Boka Marathon (Bokeški maraton)
A December marathon weekend along the UNESCO-listed bay, from Tivat to Kotor.
Few race courses anywhere run this close to the water for this long. The shore road threads village after village — stone houses, small harbours, churches at the water's edge — with the mountains rising sheer on the far side of the bay. Runners pass within metres of the sea for most of the route, and every bend opens another postcard.
The programme covers every level: the 10K and 5K races open the weekend on Saturday 12 December at 15:00, and the marathon and half marathon follow on Sunday 13 December at 09:00 — so the weekend belongs to recreational runners as much as to serious racers. The field is international, and organized race-trips bring runners from across the region and beyond to spend the weekend in the bay.
Racing the Boka in December means cool, clear air, mountains dropping straight into still water, and villages where locals come out to cheer — a complete reversal of the summer coast, and for many runners the best conditions of the year.
Spectating is its own pleasure: pick any stretch of the shoreline course, settle at a village café with the bay in front of you, and cheer the field past. The compact geography means supporters can see runners at more than one point with a short drive along the route.
Runners pay an entry fee, but watching is free anywhere along the shoreline course. For visitors, the marathon weekend is also a fine excuse to see Tivat, the bay villages and Kotor in their quiet off-season mood — mild days, empty lanes and hotel rates at their friendliest.
What to expect
Seaside course through the Boka
The route runs from Tivat through the bay villages to Kotor, hugging the water the whole way.
A distance for everyone
The 10K and 5K run Saturday at 15:00; the marathon and half marathon start Sunday at 09:00.
December running weather
Cool, clear off-season air and an uncrowded coast make for fine race conditions.
International field
Runners come from across the region and abroad, many on organized race-trips.
Spectator-friendly course
Watching is free anywhere along the shoreline — village cafés double as grandstands, and the route is easy to follow by car.
Off-season bay weekend
The race is a fine excuse to see Tivat, the Boka villages and Kotor in their quiet December mood.
What happens when
December 12 – 13, 2026 · 15:00
- Sat12DecSaturday, December 1215:0010K and 5K racesThe shorter distances open the race weekend on Saturday afternoon.
- Sun13DecSunday, December 1309:00Marathon and half marathonThe main races run from Tivat along the seaside road through the Boka villages to Kotor.
Photos
Where it takes place
Plan your stay
Tivat — where to stay and how to get around
Live offers from local hosts on our booking platform. Nothing is charged online — you pay the host on site.
Booking requests are confirmed by the host; payment on site. Offers come from the Travel to Montenegro booking platform.
More events
What else is on in Montenegro around the same time.
Ocean Lava Montenegro
Triathlon in the Bay of Kotor with two races (half marathon and Olympic distance) on a course through the UNESCO zone of Kotor.
Podgorica Millennium Run
Marathon, half, 10K and 5K across Podgorica's Millennium Bridge — the capital's big running day.
Winter Ascent of Hajla — Safet Mavrić Ćako Memorial
The region's most massive winter mountaineering ascent — Hajla, 2,403 m, each February from Rožaje.
