Kenyan runners dominate Plitvice Marathon; Croatian athletes achieve podium finishes

Kenyan athletes once again showcased their dominance at the 41st Plitvice Marathon, securing top positions in both the men's and women's races. Benard Kitur claimed victory in the men's marathon with a time of 2:32:29, followed closely by his compatriot Edward Kimetto in second place with 2:42:20.

In the women's marathon, Irine Jeruto of Kenya was the fastest, finishing in 3:03:33. Rose Jepchumbi, also from Kenya, took second place with a time of 3:06:50. Croatian runners also made their mark, with Milan Čuljat finishing third in the men's marathon at 3:09:42 and Ines Jozić achieving third place in the women's race at 3 hours, 9 minutes, and 25 seconds.

The half-marathon also saw strong Kenyan representation. Bernard Kiprotich Too won the men's half-marathon in 1:13:56. Croatian athlete Ivan Dračar delivered an excellent performance, finishing second with a time of 1:14:15. This marked Dračar's eighth consecutive podium finish and his 60th career half-marathon. "The race was demanding and interesting," Dračar commented, "I controlled the pace from the start, handled the descents and final ascents smartly, and ultimately secured second place."

In the women's half-marathon, Perez Jerubet from Kenya won, followed by Gladys Jepkorir Kiprotich, also from Kenya. Kimberly Pašalić of Croatia secured third place. The 10-kilometer race saw Valeria Klymenko win the women's event and Goran Narančić win the men's event. The "Plitvice Five" race was won by Ena Jurčić in the women's category and Dragan Narančić in the men's.

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The race was demanding and interesting, I controlled the pace from the start, handled the descents and final ascents smartly, and ultimately secured second place, behind the Kenyan runner who was about twenty seconds faster. This was my eighth appearance at this half-marathon and eighth consecutive podium, as well as my 60th career half-marathon, which makes this result even more special.