Marathoner Dr. Bosko Iliev swims the artificial lake in Prilep
The wonderful nature, pure and clear water and the silence of Prilep’s artificial lake were the inspiration and challenge for the 60-year-old marathoner and doctor of sports medicine, Bosko Iliev from Kavadarci, to make an unusual sporting feat-to swim 4 kilometers of Prilep.
The feat lasted 1 hour, 37 minutes and 8 seconds, and for the successful realization Dr. Iliev received recognition from the Mayor of the Municipality of Prilep, Mr. Borce Jovcheski.
Dr. Iliev, who has been actively involved in swimming marathons since 2001, has implemented the feat as part of his personal mission-promoting Macedonia’s natural beauties and a healthy lifestyle. Prilep’s artificial lake is the 21st lake that has swam in the country, and this is a total of 168th marathon, realized in 14 countries in the Balkans.
– I had a huge desire to wrap up the artificial lake and that came to me, thanks to the logistical support of the Municipality of Prilep, the mayor and my friends. The lake is wonderful – with pure, calm water and beautiful nature. I want to put all the lakes in Macedonia. A few more remain. My goal is to affirm our natural resources through sports and to encourage tourism development – said Iliev.
Prilep’s artificial lake is only 5 kilometers from the city and is a significant tourist and recreational capacity. It was built in 1967 as an accumulation for irrigation and technological water. Its maximum length is 1.5 kilometers and the largest width 600 meters. The lake covers an area of 0.55 km², with a total of 6 million cubic meters of water.
The Municipality of Prilep expressed gratitude to Dr. Bosko Iliev for its dedication and for the affirmation of the natural beauties of our region. The feat is a motive plus for the development of sports and eco-tourism in Prilep and beyond. Kam
