Over Forty EUFOR personnel joined runners from Bosnia and Herzegovina and around the world at the sixth Banja Luka Marathon on 25th October 2026, taking part in one of the city’s largest annual sporting events.
What began with the first Banja Luka Half Marathon in 2016 has grown into an international event bringing together professional athletes, recreational runners, families, children and volunteers. Participants from more than 30 countries are expected to take part in this year’s programme, which includes the full marathon, half marathon, 10 kilometer race, team relays and the Bambini Marathon for younger runners.
For EUFOR, participation in events such as the Banja Luka Marathon provides an opportunity to engage with communities in a setting built around shared effort, encouragement and achievement.
Running brings together people of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities on the same course, where the challenge is individual but the experience is shared. That spirit of participation and mutual support closely reflects the importance EUFOR places on engagement with communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The marathon also demonstrates the wider role sport can play beyond competition. It encourages healthy lifestyles, supports physical and mental wellbeing and creates opportunities for people to meet and connect through a common activity.
Over the past decade, the Banja Luka Marathon has developed into an established international sporting event, while maintaining its focus on accessibility and community participation. EUFOR is proud to take part alongside local and international runners and to support an event that promotes healthy activity, togetherness and positive engagement.