Aydan Papac’s 827km Croatia coast run enters final race against time

by croatiaweek
September 2, 2026
in Entertainment

(Photo: Fourth Lane Media)

By Steve Ravić

After hundreds of kilometres, relentless days and nights on the road, and an extraordinary test of physical and mental endurance, Aydan Papac is entering the defining stage of his 827-kilometre journey along the Croatian coast.

But the road to the finish has been anything but straightforward.

Approaching Zadar, Aydan’s body began to show the consequences of pushing beyond normal human limits. Suffering from severe dehydration and significant sodium loss, he was forced to stop and receive treatment before he could safely continue.

For most people, it would have been reason enough to stop.

For Aydan, it became another obstacle he was determined to overcome.

The episode cost him something almost as precious as his physical strength: time.

(Photo: Fourth Lane Media)

Valuable hours were lost while he recovered — hours that cannot be replaced as he pursues his goal of completing the Croatian coast in record time.

Now, with hundreds of kilometres already behind him and the finish drawing closer, the challenge has become even more intense.

Aydan is no longer only fighting fatigue, pain and exhaustion. He is chasing the clock.

Every kilometre matters.

Every stop matters.

Every minute matters.

(Photo: Fourth Lane Media)

His body is carrying the accumulated punishment of this extraordinary journey, but his reason for continuing remains stronger than the pain.

Aydan began this run in honour of his grandfather, Jandro Bilić, who suffered from the devastating Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. That purpose has carried him through the darkest kilometres of the challenge and continues to drive him forward when his body is telling him to stop.

This has never been only about breaking a record. It is about remembering those who have lost the ability to move freely. It is about raising awareness of a devastating disease and it is about using every painful kilometre to help families whose lives have been changed forever.

(Photo: Fourth Lane Media)

As Aydan enters the final stretch, he needs the public behind him more than ever.

Follow the journey. Share his story. Encourage him from the roadside. And, if you are able, make a donation to support the CJD Support Group Network and the families affected by this devastating disease.

The finish line is getting closer.

The clock is still running and Aydan Papac is refusing to stop.