition. Known as the “Olympus of Gacko” due to its historical significance, Mount Gat once again hosted a diverse program that brought together top runners from Herzegovina—but above all, those who love nature.
For the fourth consecutive year, 57 adults and 120 children successfully completed the demanding 1,000-meter course located in the heart of Herzegovina.
The race sparked great interest and drew a large crowd of athletes, recreational runners, and nature enthusiasts.
First place once again went to Uroš Gutić from Nevesinje, who finished the course in five minutes and 26 seconds. Uroš is the national champion and record holder of Republika Srpska in the 3,000 and 5,000 meters, and a member of the BiH national team. He runs around 80 races a year across the region. This is his third time participating in the Gat race, and he expressed how much he enjoys coming to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Second place went to Dragan Ilić, also from Nevesinje, while third place was taken by Nikola Klisara from Pale. Despite being only 13 years old, Nikola competed in the older age category.
In the women’s competition, all three top spots went to runners from Pale. The title of best runner was awarded once again to last year’s winner, Dijana Terzić, who completed the demanding course in eight minutes and 16 seconds. Lana Mališ took second place, while Anđelija Vuković finished third.
Among the boys, the fastest were Aleksa Nikolić, Milan Kojović, and Mirko Nikolić. In the girls’ category, the top results were achieved by Marija Šuković, Nađa Nikolić, and Anđela Miletić.
“We need more activities that promote healthy lifestyles and affirm our local potential—whether it’s historical sites or tourism content. The Municipality of Gacko recognizes all types of activities conducted by the Gat Association and will provide its full support,” said Vukota Govedarica, the mayor of Gacko.
The municipality of Gacko has entered into an international cross-border cooperation project along with the city of Nikšić, Ston from Croatia, and several local governments from Republika Srpska. “If everything goes according to plan, we hope that next year we’ll begin developing serious tourism infrastructure on Gat—something Gacko can be proud of,” the mayor explained.
Prizes were awarded to the winners, while children received gifts and medals.
Special recognition was given to Radmilo Nenadić—the oldest competitor—and to the youngest participant, Matej Govedarica.
Saša Nikolić, president of the Gat Association, emphasized that the race is organized to promote Mount Gat and its natural and historical landmarks.
“As organizers of this sporting event, we are very pleased. From the beginning, the race has received strong support, as reflected in the large number of competitors and visitors. We are especially happy to see so many children participating with their parents each year. That fulfills one of our primary goals—promoting a healthy lifestyle and preserving both nature and cultural-historical heritage,” Nikolić said.
Around a hundred children from the sports school “Spartakus,” accompanied by coaches and parents, made it to the finish line.
“The race provided an opportunity for children to enjoy the fresh mountain air, overcome the challenges of the terrain, and learn important lessons about perseverance, support, and team spirit,” said Milan Gutović, coach of the “Spartakus” sports school.
The uphill race on Mount Gat is becoming a tradition
This sporting event and gathering was organized by the Association for the Protection of Natural and Cultural-Historical Heritage “Gat” and the local community of Brljevo, under the patronage of the Municipality of Gacko, as part of the Gacko Municipal Day celebration.
The mountain race “Gat 2025” is part of the “Cultural and Sports Summer Gacko 2025” and is included in the official event calendar.
As a reminder, the Gat Association was established to preserve, protect, and promote the nature and cultural-historical heritage of Mount Gat, which is one of the most recognizable symbols of Gacko.
In 2024, the Municipality of Gacko declared the area of Mount Gat a protected zone. With support from the municipality, the association has begun major work on restoring and renovating the old Austro-Hungarian fortress at the top of Gat and has made significant progress.
Source: See Srpska
