Ten Years of Running for Health: First Evening Charity Race, 5 September 2026
As a member of the Presidency of the Brod-Posavina County Cancer League, I am very pleased to announce the 10th anniversary charity race “Knowledge and Prevention for Health”.
This year the event has a new format: for the first time, it will take place in the evening, on Saturday 5 September 2026, in Slavonski Brod . The race is more than a sporting event. It is a public health initiative that brings together up to 1,000 participants of all ages. The aim is to support community health through movement, knowledge and prevention.
What are we raising funds for this year?
All funds raised will go to the Department of Dermatology at Dr Josip Benčević General Hospital in Slavonski Brod, towards the purchase of dermatology equipment worth more than €40,000 . The equipment will improve diagnostics and support earlier detection of melanoma and other dermatological diseases. Timely detection is an important factor in successful treatment. |
Prevention first, especially in September
September can still bring high levels of UV exposure. Throughout the campaign and at the race, I therefore emphasise sun protection: regular use of SPF 50+ sunscreen, protective clothing and timely skin and mole checks. As a pharmacist, I keep returning to prevention. Many cases of skin cancer can be prevented, and prevention also extends beyond sun protection. What we do every day matters for health: eating well, moving more, taking part in sport and reducing harmful habits.
What is lifestyle medicine and why does it matter for prevention?
This is also at the heart of lifestyle medicine, a field I work with as a member of the Croatian Lifestyle Medicine Association. Lifestyle medicine is an evidence-based approach that uses lifestyle change in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease through six core areas: healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, good sleep, stress management, avoiding harmful substances and maintaining healthy relationships. The race brings several of those ideas together in a practical community activity.
What will be available at the race?
Alongside running and socialising, several free health stations will be available:
Skin and mole checks
Vitamin and mineral status measurement
Blood pressure and blood glucose measurement
Body composition analysis
Advice on sun protection, hydration and healthy habits
After the activity, participants will be offered healthy refreshments: apples, water, dairy protein drinks and other snacks.
A programme for all ages
Children's race
5 km race
10 km race
Fast walking or walking option, with no need to run
Registration
Registration and payment of the entry fee are open until 15 August 2026. You can register via stoperica.hr . Early registration is recommended because places are limited.
A concert to mark the anniversary
This year, as a thank-you to the participants, volunteers, sponsors and partners who have supported the event over the years, we have also organised a concert, kako bismo zajedno proslavili 10 godina utrke u pozitivnoj i svečanoj atmosferi.
Pink shirts and a message of hope
This year's pink shirts carry a symbolic message. For some people they may represent optimism and encouragement to attend a preventive check-up. For others they may be a reminder not to postpone facing a health concern. Whether you are beginning to think more seriously about prevention or already living with a diagnosis, the message is that you are not alone.
I invite you to join us
Come on the evening of 5 September, put on your trainers and a pink shirt, and join us. Every registration, every step and every donation contributes to better health in our county. Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past ten years. I still remember people borrowing trainers to join us in the first year; today some of them are committed runners. See you in Slavonski Brod!
#10YearsOfTheRace #KnowledgeAndPreventionForHealth #EveningRace #CancerPrevention #ThinkPink #SlavonskiBrod #LifestyleMedicine
About the author
Ivana Juričić Boić, MPharm
Vice President of the Croatian Pharmaceutical Society
Member of the Presidency of the Brod-Posavina County Cancer League and coordinator of the “Knowledge and Prevention for Health” charity race
Member of the Croatian Lifestyle Medicine Association (CROLMA)