On 4 October 2026, Shkodra once again became the meeting point for hundreds of athletes and running enthusiasts at the second edition of Shkodra Marathon.
With the start and finish in the square in front of Shkodër Municipality, the event brought together 550 participants from Albania and 20 different countries around the world, giving the race a strong national and international character.
Shkodra Marathon was organized by the Athletics Sports Association “Atletikë-Vllaznia”, in cooperation with Shkodër Municipality and the Albanian Athletics Federation.
550 participants across three distances
In this year’s edition, participants raced over 2.5 km, 5 km and 10 km, with categories tailored for youth and adults.
From children experiencing the excitement of their first race, to professional athletes and runners who had come to Shkodër from different countries, the event created a sporting atmosphere across the whole city.
The aim of Shkodra Marathon remains the promotion of sport, physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, while also promoting Shkodra as a city with a strong sporting tradition and the potential to host major international events.
Shkodra Marathon 2026 winners
In the 2.5 km girls 10–15 race, first place went to Enea Metolli from Prishtina, followed by Darsa Vathi and Oltea Zaimi, both from Fortius.
In the 2.5 km boys 10–15 category, the winner was Elsar Balaj from Vllaznia, while second and third went to Marin Shehaj and Dion Mulgeci from Fortius.
In the 2.5 km girls 16–18 category, first place went to Ajla Doda from Tirana, while second was Selina Gashi from Kosovo.
In the 2.5 km boys 16–18 category, Leonel Mesi from Tirana won, followed by Dejan Balla of Vllaznia and Olken Horanlli from Durrës.
In the 5 km women’s race, the podium was led by Gresa Bakraqi from Kosovo, ahead of Kristina Pura and Elizabeta Marku from Tirana.
In the 5 km men’s race, the winner was Bledar Mesi from Tirana, with Oliver Hill from Great Britain in second and Demir Medeni from Türkiye in third.
The main race of the day, the 10 km women’s, was won by Albanian record holder Luiza Gega, followed by Natalia Semenovych from Ukraine and Sebahat Demir from Türkiye.
In the 10 km men’s race, first place went to Bogdan Semenovych from Ukraine, second to Albion Ymeri from Kosovo, while the podium was completed by Rory Martin from Australia.
A sporting day for Shkodra
Beyond results and podiums, Shkodra Marathon brought the city a day filled with sport, energy and participation.
The presence of athletes from 20 different countries showed the growth of the event and the interest it is generating beyond Albania.
Along the race routes, citizens, families and sports fans supported the participants, turning the activity into a sporting celebration for the city.
Youth participation was especially important. One of the main goals of Shkodra Marathon is to bring more and more children and young people closer to athletics and physical activity.
Thank you to everyone who took part
Shkodra Marathon 2026 was made possible thanks to the cooperation and contribution of many institutions, organizations and people.
Special thanks go to Shkodër Municipality and the Albanian Athletics Federation for their support and cooperation in organizing the event.
Appreciation to the State Police and the Municipal Police, who contributed to participant safety and the smooth running of the races along the course.
We also thank the sponsors and partners, the media, judges, coaches, the organizing staff and especially the volunteers, whose commitment helped make the event a success.
And above all, thank you to every athlete and every participant who chose to run in Shkodër.
From 550 toward 1,000 participants
With the second edition complete, Shkodra Marathon is already looking ahead to the third.
The next goal is clear: to keep growing the event and reach 1,000 runners, consolidating Shkodra Marathon as one of the most important races of its kind in Albania and the region.
The second edition closed successfully.
Now our minds are on the third.
RUN IN SHKODËR