On Thursday, the 11th Virovitica–Gradina memorial run was held in Virovitica. The event is part of the celebrations for the Day of the Municipality of Gradina and serves as a remembrance of the fallen Croatian defenders from the area of that municipality, as well as officers of the Virovitica-Podravina County Police Directorate.
The organizers of the event were the Virovitica-Podravina Police Directorate together with the Association of Marathon Runners of the Virovitica-Podravina County, 'Messengers of Truth'. The aim of the run was to pay tribute to those who fell during the Homeland War, as well as to those who gave their lives in the service of protecting citizens.
This traditional sporting event brings together runners competing on a route connecting Virovitica with Gradina. Over the years, the run has become an important part of the region's cultural memory, linking the spirit of sport with the duty to remember the victims of war.
Participants had the opportunity to pass through landscapes that recalled historical events, with the finale dedicated to a minute of silence and the lighting of candles for all the fallen. The organizers emphasised the importance of preserving the memory of the soldiers and police officers who, through their actions, contributed to the defence of the country.
The event brought together numerous athletics enthusiasts, as well as members of associations established by veterans of the Homeland War. Representatives of the organizers addressed the attendees, highlighting that sport can be a means of promoting the values of peace and solidarity. The run concluded with the awarding of prizes to the best participants, alongside a collective remembrance of all those who did not live to see peaceful times.
