Lađa Week on the Neretva: 31 Crew, 500 Rowers

A unique blend of tradition, passion, and sporting rivalry is once again bringing the Neretva Valley to life. Lađa Week, which began on August 4, 2026, will culminate in the 29th Lađa Marathon on Saturday, this year gathering 31 crews with over 500 rowers.

Event Schedule: From Sprint Races to the Grand Finale

The program kicks off on August 5 with sprint races in Opuzen, where crews will compete for better starting positions in the main marathon. The following day, August 6, marks the 13th edition of the Women's Lađa Marathon, featuring 17 female crews, with last year's title defended by the team from Sisak. Friday brings the Festival of Traditions, this year showcasing Varaždin County.

Luka Oršulić, president of the Neretva Rowers' Association, outlined the proceedings: "The event officially starts tomorrow with the sprint in Opuzen, beginning with a Mass and then the sprint. Thursday is the women's marathon, Friday is the Festival of Traditions, this year featuring Varaždin County."

Zagreb Chases Record, Locals Want the Title Back

The Zagreb Rowers' Association defends its title after winning a fourth consecutive, and fifth overall, championship in the Neretva Valley last year. They are now one step away from the record of the most decorated crew, Gusari from Komin, who won five consecutive titles from 2009 to 2013 and a total of seven championships.

Dominik Tepeš Rafaj, a member of the Zagreb association, says: "Expectations are to win, as in previous years; we prepare and train to be the best. This sport demands great sacrifices, and we want to stay at the top."

Crni Put: Six Cups and a Clear Goal

Local crews want to break Zagreb's dominance and bring the celebration back to the Neretva Valley. Particularly ambitious is the Crni Put crew from Metković, which has won all six cups in the preparatory competitions this season.

Hrvoje Volarević from the Crni Put Rowers' Association reveals the secret to their success: "We brought in coach Marko Jelkić from Belišće to help us; we started with winter preparations and won all six cups we competed in."

Mile Senta, president of Crni Put, doesn't hide his ambitions: "The marathon means everything, so we work and train to show we're the best; we want to bring the title back to the Neretva."

A Challenge for All: 9,000 Strokes in Over Two Hours

The Lađa Marathon is an extraordinary physical feat-rowers make up to 9,000 strokes during the race from Metković to Ploče, battling the Neretva's currents and waves for over two hours. It's a special challenge for the 11 crews from inland regions, including one from Vojvodina and three debutant teams.

Robert Bernić from the Sisak Rowers' Association realistically assesses their chances: "Our expectation is to finish among the top 10 teams; that's our dream and goal!"

A Spectacle for Tens of Thousands of Spectators

Ante Šprlje, a member of the Organizing Committee, invites all fans of tradition and sport: "There will be 11 crews from inland, one from Vojvodina, and the rest from the wider Neretva Valley area. Over 500 rowers, tens of thousands of spectators. It will be a spectacle that gets better every year, and we invite everyone to join us in following it."

You can watch the grand Neretva spectacle on Saturday starting at 4:50 PM on HRT's Second Channel.