1,600 Kilometers for Veterans: Branko Šubić Reaches His Goal
With the final 205-kilometer leg lasting five days, Šubić symbolically completed his unique tribute project on Petrinja Liberation Day.
With the final 205-kilometer leg lasting five days, Šubić symbolically completed his unique tribute project on Petrinja Liberation Day.
Ultramarathon runner Branko Šubić put the finishing touch on his ten-year project "Branko Šubić for Veterans" on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Petrinja's Senjak neighborhood. Through running, he connected all the farthest corners of Croatia with his city, paying tribute to fallen, missing, and living Croatian veterans.
The final leg, 205 kilometers long, started from Žabnik in the Municipality of Sveti Martin na Muri and lasted five days. The finish line was at the Monument to Colonel Predrag Matanović and his comrades, where a large crowd welcomed him.
Among those welcoming him were the Mayor of Petrinja, Magdalena Komes; State Secretary at the Ministry of Defense and retired Lieutenant General Drago Matanović; Deputy Prefect of Sisak-Moslavina County, Mihael Jurić; Croatian veterans; representatives of Petrinja's sports community; family members; friends; and fellow citizens.
On the final kilometers from Mošćenica, the site where Colonel Predrag Matanović was killed, Šubić was joined by representatives of the Petrinja Sports Association and young athletes. His grandson Ivano provided special motivation during the final stretch.
Visibly moved by the reception, Šubić emphasized that he had fulfilled the promise he made at the project's start. "The feeling is truly special, and it's hard to find the right words. I have fulfilled another vow and promise. When I embarked on this project, I said that over ten years I would connect all the farthest parts of the Republic of Croatia with Petrinja. Today, I can say that I have done just that," said Šubić, as reported by Sisak.info.
He thanked everyone who supported him over the years, including cities, counties, project friends, and the media. Throughout the entire project, which included legs from Ilok, Savudrija, and Prevlaka, he ran more than 1,600 kilometers.
Šubić stressed that Croatian veterans were his greatest motivation in the toughest moments. "My legs move on their own when I think of those for whom I do all this, the fallen and missing Croatian veterans, the civilian victims, and all living veterans to whom we owe gratitude for a free and independent Republic of Croatia. When the route was hardest, I would think of them and find the strength to continue," he said.
Although this concludes his ten-year project, Šubić has not ruled out future athletic endeavors, and he is also planning a book about the entire undertaking, with a possible promotion in Petrinja.
Mayor Magdalena Komes congratulated him on his extraordinary feat, highlighting its importance for preserving the culture of remembrance. "Today, on behalf of all the people of Petrinja, we welcomed Branko Šubić, who through his ten-year project has shown how important it is to preserve the memory of Croatian veterans. Projects like this take us back to the days of their courage and greatest sacrifice," Komes stated.
She added that it is the responsibility of today's generations to continue building on the foundations laid by veterans. The date also added special symbolism to the finish, August 6, Petrinja Liberation Day and the Day of Croatian Veterans of the City of Petrinja.
The mayor confirmed that the Petrinja City Council had decided this year to award Branko Šubić a public recognition. "Branko is certainly one of the symbols of Petrinja. With this decision, we want to thank him on behalf of the entire city and show how much we appreciate his personal sacrifice, perseverance, and contribution to preserving the memory of Croatian veterans," Komes said.
