Not only has the Covid-19 pandemic caused havoc with the Dubrovnik tourism industry but it has also decimated the event calendar in the city. The latest victim of the virus is the popular Dubrovnik Half Marathon and the surrounding events in the Du Motion – Runner’s Days Dubrovnik.

The organizers announced this morning that the already postponed marathon has been cancelled for this year completely. “Due to the uncertainty surrounding the development of the Covid-19 pandemic and the measures currently in force in Croatia, but also globally, the sixth edition of Du Motion - Runners' Days Dubrovnik is postponed to 2021,” stated the organizers this morning.

Adding that “Given the existing limitations in the organization of major events and the continuous adoption of new measures aimed at combating the spread of coronavirus, Du Motion, even with the highest organizational standards, in these circumstances cannot guarantee a top racing event and safe environment for all participants. Consequently, in agreement with the City of Dubrovnik, the Dubrovnik Tourist Board and partners, as well as based on the recommendations of the National Civil Protection Headquarters, it made a decision on the postponement.”

Safety first as Dubrovnik half marathon cancelled 

The Du Motion director, Alen Bošković, commented that “This is an extremely difficult situation for us because we have already postponed the whole event once and invested a lot of energy, effort and financial resources in order to finally hold this year's races. We have been closely monitoring the situation over the past months and hoping for improvement, but given the current circumstances as well as the fact that more than 85 percent of our runners come from abroad, such a decision is simply inevitable. Postponing Du Motion for 2021 is our duty to all of them, as well as to our entire team, volunteers, citizens of Dubrovnik and society in general, because their safety and health always come first.”

The organizers hope that the runners will understand and support their decision because everyone is aware of the seriousness of the situation in which the whole world currently finds itself, as well as the fact that only through common responsible behavior can we contribute to stopping the pandemic and returning to normal life. If circumstances permit, the sixth Du Motion will take place in its traditional spring term, April 24 and 25, 2021.