Australian-Croatian ultra-runner Aydan Marko Papac will begin his Guinness World Record attempt at 5:00am on Monday, 24 August 2026, from Savudrija Lighthouse in the most northern point of the Croatian coastline with a special send-off by Slaviša Šmalc and the City of Umag.
His mission is to run over 827 kilometres along the entire Croatian coast in under ten days, in honour of his late grandfather, his “Dida” Jandre Bilić, and to raise awareness of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD).
The run is set to possibly be the most demanding endurance challenge ever attempted across Croatia where Aydan will run the length of the Croatian coast in consecutive days, covering a declared total distance of 827 kilometres before reaching Fort Prevlaka on Croatia's southernmost coastal frontier.
The challenge is an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the fastest crossing of Croatia on foot. But this is more than a record attempt. It is a tribute to his “Dida” Jandre, who passed away from Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) — a rare and devastating brain disease with no cure. Through this journey, Aydan hopes to raise awareness and support for individuals and families affected by CJD.
His mission is simple: To move for those who can no longer do so. Born in Australia with Croatian roots through both sides of his family, Aydan has transformed personal loss into endurance. After losing his grandfather, he found ultra-running and began using the sport as a way to honour his memory and bring attention to CJD. Now, he is preparing for his greatest challenge yet.
The journey officially beginning at 5:00am at Savudrija Lighthouse will see the first day conclude at one of Croatia's most recognisable landmarks, the Pula Arena. The final stage will culminate into a finish at Fort Prevlaka, aimed to mark the completion of an extraordinary journey.
Along his journey, Aydan will be welcomed and greeted by local tourist bureaus, local mayors and other local officials, as communities across the Croatian coast come together to support his historic attempt and honour the purpose behind the run.
Aydan will pass through Umag cheered on by the Mayor, Pula Arena, the Rijeka cathedral, he will pass Zadar, Split, Makarska and Dubrovnik where the Mayor of Dubrovnik Mato Franković is set to greet him on the final stretch to the finish line.
Aydan will face extreme summer weather conditions, physical exhaustion, sleep deprivation, changing terrain and the mental demands of pushing his body day after day.
A dedicated support team of professionals, family, friends and production personnel will accompany and document the journey, capturing not only the sporting challenge but also the deeply personal story behind every kilometer. Aydan's run will connect cities, towns, coastlines and communities across Croatia.
Every stage will bring him closer to his destination. Every kilometre will carry the memory of Dida Jandre and every step will serve as a reminder of why this journey began. 827 kilometres for one purpose.
Over the weekend, Aydan and crew were welcomed to Zagreb on the eve of his journey by renowned filmmaker and Australian Croatian public figure Steve Ravić, whose team together with ICAN have helped with public relations, coordination and logistics and the new Ambassador of Australia to Croatia Glenn Morrison, who hosted Aydan and the team for a drink. He will be closely following Aydan’s journey together with the team from Australia including nutritionist and wife Georgia Karambelas, team lead - Jack Colletta, physio and medic Ben Cherry, logistics lead Ramsen Kunda and Rhidian Scott-Towers who will be providing coverage for media and the film project about Ayden’s epic journey.
Tomorrow morning, on 24 August 2026, Croatia will become the stage for a journey of endurance, heritage, loss, resilience and love.
Every town. Every road. Every sunrise. Every step.
Follow Aydan's journey.
Petra Antolić
