Boka Marathon (Bokeški maraton)

The Boka Marathon turns the Bay of Kotor into a running course each mid-December — the December 2026 race is the sixth edition. Organised by the Triathlon Club Tivat, it starts in Tivat and follows the seaside road through the villages of the Boka to Kotor, tracing one of the most scenic waterfronts in the Mediterranean.

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.