Report on the Banja Luka Marathon’s Contribution to Sustainable Development

Executive Summary

The Banja Luka Marathon, scheduled for September 28, 2025, serves as a significant driver for sustainable development in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This report analyzes the event’s impact through the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on its contributions to health, economic growth, sustainable urban development, and global partnerships. The marathon is a catalyst for tourism and local economic stimulus, aligning with multiple SDG targets and establishing Banja Luka as a center for sustainable sports tourism.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The marathon directly promotes public health and encourages active lifestyles, a core tenet of SDG 3. Its inclusive structure is designed to maximize community participation and impact.

• Inclusive Participation: The event offers multiple race categories, including a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and family-oriented runs. This approach ensures accessibility for participants of all ages and fitness levels, from elite athletes to recreational runners and children.
• Community Health Promotion: By organizing a large-scale public fitness event, the marathon inspires local residents to engage in physical activity, fostering a community-wide culture of well-being and preventative health.
• Charitable Linkages: Proceeds from the event often support local health and social initiatives, further contributing to the well-being of the community.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The marathon provides a substantial boost to the local economy, creating opportunities for decent work and fostering sustainable economic growth in line with SDG 8.

1. Tourism Stimulation: The influx of international and domestic participants and spectators leads to a surge in demand for local services. This directly benefits the hospitality sector, including hotels, restaurants, and cafes.
2. Support for Local Businesses: Increased visitor traffic stimulates the retail and service sectors, providing a significant revenue increase for local enterprises and vendors.
3. Job Creation: The event supports seasonal and long-term employment in tourism, event management, and hospitality, contributing to the economic vitality of Banja Luka.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The event acts as a catalyst for urban development and community cohesion, advancing the objectives of SDG 11.

• Infrastructure Development: Hosting a major international marathon necessitates and encourages investment in public infrastructure, such as transport systems and sports facilities. These improvements create lasting benefits for residents and enhance the city’s sustainability.
• Promotion of Cultural and Natural Heritage: The race route is strategically designed to showcase Banja Luka’s cultural landmarks and natural assets, like the Vrbas River, promoting the protection and celebration of local heritage.
• Fostering Community Engagement: The active involvement of local volunteers and community groups in organizing the marathon strengthens social cohesion, builds civic pride, and contributes to creating an inclusive and resilient community.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

By attracting a global audience, the Banja Luka Marathon exemplifies the power of partnerships in achieving sustainable development, as outlined in SDG 17.

• Global Platform: The event brings together individuals from diverse national backgrounds, creating a platform for international cultural exchange and understanding.
• Enhancing Global Profile: The marathon elevates the international profile of Banja Luka and Bosnia and Herzegovina, attracting further investment, tourism, and opportunities for global collaboration.

Conclusion and Forward Outlook

A Model for Sustainable Event Tourism

The Banja Luka Marathon is more than a sporting event; it is a strategic asset for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in the region. Its continued growth promises to further amplify its positive impacts on the local economy, community well-being, and urban infrastructure.

By continuing to integrate principles of sustainability into its planning and execution, the marathon can serve as a leading model for how major events can drive comprehensive and sustainable development, ensuring a prosperous future for Banja Luka and contributing to the global 2030 Agenda.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

The article on the Banja Luka Marathon highlights issues and initiatives that are directly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals. The analysis identifies the following SDGs as relevant:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article explicitly states that the marathon boosts “the encouragement of health and fitness practices” and “promotes healthy lifestyles.” It encourages community-wide physical activity through various race categories for different ages and fitness levels.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The marathon is described as a “catalyst for… the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina.” The text details its role in boosting local tourism, creating a “surge in demand” for services, supporting “local businesses,” and helping to “create jobs and contribute to business growth.”
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The event contributes to urban development by acting as a “catalyst for long-term investments in the city’s infrastructure,” including “improvements in transport to the development of sports facilities.” It also enhances the city’s image and promotes its cultural heritage by showcasing “Banja Luka’s cultural landmarks and natural beauty” along the race route.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

Based on the content of the article, the following specific targets under the identified SDGs can be pinpointed:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. The article supports this target by highlighting how the marathon “promotes healthy lifestyles” and inspires “local residents to engage in physical activity,” which are key preventative measures against non-communicable diseases.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products. The article directly addresses this by describing the marathon as a driver for “sports tourism,” which leads to an “influx of visitors,” supports “local businesses” in the hospitality and retail sectors, and ultimately helps “create jobs.”

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. The article mentions that the race route is “strategically planned to showcase Banja Luka’s cultural landmarks and natural beauty, such as the picturesque Vrbas River and the historical architecture,” thereby promoting and safeguarding the city’s heritage through tourism.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

The article implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

1. Indicators for SDG 3 (Target 3.4)

   • Participation rates in physical activities: The article implies this through the “inclusivity” of the event, which “attracts participants of all levels” and offers “shorter runs for families and children,” encouraging broad community engagement in physical fitness.

2. Indicators for SDG 8 (Target 8.9)

   • Number of international tourists/visitors: The text refers to the “influx of visitors” and “participants and spectators… from all corners of the world.”
   • Economic contribution of tourism: This is implied through mentions of “increased bookings for accommodations, transportation, dining,” a “spike in activity” for local businesses, and higher “foot traffic” for shops and vendors.
   • Job creation in the tourism sector: The article states that the economic effects “help create jobs.”

3. Indicators for SDG 11 (Target 11.4)

   • Investment in urban infrastructure and cultural site preservation: The marathon is described as a “catalyst for long-term investments in the city’s infrastructure” and the “development of sports facilities,” which benefit the city and its heritage sites.
   • Promotion of cultural and natural heritage: The strategic design of the race route to “showcase Banja Luka’s cultural landmarks and natural beauty” serves as a promotional indicator.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: travelandtourworld.com