A Croatian living in Switzerland, Marko Piliškić, is preparing for an extraordinary feat that many would consider impossible at first glance. In just 15 days, he plans to run the length of the Croatian coastline, from north to south, covering an astonishing 800 kilometers on foot as part of his project, aptly named Projekt Hrvatska, reports Hrvati.ch
“I started running recreationally in January, and soon it became a routine. I was following a Swiss influencer who took part in the Marathon des Sables, a grueling 250-kilometer desert race where runners carry all their supplies. It fascinated me. I asked myself if I could do something like that,” Piliškić explained. “I wasn’t physically ready for this year’s race in April, so I postponed it for next year. In the meantime, I completed a 100-kilometer challenge near Bern, which I finished in about ten hours. That gave me the confidence to attempt something even bigger. People say I’m crazy, but I can’t wait to start. I love Croatia, I love running—that’s it!”
Piliškić, who works as a sales manager for a construction company, says running gives him a sense of freedom like nothing else. While many spend their summer holidays lounging on beaches, he chose to turn his time off into a test of endurance and mental strength.
“I run for the mind. On the trail, you’re alone, you can think, you’re not glued to your phone, not under stress. The whole world is yours without distractions. That’s priceless,” he said. “At first it was tough to run five kilometers, then 10. But after 40 kilometers, everything became easy. I wanted to experience something I’ll remember forever.”
His biggest inspiration is Arda Saatci, the German ultramarathon runner and influencer who gained fame in 2024 after running 3,000 kilometers from Berlin to New York and later repeating a similar feat in Japan.
Marko will begin his run on August 22, despite the challenge of summer heat, with temperatures in Croatia recently topping 35°C. To complete the route in time, he will need to cover more than 50 kilometers a day. “In races, 20 percent is the legs, 80 percent is the mind. I believe that, and when I decide on something, I know I’ll achieve it,” he said.
He has already tested his endurance by running the Wings for Life World Run in Switzerland, where he reached 35 kilometers and finished 120th, without significant preparation. Beyond the personal challenge, Piliškić also sees Projekt Hrvatska as a chance to showcase the beauty of the Croatian coast. Along the way, he plans to share photos, videos, and stories to inspire others to set out on their own adventures.
Supporting him throughout the journey will be his 19-year-old brother David, who will follow in a camper van, providing meals, rest, and a place to sleep. Marko’s daily schedule will see him setting off around 5 a.m. and finishing his 50-kilometer run by lunchtime, leaving the afternoon free to recover.
“First the goal was just to complete it for myself, but now everyone is encouraging me to share the experience so people can see Croatia. And it’s great preparation for next year’s Marathon des Sables,” he added.
His progress can be followed daily on social media, where he invites others to join him on the road—even if only for a few kilometers. “If you want to watch me suffer, feel free to follow along!” he joked on Instagram.