The first weekend of October in the Land of a Thousand Lakes will belong to runners. A night 5K, the Family Mile and, as the main event, the PKO Olsztyn Half Marathon. The race courses are now confirmed. The organizers are focusing on young runners and preparing many attractions for Generation Z.
The start of the PKO Olsztyn Half Marathon is planned for 9:00 on Sunday, 4 October. Athletes will set off on the over 21-kilometre course from Hala Urania.
Here, the race course will lead through the Old Town. There will probably not be much time for sightseeing, because after entering 22 Stycznia Street, only two kilometres will remain to the finish line. The final streets before the finish are Kościuszki Street and Niepodległości Street. The finish line is planned next to Olsztyn’s sports centre, Hala Urania. This is also where the finisher zone will be located, with space to rest and recover.
At the finish line, matcha will be waiting for the participants. It is a drink especially popular among the younger generation. Anyone who wants to share their success and race experience with the world will be able to take a selfie at special points prepared along the course. A similar photo spot will also be available after the finish line.
A special Women’s Zone will also be set up at Hala Urania. It will be available only for women, who will find hygiene products and dedicated toilets there, as well as special glitter for face decoration and body stickers. Women who are interested will also be able to get help with braiding their hair.
A colourful night
The fun will start on Saturday evening. At 20:00, fans of night running will line up at the start of the PKO Olsztyn 5K. The start of this distance is also planned next to Hala Urania. The course will first lead along Piłsudskiego Avenue, and then through Pieniężnego Street and Staszica Street towards the Old Town. Runners will pass the third kilometre on Niepodległości Street, which will take them to the junction with Mazowieckiego Street. This is where the final kilometre before the finish line will begin. The finish is planned next to Hala Urania.
During this race, the organizers are planning a special singles zone. Participants in this zone will receive glowing glow sticks in matching colours. A DJ will take care of the good mood during this “date”, with music played through headphones. It will be a running silent disco for those who want to join. The fun is also planned to continue after the race, in the finish zone.
Family fun over one mile
The third event held as part of the running weekend in Olsztyn is the Family Mile. It is a recreational run over a distance of one mile, which is about 1600 metres, planned for Sunday at 13:00, after the half marathon. This event is dedicated to children, young people and their guardians. There will be no time measurement, and every participant will receive a medal. The goal is to encourage shared fun and build sports habits. Participants can even take part with a stroller. The course will lead around Hala Urania.
Registration is open
Registration for the PKO Olsztyn Half Marathon is already open. It is worth signing up as early as possible – the first 500 people will pay 149 PLN for the half marathon entry. After this pool is used, the fee will gradually increase, up to a maximum of 250 PLN. The programme also includes a three-person relay race (limit of 100 teams, fee of 300–350 PLN), a 5 km night run (69–99 PLN) and the Family Mile (20 PLN for children and young people up to 18 years old, 50 PLN for adults).
