"I am richer for an incredible experience. The course conditions alone made this a challenge as much as pushing your own limits! The phenomenal organization of the Belgrade Marathon and the enormous support and energy of the people who cheered us on almost every kilometer from the beginning to the end of the race. Let's go further", the Montenegrin musician and former singer of the group No Name wrote on social networks on the occasion of his first half-marathon run. Marko Prentić.
"Always more" was the slogan of this year's Belgrade Marathon, which is being held for the 36th time. The organizers boasted after this event that it was the most massive in its decades-long history, as there were 10.500 participants at the start. This broke the record of 8.500 competitors from 2019.
Among the competitors from Serbia and the region, there were 25 elite marathoners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Morocco.
However, Prentić decided to finish his first big race in front of the Moskva Hotel at 21 kilometers, and the winner in the half-marathon competition was a Kenyan. Bernard Wambua and his compatriot Lidija Dzebiči. Marko returned from this event with a medal that all participants receive, but also with a full heart because he fulfilled his goal - he ran the entire half-marathon.
He had been planning to try running for a long time, and he reveals what was the turning point in deciding to participate in the half marathon:
"It was a question of when running, as an activity that I really enjoy, would become part of my lifestyle. Of course, the 21km race seemed like a challenge and I knew that by deciding to participate in the half marathon, I would make everything more interesting, that training would become more frequent and diverse, as would the very thought of pushing one's own limits," he told the Magazine about his first half marathon run. Marko Prentić.
According to him, it was not easy to prepare for this undertaking. Competitors prepare for half-marathons and marathons for at least three months, and in addition to regular training, nutrition is also very important, and the interviewee of the Magazine reveals how he prepared for the Belgrade Marathon:
"I must say that I was aware of how much time was needed for quality preparation of this undertaking, but by chance I could not fully comply with everything as I wanted, which includes the preparation time which was much shorter than planned, so mostly everything was directed to the training plan, and the diet was adjusted only in the last week before the race", admits Prentić.
Although several races are organized in Montenegro, Marko decided to run his first half marathon in the Serbian capital.
"Along with my thoughts about the beginning of the preparations, I knew that the Belgrade Marathon would start in just a few months, and considering that several of my friends had participated in it and had great experiences, I had no doubt that it was the first race that I would choose ", said the former singer of the band No Name.
Boasting on social networks that he ran his first half marathon, Prentić also published a photo with the words "run is fun". And about whether running is really fun, he says:
"When you go a little deeper into the process itself, you realize that there are a lot of things that can make running more interesting. Let's say, by changing the tracks and surfaces, achieving various personal challenges, running with friends", he advises.
All participants at certain times have moments when it is difficult for them and they think of giving up, and Perntić also managed to deal with such moments and reach the goal in the end.
"The conditions were not easy from the start, considering that the sun was quite strong, while in the last few kilometers there was a climb that made the race more demanding. Common to every training I had was a goal that was always realized despite the crises. Those are the moments that strengthen the psyche, give you self-confidence, and regardless of the fact that your legs no longer work the way you want, your head simply doesn't accept it and won't let you stop," he recalled.
Since there was a record number of participants in the Belgrade Marathon this year, there was a big crowd at the start. But were there also those competitors who behaved unsportsmanlike, Marko reveals:
"From the very start, the atmosphere was unreal. So much good energy in one place. Thousands of people count down to the start of the race, at every kilometer encouragement and support from people, motivational content, music, percussionists who continued that kind of support for runners that was started by our legendary drummer Dragoljub Đuričić. All in all, a wonderful experience without a stain", Prentić praised the organization.
He does not hide that when he started the Belgrade Marathon, he had a set goal, but it was not to win one of the medals.
"Let's say that I had a certain goal that I eventually met, as far as the time I finished the race at the end, but I was aware that I also had to listen to my body and not let myself burn out with desire. I was focused exclusively on myself, I knew that this was first of all a fight with myself", admits the musician, and reveals what feelings came over him when he crossed the finish line - whether it was relief that he had brought the race to an end or joy that he still managed to outdo yourself:
"I have to say that there are mixed feelings. It certainly wasn't easy which caused relief, and after a few moments a feeling of contentment, happiness and joy washed over me. I had a goal that I reached. I thought, there will be a short rest and then with even more strength and will to new victories", said the honest interviewee of the Magazine, who plans to continue with this type of physical activity, and promises to be a regular at such events in the future as well.
"The half marathon is the first step taken. I already have several events planned, and I hope for the first marathon as well", Prentić reveals his plans.
He is glad that he had the support of the environment for this new hobby of his.
"The support of friends is always important. Some helped me with advice on how to get results more easily and by hanging out on the track, while I motivated others to follow the same path," he boasted.
As someone whose mother is a doctor, Marko has taken care of his health since childhood. He didn't just prepare for this race by exercising and correcting his diet, but it was also important that he undergo medical examinations on time, which will also confirm that he is ready to embark on this adventure.
"My health comes first, so regular check-ups are mandatory. As for running, there are many positive health effects. At the very beginning, I gradually entered the story with a good plan made by expert people in order to reach the goal I set for myself in the best possible way", concludes Prentić.
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