Pejovic and Kukulicic Claim Victory at Montenegro’s 68th Cross Championship

The 68th Montenegro Cross Championship took place at the scenic grounds beneath Trebjese in Nikšić, where Slađana Pejović and Miljan Kukuličić emerged as champions. The event marked the opening of the athletic season in Montenegro, with ideal weather conditions enhancing the competition.

A total of 10 athletes represented nine clubs, including Mornar, Lovćen, Nikšić, Jedinstvo, Sanja, Milenijum, Basik Athletic Team, Cetinje, and Sparta. Competitors spanned various age categories, from young children to seniors and veterans, showcasing the breadth of talent in the region.

Pejović dominated the women’s 3000-meter race, while Kukuličić claimed victory in the men’s 6000-meter event. The performance of the athletes highlighted their dedication and skill, with Mornar from Bar securing the highest number of medals—12 in total. Jedinstvo followed closely with nine medals, and Lovćen athletes earned six.

The event was attended by notable figures from the Athletic Federation of Montenegro, including General Secretary Milan Madžgalj, national team selector Osman Erović, and coaching staff members Drago Musić, Ivan Popović, and Danijela Vojnović. The president of the organizing club, Tomislav Tomo Žižić, welcomed participants and spectators, while Madžgalj officially opened the competition.

Recognition was awarded to the top performers across all age categories, with diplomas and medals presented by the Athletic Federation of Montenegro.

In the men’s events, the following individuals excelled:
– **Cicibani (800m)**: 1. Maid Alomerović (Sanja), 2. Pavle Popović (Mornar), 3. Novak Mrdak (Sparta)
– **Mlađi pioniri (1000m)**: 1. Faruk Međedović (Sanja), 2. Viktor Jančić (Mornar), 3. Lazar Gvozdenović (Mornar)
– **Pioniri (1500m)**: 1. Uroš Camović (Milenijum), 2. Ivan Jerofejev (Mornar), 3. Milivoje Kilibarda (Nikšić)
– **Mlađi juniori (2000m)**: 1. Vukašin Savičić (Mornar), 2. Andrej Đukanović (Mornar), 3. Dejan Scurati (Lovćen)
– **Juniori (3000m)**: 1. Mihailo Roćenović (Mornar), 2. Enes Erović (Jedinstvo), 3. Matija Bulajić (Nikšić)
– **Mlađi seniori (4000m)**: 1. Sergej Rakočević (Jedinstvo), 2. Ivan Popović (Nikšić), 3. Dejan Marković (Lovćen)
– **Seniori (6000m)**: 1. Miljan Kukuličić (Mornar), 2. Todor Nikolić (Nikšić), 3. Davor Kujović (Sparta)
– **Veterani 35-39 (4000m)**: 1. Aleksa Maliković (Nikšić)
– **Veterani 40-44 (4000m)**: 1. Vlatko Tadić (Nikšić)
– **Veterani 55-59 (4000m)**: 1. Radomir Radunović (Podgorica)
– **Veterani 65+ (4000m)**: 1. Nikola Vukčević (Bar)

In the women’s events, the following athletes distinguished themselves:
– **Cicibanke (600m)**: 1. Sara Tvrdišić (Mornar), 2. Helena Husak (Mornar), 3. Ena Kasumović (Jedinstvo)
– **Mlađe pionirke (800m)**: 1. Sofija Pejović (Mornar), 2. Lena Raicević (Jedinstvo), 3. Jana Ćetković (Sparta)
– **Pionirke (1000m)**: 1. Anđelka Pavicević (Jedinstvo), 2. Mina Lukolić (Sanja), 3. Dejla Šukurica (Sanja)
– **Mlađe juniorke (1500m)**: 1. Ajš̌a Balić (Jedinstvo), 2. Nikoleta Vukojićić (Jedinstvo), 3. Mina Knežević (Mornar)
– **Juniorke (2000m)**: 1. Aleksandra Madžgalj (Jedinstvo), 2. Slavka Madžgalj (Jedinstvo), 3. Jovana Simunović (Nikšić)
– **Mlađe seniorke (3000m)**: 1. Tamara Karan (Lovćen), 2. Marija Jovićević (Lovćen), 3. Danijela Batrićević (Lovćen)
– **Seniorke (3000m)**: 1. Slađana Pejović (Nikšić), 2. Lidija Todorović (Sparta), 3. Marina Marković (Lovćen)
– **Veteranke 50-54 (3000m)**: 1. Biljana Radunović (Podgorica)

The successful event not only celebrated athletic excellence but also fostered community spirit among participants and supporters alike, setting a positive tone for the upcoming season.