Day 228 – EU – Serbia [Svilajnac to Pozarevac]

07/10/20

53.2km

  From Svilajnac (Serbia) to Pozarevac (Serbia)

Europe

Another awesome autumn day in the beautiful plains of Serbia – and a reminder of recent history

I was glad there was no rain as I headed out this morning. The sky was clear and I enjoyed an awesome sunrise as I left Svilajnac. I ran the first 20km or so on dust roads. Magnificent! I did not get to meet any car or anyone. Just fields and forests and the morning lights shining beautifully on it all. I then joined the main road (which was also very quiet) for the remaining 33km to Pozarevac. Village after village, being greeted by people, being offered water and grapes, dogs running short distances alongside. Loads of dogs.

Today, 7th October, marks the 20th anniversary of Milosevic stepping down from power as Head of Serbian State and letting Kostunica assume the presidential function. Following his downfall, Milosevic was eventually extradited to the ICTY (International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia). Milosevic, who chose to defend himself, died in his cell in 2006 before trial could be concluded and he remains un-charged as of today. He was buried privately in his hometown… of Pozarevac, where I stay tonight.

It’s interesting that, as I announced my new plan to run through the Balkans, I received a few messages from some who voiced their concerns and warned me to be cautious as I crossed “these countries”. I remember thinking these were fears I did not have. I am lucky to have traveled extensively throughout Europe for work in 2005-2008. I have stayed for work in all the major capitals of central, western and eastern Europe, ran through the cities every morning before work and always felt safe and at home.

It is important to acknowledge the complexity of the Balkans history, the multiple wars and battles for independence, the Yugoslavia regim, its downfall and tragic consequences. And yet these people who have gone through all this in recent history have done an incredible job rebuilding their country and getting them up and running again. It’s quite amazing what they have achieved in a short period of time. I have run through all of Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia and I can quite frankly say I have been very warmly welcomed and in each case also surprised by the quality of the infrastructure and care for the environment.

Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: