21. Molski maraton na Tisi

The current tugs at your suit as you navigate the mid-section of the Tisa River, passing the point where the winding Aranca tributary merges its flow into the main channel. Looking toward the horizon, the flat, fertile plains of the Bačka region stretch out in every direction, providing a stark, expansive backdrop to your stroke. In the distance, the silhouette of the St. Sava Orthodox Church in Mol begins to sharpen, its narrow, baroque-influenced bell tower acting as a silent compass for the final approach to the finish line. This is the 21st Molski maraton na Tisi, an annual gathering that turns this stretch of water into a competitive corridor between Ada and Mol.

Race day logistics

Organized by the PVK „Delfin” Ada, the event centers on a 4,000-meter main race that begins at the Gradska plaža in Ada. To manage the point-to-point nature of the course, participants congregate at the Mol camp for registration before being shuttled by bus to the start line. This logistical operation, included in the 2,000 RSD entry fee, ensures that swimmers finish exactly where their day began. Beyond the main event, the program includes the 'Tiski cvet' race, a shorter 200-meter youth competition held between the beach and a local raft.

The landscape

As you swim, the banks tell a story of regional history. On the right, the town of Ada sits low against the water, while the high loess terrace near Bačko Petrovo Selo offers a contrasting elevation. If you look closely toward the historic sites nearby, you might catch a glimpse of the landscape that inspired masters like Teodor Ilić Češljar, whose work adorns the Church of the Transfer of St. Nicholas in the nearby village. The route is also rich in heritage, passing near the Čik archaeological site, a reminder of the human presence that has defined these riverbanks for centuries. Swimmers are supported throughout the distance, with safety protocols and course markers adjusted based on the day's specific flow and water conditions.