26. Dunavski maraton — Apatin 2026

The 26th Dunavski maraton in Apatin, scheduled for June 27, 2026, offers four distinct distances: 100m, 1,000m, 3,000m, and 5,000m. Swimmers compete within the Plava Ruža na Dunavcu venue, a site characterized by the calm, river-fed waters of the Danube. Entry fees are set at 2,000 RSD for the main events and 1,000 RSD for the 100m sprint, payable on-site. The competition, a regular stop in the SRB OWS Cup, draws its identity from the town’s long-standing reliance on the river as both a lifeline and a barrier.

A landscape shaped by water

As you swim, the view from the water reveals the industrial scale of the Free Port Apatin, which spans 160 hectares of the riverfront. This modern infrastructure contrasts with the remnants of the Roman era, when this stretch of the Danube was fortified as a military trench system to defend the Pannonia province. You are essentially traversing a corridor that has served as a center for shipbuilding and river trade since the 18th century, an era that also saw a devastating flood force the town to relocate its center. The area carries the marks of 20th-century history as well, specifically the intense military activity during the Battle of Batina in 1944, where the river banks served as a strategic front line.

River dynamics and environment

Beyond the town infrastructure, the course sits near the Kopački Rit wetlands. This intact ecosystem relies on the Danube’s flood cycles, which continuously alter the shape of local backwaters and lakes like Sakadaško. While the river provides a consistent current, the race organizers manage logistics, including on-site registration and designated safety protocols, to account for the specific river environment. Participants should note the age restrictions for the 100m distance, as the system automatically excludes those 11 years and older to ensure the category remains focused on the youngest competitors.