On May 3, 2025, a group of Serbian students, who have been running a relay marathon towards Brussels since April 25, arrived in Munich, Germany. The students, who began their journey from Novi Sad, were greeted by citizens of Munich, who formed a special honor guard around a red carpet for the runners. Upon arrival, the students were awarded medals for their determination and efforts.
The students, numbering around 20 marathoners, are part of a larger movement calling attention to months-long protests and blockades in Serbia. Their goal is to bring their message directly to European officials, urging them to acknowledge and act on the demands raised during these protests.
A Journey with a Cause
The students’ marathon, which covers nearly 2,000 kilometers, started from Novi Sad’s Railway Station, where a tragic accident occurred on November 1, 2024, resulting in the deaths of 16 people. This tragic event has been a focal point of the students’ protests, with demands for criminal and political accountability for the incident.
The students’ plan is to reach Brussels by May 12, coinciding with a scheduled meeting of the European Parliament, where they aim to present their cause and raise awareness of the situation in Serbia.
Relay Teams on the Road
The marathon is structured in relay teams, with each group running a set distance before passing the baton to the next. The students have already made significant progress, receiving enthusiastic support along the way, including their welcome in Croatia.
Earlier this month, another group of students completed a 1,400-kilometer bike ride to the European institutions in Strasbourg, highlighting their commitment to their cause.
Political Demands and Continued Protests
The students’ primary demand is for accountability for the Novi Sad accident. They are calling for the identification of those responsible, both criminally and politically. While the Serbian government maintains that the students’ demands have been met and urges them to resume their academic studies, the students insist otherwise. The protests and blockades will continue until they receive a satisfactory response.
The students’ efforts have garnered widespread support from citizens, university professors, educators, farmers, lawyers, actors, and other groups who have joined the protests. The movement has become a powerful symbol of resistance against governmental actions and a fight for justice.
As they push forward on their way to Brussels, these student marathoners are not just running for themselves—they are running for a better, more accountable future for all Serbians.
