Red Bull 400 returned to Igman with another demanding edition of one of the world’s toughest sprint races, bringing together 240 competitors for a brutal uphill challenge on the Olympic ski jump. This was my third time on Igman, and it remains one of those places that leaves a lasting impression. Knowing the history of the venue and remembering what it once represented adds a special dimension to every visit.
Nestled on the slopes of Mount Igman above Sarajevo, the Olympic ski jump once again became the stage for an extraordinary sporting challenge. Surrounded by dense pine forests and sweeping mountain views, the venue provides a striking contrast between natural beauty and physical suffering. While the ski jump no longer serves its original purpose, Red Bull 400 has given it a new role, transforming it into one of the most demanding race courses in the region.
First held on Igman in 2021 and returning in 2022, the event came back stronger than ever in 2026, attracting a record number of participants. A total of 240 men and women took on the challenge of conquering a course just 400 meters long but featuring an incredible 170 meters of elevation gain. It was a true test of strength, endurance, and mental resilience, pushing athletes to keep moving long after their bodies were telling them to stop.
Under sunny skies and with enthusiastic support from spectators lining the course, competitors from Bosnia and Herzegovina and several European countries battled their way to the top. In the men’s race, Hadi Goro claimed victory in 4 minutes and 10 seconds, followed by Aldin Rizvić in 4:19 and Aleksa Vuković in 4:42. In the women’s competition, Croatian athlete Tea Faber delivered a standout performance, reaching the finish line in 5 minutes and 1 second to set a new course record. Alma Alijagić finished second in 5:36, while Emina Alagić secured third place with a time of 6:10.
From a photographer’s perspective, the course presented its own unique challenge. With the route running directly up the ski jump, opportunities to move between shooting positions were limited. Climbing the slope takes time, making it difficult to cover multiple angles during the race itself.
To overcome this, I set up several remotely operated cameras at strategic locations along the course, allowing me to capture the perspectives I had envisioned beforehand. This approach helped me create the images I wanted while ensuring that no key moments were missed.
More than a race against other competitors, Red Bull 400 remains a race against the limits of the body and mind. The relentless incline and the final push toward the top of the Olympic ski jump create an experience that is measured not only in finishing times, but also in determination.
ABOUT RED BULL 400
It is a vertical ascent on an unusual track – ski jumps. The race is only 400 meters long, but challenges even the most prepared, as part of the race is run on all fours. It is the ultimate test of endurance, strength and will that was created in 2011 in Austria when the idea of using the heaviest ski jumps for a race became a reality. Competitors start from the bottom of the hill and try to reach the top as soon as possible, while having to overcome about 37 degrees or more precisely 170 meters of height difference in only 400 meters of the track. Since then, the race has been held all over the world.
INSIDE THE PHOTOSHOOT WITH PREDRAG VUCKOVIC
Predrag Vuckovic has extensive experience photographing obstacle course races, trail running events, and demanding outdoor competitions where endurance, movement, and emotion are constantly unfolding in front of the camera.
While Red Bull 400 is a unique challenge of its own, many elements are familiar to him: the intensity of the athletes, the rhythm of the race, the importance of positioning, and the need to anticipate key moments before they happen. Years spent documenting running and outdoor events have given him a strong understanding of how to capture both physical effort and mental resilience in a single frame.
At Igman, that experience became especially valuable. The short, steep course offered limited space and very little time to react, which made preparation and instinct essential.
Equipment used for this photoshoot
Cameras: 2x Nikon Z9 camera, 1x Nikon Z8, 1x Nikon Z7 II
Lenses: 70-200 mm f 2.8, 50 mm f 1.2, 2x 24-70 mm f 2.8, 2x 14-24 mm f 2.8, 35 mm f 1.2
4 x Pocket Wizards remote controls; Drone DJI Mavic Pro 5 Mini
By combining his knowledge of endurance sports with a carefully planned photographic setup, Vuckovic was able to capture the full story of Red Bull 400 – from the struggle on the slope to the emotion of reaching the top.