Croatian runner Jelena Barčot began her challenging 844km journey from Prevlaka to Vukovar on 31 October. She plans to reach her destination on 17 November, ahead of the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Vukovar and Škabrnja. The feat carries deep symbolism, honouring the victims of the Homeland War, while also serving a humanitarian purpose aimed at helping those in need.
During her journey, Jelena was welcomed in Trilj with a large turnout from the local population. At the entrance to the town, she was greeted by children with their parents, motorcyclists, firefighters, majorettes, representatives of associations and numerous citizens. She was particularly accompanied by children and motorcyclists from the Noćni jahači Trilj Motorcycle Club, the Divlje svinje Motorcycle Club and their friends. Jelena had previously run the section from Gornja Brela to Trilj, continuing her demanding route.
At the monument to Croatian defenders in Trilj, Jelena was greeted by the Mayor of Trilj, Sabor (Croatian Parliament) representative Ivan Bugarin, and Father Slavko Volarević, dean of the Cetin dekanat. They presented her with commemorative gifts and thanked her for her endeavour. Students from Trilj Primary School, together with their teachers, created posters with messages of peace and support, while the crowd lit 86 candles in memory of the 86 children killed during the Homeland War in Vukovar. Each candle symbolised a extinguished childhood life.
Members of the "Prijatelji obitelji" (Friends of Families) Association gifted Jelena a rosary made of walnuts, inspired by the traditional Trilj grotulja. Jelena Barčot is running for those who need help most, and her endeavour is raising donations for the Social Self-Help of the Duga Vukovar Humanitarian Association. Donations can be made to the account IBAN HR4223400092520638867. After Trilj, Jelena continues her journey towards Sinj and Vrlika, getting closer to her goal in Vukovar.
