If taking on a marathon, triathlon or other sporting challenge is in your New Year’s resolutions, why not tag a holiday onto it? Apparently it’s a thing: the ‘race-cation’ (when you complete some sort of outdoor challenge either side of a holiday) is srising in popularity and we’re here for it—what a great excuse to book a holiday!
There are lots of marathons, triathlons, vertical kilometres and swim races in the Balkans in 2026, where you’ll compete against the backdrop of the Dinaric Alps, Dalmatian coast, ancient forests and crumbling old towns. Many pair up nicely with our adventure holidays.
Read on to find out what’s happening in Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and more throughout 2026 and start planning your race-cation now.
Marathons & sporting events in Croatia 2026
From running to wild swimming and high-altitude challenges, there’s lots for sporty folk in Croatia. After an adrenaline-fuelled event with hundreds of people, slow things down and rejuvenate with our Southern Dalmatia holiday, which blends sightseeing with adventure activities in the incredibly pretty and peaceful Ston.
XTERRA Croatia
- When: 8–10th May 2026
- Where: Mali Lošinj
This three-day off-road triathlon takes place in the beautiful coastal town of Mali Lošinj and offers thrilling challenges for all abilities, from elite competitors to weekend warriors and kids. Over the course of three days, you’ll trail run, swim and mountain bike your way to victory.
Youth Skyrunning World Championships
- When: 8–10th May 2026
- Where: Makarska
This year will be the 10th edition of the Youth Skyrunning World Championships in Croatia, where young athletes embark on a scenic high altitude running challenge in the picturesque port town of Masarska.
UltraSwim 33.3 Croatia
- When: 15–18th May 2026
- Where: Hvar
Hvar isn’t just for beach parties—the UltraSwim 33.3 open-water swim challenge starts in the ancient town of Stari Grad and finishes in the beautiful harbour town of Hvar, clocking up 33km of swimming in total.
Ston Wall Marathon
- When: September 2026 (TBC)
- Where: Ston
Set in the fortified town of Ston (also the base for our Southern Dalmatia holiday), the Ston Wall Marathon sees runners scaling the medieval walls of the old town. Marathon, half-marathon and shorter distances are available.
Dalmatia Ultra Trail
- When: 9–10th October 2026
- Where: Omiš
Embark on a calf-burning challenge against the backdrop of the Adriatic on the Dalmatia Ultra Trail, a 100km endurance race over crumbly sea cliffs between Kilis Fortress and Omiš beach. There are multiple distances and race dates, so see the official website for more details.
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Marathons & sporting events in Albania 2026
Albania may be known for its affordable beach breaks, but if lulling on the sand isn’t your idea of fun, get stuck into one of the below races and then come and see the real Albania with us.
Rest your legs as you embark on thrilling 4×4 tours in the mountains, visiting traditional villages and refuelling on hearty Albanian feasts. Discover UNESCO world heritage cities, hike along the coast and wild swim in pristine lakes.
What’s more, these events take place outside of peak season, meaning you needn’t worry about crowds (which you never need to with us as we’re all about getting off the beaten track). The weather is still pleasant in Albania in October and it’s prime time for getting active—hence why our hiking holidays run into the autumn.
Tirana Marathon
- When: October 2026 (TBC)
- Where: Tirana
Hailed as the alternative Dublin Marathon, the Tirana Marathon has an electric atmosphere which is sure to spur you on in that final leg. The city has plenty of spots to celebrate afterwards and lots to do around the event. Historically, the race has always taken place on the last Sunday of October, meaning it should fall on 26th October in 2026, but check back on the official website to confirm.
Vjosa Përmet Ultra Race Trail
- When: 25th October 2026
- Where: Përmet
With trail races ranging from 11km to 100km in distance, there’s something for all abilities in the Vjosa Përmet Ultra Race Trail. You’ll follow the Vjosa, Europe’s last truly wild river, against the backdrop of dramatic karst landscapes and undisturbed nature so beautiful, you’ll forget how tired you are.
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Marathons & sporting events in Montenegro 2026
Outdoor lovers will be spoiled for choice in Montenegro, home to glorious stretches of coastline, dramatic mountains, glacial lakes and dense, ancient forests.
Ocean Lava Montenegro
- When: 11 October 2026
- Where: Tivat
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Kotor Bay, athletes from near and far come to compete in the Ocean Lava Triathlon, which sees you swimming, cycling and running through idyllic fishing villages and along crumbling peninsulas.
Black Lake Xtreme Montenegro
- When: 10-12th September 2026
- Where: Durmitor National Park
The Black Lake Xtreme triathlon has its name for a reason. Taking place 1,400m (4,593ft) above sea level in the stunning Durmitor National Park, you’ll be swimming, running and cycling amid dramatic karst landscapes and ancient pine forests.
Plav Run
- When: 30th–31st May 2026
- Where: Plav
Choose from a 5km, 10km or half marathon in the pretty northern town of Plav, set against the backdrop of jagged karst mountains, the Lim River and vast swathes of greenery. There are both road and mountain running events here. Head to the official website for more details.
Plavnica Spring Sprint Triathlon
- When: June 2026 (TBC)
- Where: Lake Skadar National Park
The Plavnica Spring Triathlon takes place in our founders’ adopted home—Lake Skadar National Park. This sprint-trathlon entails a thrilling 750m swim, 20k cycle and 5km run amid stunning scenery and nature at its best.
UltraSwim 33.3 Montenegro
- When: 2nd–5th October 2026
- Where: Herceg Novi
This multi-day open-water swim challenge sees you paddling to victory in Herceg Novi near the opening of the Bay of Kotor. You’ll take on a range of water conditions as you swim from calm fjords to open coast. One thing’s for sure, you’ll be wowed by the scenery. See the UltraSwim 33.3 Montenegro website for more details.
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Marathons & sporting events in North Macedonia 2026
With direct flights to Skopje from the UK, North Macedonia is becoming more accessible, but it’s still relatively unexplored by western travellers. All of that could change though if you enter yourself in one of the below events which slot together seamlessly with our new holiday there.
Find inspiration for other things to do in North Macedonia.
Ohrid Ultra Trail
Multiple trail distances, Galičica NP
- When: 22nd–25th May 2026
- Where: Lake Ohrid
Taking place in Galičica National Park on the shores of Europe’s oldest lake, the Ohrid Ultra Trail offers thrilling trail runs of multiple distances amid untamed natural beauty. Ohrid town is a beautiful place to explore and unwind with a coffee (or something stronger) afterwards.
Ohrid Swimming Marathon
- When: August 2026 (TBC)
- Where: Lake Ohrid
Part of the World Marathon Swimming Series, you’ll be paddling in the pristine and calm waters of the UNESCO-listed Lake Ohrid. Pretty fishing villages will dominate your view as you swim. The main event is 25km, but there are various distances you can compete in. There are also a series of cultural and entertainment activities around the marathon to get involved with. See the Ohrid Swimming Marathon website for details.
Skopje Marathon
- When: 4th October 2026
- Where: Skopje
Take in the sights of Macedonia’s capital city as you tackle the Skopje Marathon, which offers the chance to compete in multiple distances—marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay and 5km. Afterwards, discover the local culture in Skopje old town or join us for a week of Macedonian adventures.
Marathons & sporting events in Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026
See the sights and embark on more adventurous activities after your race with our Bosnia multi-activity holiday. If you’re feeling extra fit, why not explore Bosnia’s stunning mountains on our new Bosnia hiking holiday.
Vučko Trail
- When: 19th–21st June 2026
- Where: Jahorina
The Vučko Trail in the ski resort of Jahorina on the Bjelašnica mountain has options for all running abilities, from the 14km Green Course to the ultra-challenging 105km Black Course. Whichever you choose, you’ll be taking on a high altitude run along narrow mountain trails which give way to epic views.
Sarajevo Half Marathon
- When: 13th September 2026
- Where: Sarajevo
If you prefer to run on flat tarmac over mountain terrain, the Sarajevo Marathon in Bosnia’s capital is the challenge for you. Make your way around the city and take in its eclectic mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslav-era buildings as you whizz by.
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Marathons & sporting events in Serbia 2026
From rafting to running, Serbia is an outdoorsy nation with some stunning backdrops for your endeavours. Find out for yourself by tagging one of our Serbia holidays onto the end of one of the below events.
Drina Regatta
- When: 13–19th June 2026
- Where: Bajina Bašta
Located on the edge of Tara National Park, the Drina Regatta is a multi-day river festival and mass rafting event which attracts rafters from near and far. Choose to compete in the race itself or simply observe and soak up the atmosphere at a series of entertainment and cultural events taking place there.
Belgrade Marathon
- Date: 19th April 2026
- Where: Belgrade
Spring in Serbia is simply beautiful and the Belgrade Marathon is more of an excuse to visit. Feel the buzz of running among hundreds of fellow competitors while soaking in the sights of Belgrade.
Fruskogorski Marathon
- When: 25-26th April 2026
- Where: Fruška Gora
One of the oldest marathons in Europe, the Fruskogorski Marathon has been going for 40 years. You’ll pump those legs through vast forests, rolling hills and quaint villages.
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Marathons & sporting events in Kosovo 2026
Boasting stunning landscapes, the lesser-known Kosovo is an outdoor-lover’s dream.
Bear Trail (part of High Scardus Ultra)
- When: 5th September 2026
- Where: Prizren
This thrilling 10km Bear Trail through the Sharr Mountains forms part of the High Scardus Trail, one of our favourite hiking trails in the Balkans which we liken to Scotland’s West Highland Way (if that tells you anything about the standard of scenery). Start and finish at the iconic Fortress of Prizren.
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