Top 10 races and marathons in Poland worth a trip 2

PKO Wroclaw Nocny Polmaraton

Where: Wroclaw
When: mid June
Members: 12000
Distances: 21 km
Participation fee: PLN 80-140
Website: pol.wroclawmaraton.pl

The marathon in Wroclaw is held in early September, but it did not become the running hallmark of this beautiful, former German city, once called Breslau, located on the banks of the picturesque Odra River. The loudest running event is the Wroclaw Night Half Marathon, which is also one of the most massive races in Poland in terms of the number of participants. The start at 22:00 is accompanied by high-quality fireworks.

Parks, bridges with specially installed lighting, the Sky Tower business center – the only tall building in the city, loud music and unrealistic support for spectators for such a small city along the entire route, an epic finish at the Olympic Stadium – all this can be confidently compared with a marathon weekend in Berlin . This half marathon is very popular among Poles – in 2018, registration opened on January 1, and all 12,000 slots sold out in 15 days.

On the eve of the race, take a walk around the Old Town and Tumsky Island, climb one of the viewing platforms for a photo, arrange a hunt for Krasnalov – more than 350 bronze gnomes of various professions are hiding throughout the city. There is also a dwarf runner here, find him (hint – next to the start and finish of the half marathon).

PZU Cracovia Maraton

Where: Krakow
When: end of April
Members: 6000
Distances: 42 km, 10 km (night run)
Participation fee: 70-150 PLN
Website: www.pzucracoviamaraton.pl

Krakow is the former capital, the place of coronation of Polish kings and the second largest city in Poland. Although the marathon route is laid out in such a way that runners overcome several sections twice – back and forth, you definitely won’t get bored on the road, there is something to see, and on the way back you can better see the most interesting places.

The start and finish town is located right on the central square of Rynek, so the beginning and end of the route pass through the most beautiful places, including the famous Wawel Castle. Further, the participants of the marathon in Krakow make a small loop around a huge green field – here the city residents like to relax in nature, and now the Vistula embankment and Nowa Huta – a proletarian district with Soviet architecture, a former city of metallurgists, which has become part of Krakow – unforgettable impressions are guaranteed. By the way, very tasty German pretzels are sold near the Wawel Castle.

DOZ Maraton Lodz

Where: Lodz
When: mid-April
Members: 10000
Distances: 42 km, 21 km, 5 km
Participation fee: PLN 29-250
Website: www.lodzmaraton.pl

The former center of the Polish textile industry, the Polish Manchester, unlike other regional centers, Lodz is rapidly turning into the Polish Detroit. To stop the outflow of local residents and attract tourists, the city’s leadership relies on the development of culture and modern architecture. Łódź has recently received a new train station, and abandoned factory buildings are being gradually converted into lofts, retail spaces, cultural centers and fashion galleries.

So the marathon in Łódź got a new creative director, who decided to make the race the loudest and most musical in Poland. The marathon distance was conditionally divided into 7 different musical directions: club music, rock, jazz, folk, pop and other world music. 50 support points will help marathon runners get to the finish line faster and more fun.

The marathon is labeled IAAF Bronze Label Road Races.