On 21 March 2026, the Council of Europe Office in Pristina supported the first edition of BrezoVert – Brezovica Winter Vertical, a mountain running race covering 8 kilometers with 600 meters of elevation gain. Around 35 runners from different countries and communities took part in the event. The activity was supported through the Council of Europe project “Fostering Societal Cohesion by Reinforcing Minority Rights and Minority Languages.”

Organised by the Utalaya Foundation, BrezoVert was conceived as a platform for social cohesion and intercultural dialogue, using sport and nature as neutral spaces for connection. Participants from different communities had the opportunity to compete together and, through sport, contribute to stronger inter-ethnic ties and the creation of new friendships.

From the sporting perspective, the race marked an important step in promoting winter sports and developing mountain tourism in this inter-ethnic area. It also introduced a new discipline of snow running, aimed at activating mountain trails, promoting Brezovica as a destination, and laying the groundwork for future editions with broader regional and international participation.

Following the race, an award ceremony was held with the participation of institutional representatives, including Fitore Pacolli, Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, who delivered a speech for the participants and guests.