Velebit 2026

Velebit Lake presents itself as a quiet, enclosed basin, characteristic of the flat, expansive landscapes of the Bačka region. Swimming here feels like traversing a mirror of the sky, where the absence of significant currents allows for a steady, rhythmic stroke. For those looking to compare their endurance across different local settings, swimmers often participate in both this lake marathon and the 44. Kanjiža Running & Swimming Festival, held later in the season.

What you'll see

The circular course, based on a 1,000-meter lap, keeps the shoreline and its historical landmarks within constant view. As you navigate the buoys, the horizon is marked by the traditional windmill in the nearby village of Orom, a solitary silhouette that serves as a navigational reference point throughout the 2,000 m and 5,000 m races. The area surrounding the lake is steeped in layers of human history; the village of Velebit itself is built upon a significant Bronze Age necropolis, though these remains are long buried beneath the soil, unseen by those in the water. The deeper historical roots of the region are evident in nearby settlements like Adorjan, documented as early as 1198, which add a sense of antiquity to the surrounding landscape.

Race day logistics

The Velebit 2026 event is organized by PK „Kanjiža“ and serves as the fourth round of the SRB OWS Cup. On July 11, the day begins with a registration and check-in window from 08:00 to 09:20. The schedule is tight: the Children's League races (100 m and 200 m) commence at 09:45, followed by the main 2,000 m and 5,000 m events at 10:00. Participation fees are fixed by distance: 500 RSD for the shorter youth races and 1,500 RSD for the long-course distances. Security on the water is managed under the authority of the local Port Authority, and swimmers are required to remain within the buoyed channel throughout their laps. After the final swimmer exits the water, the gathering moves to the village of Velebit for the awards ceremony and a communal lunch.