Running the Durmitor Skyrace was an experience unlike any other, and I embraced every grueling moment of this incredible journey. The air was thick with anticipation as I lined up at the start, feeling strong and ready to tackle the 35K distance with a daunting 3,000 meters of elevation. The initial miles felt exhilarating; the uphills propelled me forward, making it seem like I was really going to grab this race by the horns.

I caught up with my friend Victoria at Lokvice. She had overtaken me around the 3rd kilometer after we met at the start, but now, as we ran together for a while, I knew I had to make my move. I pushed ahead, determined to create a gap, making sure she wouldn’t overtake me again on the final stretch, as that is were her strength is.

But just when I thought I had it all figured out, a sharp pain below my right rib hit me like a brick wall at around 13 kilometers. I slowed down, battling discouragement and the thought of quitting at the first aid station. But then I spotted Milos Spartak, my coach, and something ignited within me. I couldn't let him go; I was determined to chase him down and maybe even finish ahead.

The next 5K was a test of my will, as my body pushed back and begged for relief. However, as I descended from the peak of Prutas, I felt a shift. I didn’t just feel okay—I felt powerful enough to increase my speed. Utilizing my poles during the descent proved to be my secret weapon, conserving energy while helping me navigate the terrain safely and swiftly toward Skrcko Lake.

Just when the challenge seemed to reach its peak, I faced the hardest ascent of the race. It was grueling, but as I fought my way to the top, I stumbled upon my dear friend Vlada. His uplifting energy, singing songs and capturing our moments with photos, infused new life into my spirit. Seeing a familiar face in the throes of battle was a much-needed boost.

I pushed on and teamed up with fellow runner Milan. There's something about running with him that calms my mind and fuels my motivation, and every step together took me closer to the finish line.

Finally, I crossed the finish line and felt pure elation flood through me. Not only did I secure 2nd place among women, but I also managed to outpace Spartak. `:) That feeling of accomplishment, of conquering both the physical and mental challenges, was the ultimate reward. The Durmitor Skyrace taught me that resilience is built through struggle, and moments of pain can lead you to extraordinary triumphs.

It was no ordinary race, not just because of the sheer physical demands but because of the striking beauty of the Durmitor National Park. Towering peaks, emerald lakes, and rugged ridgelines made this adventure as visually rewarding as it was challenging. Every turn offered a breathtaking view, but I could barely absorb it as I was fighting my own battles, especially when I reached the ridge of Prutas. This point marked both a personal low and a turning point in my race.

Prutas is notorious for its rocky, uneven terrain, a place where the race could either make or break you. The elevation gain was severe, and there were moments when I doubted I could continue. But knowing that this was part of what made Durmitor special—that wild, untouched terrain, the feeling that you are literally running above the clouds—pushed me forward. For runners, this is not just a test of endurance; it’s about embracing the spirit of the mountains, respecting the raw nature around you while pushing yourself beyond the ordinary.

One of the race's biggest tests was the mental game. You have to trust your body when it screams at you to stop and find the grit to keep moving forward. The struggle became more mental than physical after passing Skrcko Lake, a place of serenity amidst the chaos of the race. The quiet reflection of the mountains in the lake’s still waters was a stark contrast to the steep ascents and rocky descents awaiting ahead.

In the final stretch, despite the exhaustion, I found another burst of energy. It wasn't just about finishing anymore; it was about finishing strong. As I crossed that finish line, every ounce of pain turned into joy, and the hardships faded, replaced by the overwhelming satisfaction of having pushed my limits.

This race wasn't just a test of speed or endurance; it was a test of spirit. Durmitor reminded me that it’s not always the destination that matters but the journey, the struggles overcome, and the victories—big or small—earned along the way.

For the Durmitor Skyrace 2024, I carefully selected my gear to ensure both comfort and performance over the challenging 35K distance with 3,000 meters of elevation gain. Here's the equipment I used:

• Shoes: Merrell Long Sky 2 – Perfect for technical terrain with excellent grip and protection.

• Apparel: Salomon Running Shorts and Top – Lightweight and breathable, keeping me cool and comfortable during the race.

• Backpack: Deuter Backpack – Ideal for carrying all my essential gear and hydration, while remaining comfortable and stable on the tough mountain trails.

• Poles: Black Diamond Z Carbon Poles – These were a game-changer, especially during steep ascents and tricky descents, helping me conserve energy and stay balanced.

This combination of reliable equipment allowed me to focus on my performance and manage the demanding course efficiently.

Here are the top 3 results for both the male and female categories of the 2024 Durmitor Skyrace:

Men:

1. Dane Krstulovic Opara – 05:39:00

2. Artjom Rostovcev – 05:42:36

3. Nikola Ilić – 05:59:46

Women:

1. Alena Pabortsava – 06:22:38

2. Marija Kostic – 07:16:17

3. Victoria Keller – 07:24:39

For the complete list of results, you can visit https://race-tracking.com/durmitor2024/results.php?race_id=354

The Durmitor Skyrace is part of the Skyrunning National Series for both Serbia and Montenegro, attracting top-tier runners from these countries as well as international participants. This race is a key event in the regional skyrunning calendar, offering a demanding course that tests the limits of endurance, technical skill, and mountain running ability.

Runners face challenging conditions, from steep climbs to rocky descents, through the rugged beauty of Durmitor National Park. The event has become a highlight for both nations, showcasing their commitment to promoting skyrunning and outdoor sports, with an increasing number of participants each year. The combination of professional race organization and the pristine natural environment makes it a favorite among athletes looking for a serious mountain running challenge.