The fifth edition of the “Enkelana Marathon” turned Pogradec into a true international running arena, bringing together over 550 amateur and professional athletes from forty countries around the globe.

The races were divided into two main distances, 21 kilometers and 11 kilometers, involving participants of all ages, from 15-year-olds to those over sixty. This year as well, representatives from Kosovo left their mark with their performance.

In the men’s half-marathon, professional runner Timon Mamusha secured the victory, while in the women’s race, Gresa Bakraqi took first place. Both champions praised the quality of the event, highlighting that the marathon is growing in scale and gaining significant prestige on the international stage.

As for the 11-kilometer race, Albert Abazi from Kërçova won in the men’s category, while in the women’s, Kristina Pura from Prrenjas successfully defended her title for the second year in a row.

A very touching and special moment of this edition was the image of a parent who decided to challenge himself by running with his small child, whom he pushed in a stroller along the entire race itinerary in Pogradec.

The festive atmosphere and warm hospitality of the lakeside city left deep impressions on sports enthusiasts from the United States of America, Russia, Japan, Greece, Sweden, and many other countries. All expressed amazement at the enchanting landscape of Lake Ohrid and the warmth of the local residents.

Kristina Shichkova, a participant from Russia, shared her enthusiasm: “I have been here several times for various activities and I always have a wonderful time. The atmosphere here is extraordinary, everything is perfectly organized, and I adore this place. It’s simply fantastic!”

Another runner, who had traveled with a group from Ioannina, said this was his third time participating. He added that a single visit was enough to fall in love with the area’s beauties and that he now considers it an unforgettable experience.

A 60-year-old competitor expressed his determination not to stop: “As long as God gives me health, I will come every year to run on this wonderful route and meet friends. They welcome us with such warmth that we almost feel a moral obligation to return here to see them.”

The success of this event has also been officially recognized, as the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation has honored the “Enkelana Marathon” with the first prize as one of the most prominent sporting events in Albania.

The organizers have also received confirmation that the marathon will continue to be part of Pogradec’s sports calendar for at least the next five years, consolidating the city as an important sports tourism destination.

The post “Enkelana Marathon” turns Pogradec into the epicenter of world athletics, with participants from 40 countries appeared first on Albeu.com.

In the premises of the Historical Museum of Shkodra, the tenth edition of the ‘Za Fest’ festival has begun, celebrating a decade of success as one of the most prominent cultural events in northern Albania.

The first night of this jubilee was dedicated to the written word, where writer Rita Petro and poet Mimoza Ahmeti brought to the attendees meditations on poetry, creativity, and the obstacles facing Albanian literature today.

Expressing her delight at the invitation, Mimoza Ahmeti emphasized the inseparable bond between literature and music. According to her, poetry, as the most delicate expression of thought, expands the boundaries of language, while music communicates beyond words. She described Shkodra as an environment that challenges you at every step: with the intelligence of its residents, with pure Albanian, with architectural heritage, and with that noble restraint that has preserved the city’s harmony. Ahmeti added that there you truly enjoy yourself, but at the same time feel a kind of responsibility to reason, perceive, and articulate profound thoughts, because the people of Shkodra are distinguished by their wisdom.

Rita Petro hailed this jubilee as a notable achievement, highlighting that festivals that build tradition create a new spiritual community. At a time when the digital world isolates us, such events bring us back together physically, becoming like a great table of brotherhood. She described the festival as a quiet revolution, where everyone finds their place through music, verse, and creativity. For her, it is essential that ‘Za Fest’ in Shkodra gives voice to individual freedom, especially when so many young people are involved.

In honor of the tenth anniversary, the organizers screened a summary documentary that brought back to memory precious fragments of the festival’s journey, from its start in Theth to its transformation into an important crossroads where art, culture, and the natural landscape meet.

The opening evening’s activity was crowned with a recital by singer Linda Rukaj, who brought the first night to a close with artistic notes.

‘Za Fest’ will continue over the coming days with a rich calendar of activities that intertwine sounds, literature, and visual arts, gathering in Shkodra creative figures from Albanian territories and neighboring countries.

The post Mimoza Ahmeti at ‘Za Fest’: Shkodra challenges you with its wit, tradition, and wisdom appeared first on Albeu.com.