Boračko Lake Once Again at the Center of Sporting Events: The “Kulin Ban” Open Water Swimming Cup 2026 to Be Held from September 4 to 6
After a three-year break, the “Kulin Ban” Open Water Swimming Cup 2026 will be held at Boračko Lake from September 4 to 6. The 1,500-meter open-water swimming competition brings together swimmers and sports enthusiasts from across the region, continuing the twenty-year tradition of what was formerly a sprint triathlon cup.
Professor of Sports and the competition’s chief referee, Adnan Džumhur, spoke on Radio Konjic about the details of the competition, participation requirements, and the organizational preparations.
Format Transformation: From Triathlon to Swimming Cup
Speaking about the reasons for transitioning from triathlon to a swimming competition, Džumhur explained that after the triathlon was cancelled in 2023 due to financial reasons, a simpler and more easily organized format was adopted.
“This should be the 20th competition held as part of this tradition. The format itself has been changed — instead of three disciplines, this year the focus is exclusively on the 1,500-meter swimming event. It is simpler to organize because we do not need to secure part of the lake or the road for the cycling segment. We are ready to ensure that everything is carried out to the highest standard, and the competition will be held on the grounds of the Boračko Lake Eco Village, which is organizing the event together with the ‘Gorsko oko’ Triathlon Club and the Triathlon Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Džumhur said.
Registrations, Categories, and Competition Rules
The main race is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, at 3:00 p.m., while registration is open until 1:00 p.m. on the same day via the competition’s official website and the Swimming Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Eligibility: Competitors aged 12 and over, in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Expected participation: More than 100 participants from across the region.
Rules: The competition will be held in accordance with the rules of the World and European swimming governing bodies, as well as the Swimming Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The course will be clearly marked and monitored by judges, boats, and stand-up paddleboards. The rules strictly sanction unsportsmanlike conduct, such as intentionally blocking another swimmer, pulling someone by the leg, or cutting across another swimmer’s path while rounding the buoys. Depending on the severity of the violation, penalties may include time penalties or disqualification.
Local Competitors and a Generous Prize Fund
Although there is currently no officially registered swimming club in Konjic, Džumhur confirmed that local competitors, recreational swimmers, and former athletes are among those registered. An attractive prize fund has been secured for the top competitors, with equal awards in both the men’s and women’s categories. The winners will receive a cash prize of €350, the runners-up €250, while €150 is reserved for third place. The generous prize fund, combined with the unique setting of Boračko Lake, is once again attracting high-quality competitors from across the region.
Recalling previous editions, which featured well-known names such as Dejan Patrčević, the first Croatian “Ironman” competitor, Džumhur emphasized the importance of support from the local community:
“I would like to thank the City of Konjic for supporting the organization of events like this. Konjic offers tremendous opportunities for sports tourism and for promoting the city.”
All swimming and sports enthusiasts are invited to register and be part of this sporting event at Boračko Lake on September 5.
Source of text and photos: Radio Konjic-https://radiokonjic.ba/boracko-jezero-ponovo-centar-sportskih-desavanja-od-4-do-6-septembra-odrzava-se-open-water-swimming-cup-kulin-ban-2026/
