Croatia Proudly Shined at the 2026 NYC Marathon

The streets of New York have once again come alive in the spirit of one of the world's greatest sporting events. 61,028 runners from all over the world participated in the 2026 New York City Marathon, one of the most famous and prestigious marathons in the world. Mario Brizanac proudly represented Croatia for the sixth time, and our other runners also carried Croatian colors through the streets of New York.

A Marathon Is Much More Than a Race

This legendary race, 42.195 kilometers long, took participants on an unforgettable journey through all five boroughs of New York City. The start was on Staten Island, and the runners continued through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx, all the way to the spectacular finish line in Central Park in Manhattan.

It is estimated that around two million spectators filled the streets of New York, cheering on runners from all corners of the globe. Music could be heard on almost every corner, and numerous musical bands, an enthusiastic crowd, and spontaneous shouts of encouragement created an atmosphere that only New York can provide.

The marathon was much more than a sports race. It was a festival of perseverance, unity, diversity, and the human spirit.

Croatian Red-and-White Checkers Among Thousands of Runners

As in previous years, the recognizable Croatian red-and-white checkers proudly stood out among the thousands of participants passing through the streets of New York.

One of them was Mario Brizanac, born in Vukovar, who spent most of his life in the beautiful Istrian town of Poreč.

This year's marathon was his sixth appearance at the New York City Marathon and the sixth time he has proudly represented his homeland in the recognizable Croatian checkers.

For Mario, a marathon is not just finishing a 42.195-kilometer-long race. It is an opportunity to carry a piece of Croatia through the streets of one of the world's largest cities and to share his national pride with people from all over the world.

"Throughout the entire race, I heard words of support and encouragement. So many people shouted, 'Goooo Croatia!' as I passed by them. I am incredibly proud when I see that our Croatian colors are recognizable all over the world," Mario shared.

"Every year, it is a special feeling to run the streets of New York. The atmosphere, the people, the music, and the energy are something you never forget. No matter how many times I run this marathon, that feeling never goes away. And the opportunity to represent Croatia makes this experience even more meaningful."

A Marathon That Connects the Whole World

The New York City Marathon is known not only for its demanding course but also for the special connection between the runners and the audience. For one day, the streets of New York become a stage where different nationalities, cultures, and life stories meet through sport.

For Croatian runners like Mario, hearing spectators thousands of miles away from Croatia shout the name of their homeland is a special feeling and a reminder of how recognizable our red-and-white checkers have become worldwide.

A special place in this story belongs to his biggest fan—his wife Sandra, who never misses an opportunity to cheer him on. Year after year, she follows his performance along the track with great enthusiasm, cheering so loudly that she almost loses her voice by the end of the marathon!

Joining her in this beautiful tradition are Nataša and Andrea Cuglianich, Mario's loyal fans who take to the streets of Manhattan every year to cheer him on as he passes. Their familiar faces, loud cheering, and selfless support make every marathon even more special. Because behind every successful runner stands perseverance, effort, and the people who believe in them.

32 Runners from Croatia

Mario was not the only participant representing Croatia this year. According to available reports, 32 runners from Croatia participated in this year's New York City Marathon.

Among them was Tijana Kocijel from Labin in Istria, for whom this was her first appearance at the New York City Marathon.

Running through the five boroughs, surrounded by joyful spectators, music, and the incredible energy of New York, was an unforgettable experience for Tijana. She finished her first NYC Marathon carrying with her not only the pride of participating in one of the world's most famous races but also beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

Croatian Pride on the Streets of New York

Among the participants in this year's New York City Marathon was also Ivan Vukušić from New York, who ran the race wearing the jersey of Croatian football legend Luka Modrić. With the support of family and friends cheering him on along the course, Ivan proudly carried Croatian colors through the streets of New York, demonstrating once again how love for one's country can be expressed in the most beautiful way—through sports, unity, and national pride.

Go Croatia!

Six New York City Marathons, six appearances in Croatian colors, and countless unforgettable moments—Mario still carries the same pride and enthusiasm that motivated him from the very beginning.

And as shouts of "Goooo Croatia!" echoed through the streets of New York, it was confirmed once again how much sport can connect people, homelands, and generations.

Croatia may be a small country, but its heart, pride, and spirit have no boundaries. Our people, wherever they live, spread the Croatian name around the world through their hard work, successes, and love for their homeland!

Croatia is promoted not only through tourism, culture, gastronomy, and wines but also through its people, their achievements, and their love for the homeland, no matter which corner of the world they live in.