THE NERETVA REGION GEARS UP FOR THIS WEEKEND’S ‘LADJA MARATHON’ -2002.

Last weekend the cultural/sporting spotlight was squarely focussed on an event that has been running uninterrupted for 288 years in the small Dalmatian hinterland town of Sinj.

                This weekend it will be Metkovic's turn to stage a traditional event that has become synonymous with the Neretva region - despite the fact that its showcase manifestation is a modest 6 years old. 

                The Maraton Ladja (or 'The Ladja Marathon') is an amateur sporting/rowing competition of traditional sailing vessels held on the Neretva River in Metkovic.  To be held on Sunday - it is held once a year, on the second Sunday in August - the annual cultural/sporting extravaganza is contested over a course stretching a total distance of 22.5 kilometres, from Metkovic to the coastal town of Ploce. 

                The week-long carnival began last weekend with the traditional race for pole positions in the neighbouring town of Opuzen.  Team ROGOTIN narrowly captured pole-position with a time of 1 minute and 41.079 seconds, while DONJANI DONJI from the village of Slivno came in second place with a time of 1 minute and 41.342 seconds.  The third placed crew is the SARIC STRUGA team followed by CEVELJUSA, SKRAPA-MOMICI, SVETI ROKO-PODRUJNICA, DOMAGOJEVI GUSARI-VID, KRVAVAC II, DONJANI DONJI (Slivno's junior team) and ZUPA PLINA. 

                This year's event has attracted a record number of entries with more than 30 teams of 'ladjari' chasing the prestigious title of being the best 'in the region'. Unfortunately, this year's event will also see the notable absence of an Australian Croatian crew. 

                The 'Sons of the Neretva' (Sinovi Neretve) took part in 2000 and 2001, immediately attaining celebrity status amongst the locals for their 'committment to the cause'. 

                Held under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Croatia, the Maraton Ladja originated out of a need to preserve the age old customs and traditions of this unique Neretvanian river boat that otherwise would have become extinct or largely forgotten about. In essence, the gondola is to Venice what the ladja is to the Neretva region. 

                Judging by the many spectators that watch the race live, the Maraton Ladja is one of the biggest events in Croatia, as well as a huge tourist attraction.  On Sunday, more than 50,000 spectators are expected to line the banks of the Neretva River along its 22 kilometre course to watch the drama unfold.