More than 7000 runners joined the 6th edition od PZU Running Festival on 11-13 September in Krynica, south eastern Poland. The celebration of running sport included 30+ races, 25+ running workshops and lectures, 120+ brands EXPO, Kids Zone, Running Festival Gala and more.
Festival started od friday with Malopolska Runs – series of runs for pupils. During the Festival everybody found its race – kids, beginners, amatours, proffesional amators and proffesionals seeking prices and fame. Even fans had its own race! Distances included 300 and 600m for children, 5k, 10k (Lifetime Ten on record-breaking descending track), 15k, halfmarathon, mountain run 34k, marathon and ultra – 64 and 100k.
The most challanging competition was the Iron Run – series of 8 races starting one after another in 2-3 hours time, on 3 days long runinng shift with distances from 1 mile to 64k. Only 55 from 72 survived, including Running Festival founder Zygmunt Berdychowski (55) and... 3 women! – Running is not computing. I gave everything I could in each race. Even in the last, 1k race. Iron Run is all about tiredness, fatiguing your body. Time for rest is after the competition – commented Dariusz Trener, one f the Iron Run winners („under” and „over” 40 year od age classifications, the other was Jarek Gniewek).
Festival heroes became also Marcin Świerc – winner of 7 Valley Ultra Run (defended the Polish Champion title), Ewa Majer – third in general classification in 7 Valley Ultra (!), road races speciallist Artur Jabłoński – winner of... Ultra 64k run (!) and Kenyans – Joel Maina Mwangi and Moses Masai Komon, who dominated the distances from 10k to marathon.
Prizes for best Running Event in Poland, Best Running Journalist and Best Running Book were given during the Running Festival Gala. Charity Run „Wybiegaj sprawność”, Bartosz Olszewski (blog. www.WarszawskiBiegacz.pl) nad „Szczęśliwi biegają ultra” („Happy people run ultra”) by Magdalena and Krzysztof Dołęgowscy were the winners.
Happiness - this is what Running Festival in Krynica is all abut. - My wife and kids do not hear this, so i wil tell. Finally i have three day off the family, runners only around me, expo, concerts... I'm tired with the runs, but... I do like it! Very much! - recapitulated Jarek Gniewek.
7. PZU Running Fesival will take place on 9-11 September 2016.