Adriatic sea, Neretva river and Bacina lakes are placed in less then 2 (two) kilometers! In the pictures below text you can see all of it - mouth Neretva on the top, Adriatic sea in the middle, and Bacina lakes in the bottom!
TRUPA RACE
 First "trupa" race was held in 1999 in Ploce and in 2004 spectacle was held for the sixth time. Besides marathon of barge, this is the only manifestation which goal is to promote Neretvanian countyside and customs. "Trupa" was, beside "ladja" (barge), the most important mean of transportation in Neretva region since 20th century.
MARATHON OF BARGE ON NERETVA RIVER
Marathon of barge from Metkovic to Ploce has been organised since five years. Distance between these two towns following Neretva river is 22,5 kilometres. Crew of one barge has twelve rowers. Five of them row on the left and five of them on the right side of a barge, while the drummer's position is on the fore and cox on the aft. All crews have the right to replace 6 rowers in Opuzen. Marathon is usually held the second Saturday of August.
 Marathon of Barge 2002 gathered 33 crews including those coming from Italy, Czech Republic and Australia. The race starts under the Metkovic Bridge from the start positions in two rows. Start positions must be determined in the qualification race, which is held in Opuzen two weeks before the Marathon day. First teams start from the first row and the other from the second row. Crews are going through all villages on Neretva river cheered by local inhabitants. Start in Metkovic is so beautiful that it hardly can be described. Neretva becomes white as milk and foam remains on Neretva river long after. For about two hours and twenty minutes first crew arrives to Ploce followed by great number of cheerleaders and all those who come to watch the Marathon.
It is necessary to express great respect for great efforts of Domagoj descendants. It is not easy to row all those kilometres. This requires great physical condition and a big brave heart.
Last three years, the president of the Republic of Croatia Stipe Mesic was personally sponsor of this unique event in Croatia, Europe, but also in the World.
It is great honour rowing the Marathon. |
