Vis Half Marathon – Run the Island by the Sea

Vis Half Marathon by the Adriatic

Every May, runners gather on Vis for a spring race where historic streets, coastal scenery and the Adriatic become part of the course.

There are many ways to discover Vis, and the Vis Half Marathon (Viški polumaraton) offers one of the more energetic. Based in Vis Town, this spring event brings together competitive runners, recreational athletes, families and local participants for a day combining sport, community and the island landscape.

The main event is the classic 21.0975 km half marathon, but runners can also choose a 5 km race, share the half-marathon distance as a two-person relay or take part in the children’s races.

A Half Marathon with an Island Setting

What makes the Vis Half Marathon special is the setting. The course combines the streets and surroundings of Vis Town with long stretches beside the Adriatic, offering a very different experience from a conventional city race.

The half marathon consists of two laps of approximately 10.5 km. The first section of each lap includes a series of climbs and descents before the route becomes flatter on the return towards the sea. The course has been accurately measured and carries a World Athletics certificate.

Along the way, runners pass old stone houses, Mediterranean vegetation and coastal scenery, with the sea rarely far away.

Four Ways to Take Part

The event is designed for different ages and levels of experience. The 21.0975 km half marathon is the main race and has an official time limit of three hours. For those who prefer to share the distance, the 2 × 10.5 km relay allows two runners to complete one lap each, with men’s, women’s and mixed categories.

The 5 km race offers a shorter and largely flat route along the waterfront, making it an accessible alternative for recreational runners. Younger participants have their own races around the Prilovo peninsula, with distances ranging from approximately 200 to 1,200 metres according to age.

Together, these races give the event a relaxed community atmosphere rather than making it exclusively about long-distance competition.

Race Day at Prilovo

The race centre is at Prilovo, close to Hotel Issa and within easy walking distance of central Vis Town. This compact location makes it possible for visitors to stay in town and enjoy much of the event without needing a car.

For the 2026 edition, the half marathon and relay started in the morning, followed later by the children’s races. Refreshment stations were positioned around the course, and the day concluded with the prize ceremony and a shared lunch for competitors.

The race held in 2026 was only the second edition of the Vis Half Marathon, organised by Atletski klub Forca with support from the City of Vis, the Vis Tourist Board and local partners. The organisers also recognise the fastest male and female runners from Vis, adding an important local element to the competition.

A Different Side of Vis

A spring race is also a good reason to discover Vis outside the busy summer season. The waterfront is quieter, everyday island life is more visible and temperatures are generally better suited to running and exploring.

For travelling runners, the event can easily become part of a longer stay. Spend another day in Komiža, walk through the historic streets of Kut, visit the archaeological museum or explore the vineyards and villages of the island’s interior.

The race may provide the reason to come, but Vis gives you plenty of reasons to stay.

Planning Your Visit

Vis has no airport, so international visitors normally travel first to Split and continue to the island by ferry or catamaran. If you are travelling specifically for the race, it is worth planning accommodation and transport well in advance.

Race dates, registration deadlines, entry fees and ferry schedules can change from year to year, so always check the official Vis Half Marathon website before booking your journey.

Whether you come to chase a personal best, run 5 km beside the sea, share the half marathon with a friend or simply cheer from the course, the Vis Half Marathon offers an unusual way to experience the island – at running pace, with the Adriatic beside you.

Info & Registration

Vis Half Marathon – Official Website
Official information about the races, course, results and future editions.

Email: trkacki.klub.forca@gmail.com