Boat marathon in Neretva

The Boats Marathon on the river Neretva is long tradition of the local inhabitants, and is performing within tourist summer. It is exclusively amateur sports competition of the traditional local wooden boats. Through the history, these boats have been used as the transport mean from the dwelling place to the market,shop or the agricultural lands along the river Neretva. Marathon as the race is taking place once a year at the begining the August, on the route 22500 metres long, under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Croatia and the river Neretva boatmen association. The race begins at 17 h under the bridge in the town of the Metkovic. The finish is in the town of Ploce, where the Winning Shield and the medals are awarded at 21 h. At the start, the boats and the crews are presenting, some proper ceremony and speach is taking place, and the start signal is given.