History of the Saint Sava Athletic Race
Over three decades of road racing tradition in Valjevo – from its inception in 1993 under the blessing of Bishop Lavrentije to the modern day.
Aleksandar Milovanović (1947–2000)
Prominent Valjevo industrialist, president of Athletic Club "Valjevoauto", and the visionary who launched the race on Saint Sava's Day in 1993.
Founded on Saint Sava's Day in 1993
The Saint Sava Athletic Race was inaugurated on January 27, 1993. The race was blessed by the Bishop of Šabac and Valjevo, Bishop Lavrentije, and brought to life through Athletic Club "Valjevoauto" with the profound personal dedication of club presidentAleksandar Milovanović.
Following the second edition in 1994, severe regional economic conditions and resource constraints forced a temporary hiatus in the late 1990s.
Revival in 2001 and Official Civic Distinction
The competition was successfully revitalized in 2001 through a partnership betweenAthletic Club "Metalac" Valjevo and the City of Valjevo. It has since been run every January without interruption through the historic heart of the city.
National Champions & Legends of Athletics
Across more than 30 years, some of the greatest distance runners in Yugoslavian and Serbian history have triumphed in Valjevo:
Official race promoters have included world-renowned sporting legends: Franjo Mihalić (Olympic silver medalist),Vera Nikolić (former 800m world record holder), and Dane Korica.