Welcome to a page dedicated to an event that brings together the heart, soul, and strength of the climbing community of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region. The Climbing Memorial “Adnan Ćatić – Armin Gazić” is not just a competition; it is a living memory, a celebration of friendship, and a lasting tribute to two exceptional alpinists, climbers, and visionaries who left an unforgettable mark on our rocks and in our hearts.
Every year, the iconic Dariva climbing area in Sarajevo becomes a place of gathering, solidarity, and shared love for climbing and rock — the very values that Adnan and Armin lived by and left behind for all of us.
The memorial is held at Dariva for a reason. The symbolism of Dariva and these two climbers becomes clear the moment you step onto the crag. This rock is the cradle of climbing in Sarajevo — the place where the first bolts were placed, the first routes were developed, the first holds were drilled, and where generations of local and international climbers took their first steps.
Through the memorial, Dariva comes alive every year in full spirit, bringing together climbers of all generations — from veterans who started climbing at the same time as Adnan and Armin, to the youngest children discovering the beauty of rock climbing for the first time.
The memorial is organized as a two-day event celebrating climbing culture through various activities:
Climbing marathon and competition: A recreational and competitive climbing format in different categories (men’s, women’s, and mixed pairs) on routes at Dariva. The focus is on fair play, mutual support, and pushing personal limits, with climbing teams aiming to complete as many routes as possible.
Family day and open climbing day: A safe and free introduction to sport climbing under the guidance of experienced local climbers. The goal is to bring this beautiful sport closer to new generations and the local community, especially those who have never had the chance to climb their first outdoor route on natural rock.
By organizing this memorial, Climbing Club “Vertical Masters” aims to preserve and advance the values that Adnan and Armin stood for:
Last weekend, on September 5 and 6, 2026, Sarajevo’s Dariva and Bentbaša climbing areas became the center of sport climbing in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Organized by the “Vertikalni majstori” Association from Sarajevo, the second “Adnan Ćatić – Armin Gazić” Climbing Memorial was successfully held, dedicated to the memory of two prominent Bosnian and Herzegovinian climbers and alpinists who left an indelible mark on the mountaineering and climbing community.
The event brought together a large number of competitors, recreational climbers, nature lovers, as well as friends and families who came together through sport, community and time spent on the rock to pay tribute to their colleagues who passed away far too soon.
The central part of the program was the climbing marathon, held in three competition categories: men's, women's and mixed pairs. Throughout the day-long competition, participants demonstrated outstanding physical fitness, technique and sportsmanship while tackling demanding routes in the Miljacka Canyon. A total of 16 climbing pairs, representing 32 climbers, registered for the marathon. The participants represented six countries: Australia, Belgium, Norway, France, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“This weekend was about much more than a sporting competition. It was a way to keep the spirit of Adnan and Armin alive, right where they felt most free — on the rock. Seeing so many climbers, from the youngest participants to experienced veterans, sharing the same passion is the best indication that their legacy continues to live on.”
Competitors had eight hours to climb as many different routes as possible. The first climber climbed on lead, leaving the quickdraws clipped into the rope, while the second climber climbed on the pre-clipped rope, removing the quickdraws as they climbed. A successful ascent of a route was only recorded once both climbers had completed the same route — the first on lead and the second on the pre-clipped rope with the quickdraws.
On the second day of the 2026 “Adnan Ćatić – Armin Gazić” Climbing Memorial, an Open Climbing Day was organized at Dariva, welcoming everyone to experience climbing. The goal was to bring sport climbing closer to the wider public, especially children and young people. With the support of local climbers, visitors had the opportunity to climb 10 equipped routes with all necessary safety equipment, guidance and supervision provided.
“We are especially happy that more than 70 children and young people had the opportunity to experience the joys of sport climbing for the first time. We hope that many of them will continue their climbing adventures and that we will soon see them back at Dariva.”
Organizing such a demanding outdoor sporting event would not have been possible without the strong support of the local community and partners. The “Vertikalni majstori” Association would like to sincerely thank the Municipality of Stari Grad Sarajevo for its patronage, the Cantonal Public Institution for Protected Natural Areas of Sarajevo Canton for providing the venue and supporting environmental protection, and the Mountain Rescue Service – Sarajevo Canton Station, whose members were responsible for the safety of everyone present. Special thanks also go to the Sport Climbing Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for its institutional support.
“Once again, thank you to everyone who was part of this special event — the climbers, organizers, patrons, partners, sponsors, friends and visitors.”
We look forward to meeting again and would already like to invite you to the third edition of the memorial, which will take place in early June 2027 at the same location — Dariva, Sarajevo.
Whether you are an experienced climber looking for your next project, a beginner eager to feel the energy of real rock, or simply a friend and nature lover who wants to support this story — you are welcome at Dariva.
“Mountains and rocks do not only connect us to the sky; they connect us to one another.”
See you under the rock!
