IAU Vice‑President Jacek Bedkowski completed an official visit to Croatia on 7th March 2026, attending the 9th edition of the Polojska Ultra and meeting with key figures involved in the country’s expanding ultramarathon scene. The visit focused on supporting Slavonski Brod’s ambition to host a Major IAU Event (MIAUC) and advising organisers from Zagreb on raising their events to IAU Gold Label standards.
During the race weekend, Bedkowski met with race director Tomislav Marinović, members of the LOC team, city representative Ivan Holik, and Ozren Čučković, technical delegate of the Croatian Athletic Federation. The Polojska Ultra has held an IAU Silver Label for several years, and discussions centred on the next steps toward a future MIAUC candidacy.
Bedkowski praised the organisers’ professionalism and the event’s strong foundations:
“I spent the weekend supporting the organisers and providing technical advice on the requirements for an IAU major event application. After participating in the technical meetings and observing the entire race, it is clear that the flat, fast course along the Sava River meets the high standards required for IAU competition.”
Jacek Bedkowski
IAU Vice President
Beyond Slavonski Brod, Bedkowski also met with Zagreb‑based organisers, who expressed a strong interest in elevating their events to the prestigious IAU Gold Label level. Discussions focused on race quality standards, organisational development, and long‑term pathways for international recognition.
The visit highlighted Croatia’s growing commitment to ultrarunning and its potential to host high‑level international events. With motivated organisers in both Slavonski Brod and Zagreb, the country is positioning itself as an emerging hub for IAU‑sanctioned competition in the region.
