The hardship of the route and the elusive peace of the Beskids
Picturesque cross-country trails marked out along mountain paths and border trails of Beskid Żywiecki.
races / discover
The mountains are for everyone. Some people get the greatest pleasure from communing with nature. Others focus on the opportunity to test themselves and cross their own boundaries. Both can meet on the routes of Chudy Wawrzyniec and Mała Rycerzowa – mountain runs organized in Beskid Żywiecki.
Chudy Wawrzyniec is one of the oldest ultramarathons in Poland. From the beginning, the run stood out from other events. And it’s not just about the unique place of the event – the Żywiec region with its uncrowded trails.
The characteristic elements of Chudy Wawrzyniec are the lack of repacks and outside help, i.e. support and a small number of nutrition points. These are the assumptions. It’s supposed to be strict and demanding. Among the mountain events there are many that focus on making the task easier for the participants. The organizers do not want to go in this direction. They want to give runners something more than the ability to cover the route.
Another element that distinguishes Chudy Wawrzyniec from other runs is the ability to choose the distance on the route. Thanks to this solution, runners only after 40 km of effort assess how much they can afford on the day of the competition. Importantly, the time limit for each distance is 16h. Thus, the 50+ route can be covered largely by walking. On the other hand, distances of 80, and certainly 100 km are reserved for experienced “highlanders” who know the taste of ultra. The 100 km race takes place every two years.
The fact that Chudy Wawrzyniec is an important event on the Polish long-distance running scene can be proved by the fact that it has been held many times in the rank of the Polish Championships in Mountain Running on Ultra Distance.
In addition to the main distances, races are also held as part of the event for those who prefer it faster and shorter. Little Knight. Spectacular 20 km. And if someone wants even shorter, they can go to Murzec Vertical, i.e. 1 km with 415 m up.
Courses:
Chudy Wawrzyniec 100 – Distance: 100 km Elevation: +4825 m/ -4775 m (organized every 2 years)
Chudy Wawrzyniec 80 – Distance: 80 km Elevation: +3825 m/ -3775 m
Chudy Wawrzyniec 50 – Distance: 50 km Elevation: +2525 m/ -2475 m
Event website: chudywawrzyniec.pl
Photography: Andrzej Olszanowski
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It may be hot. It may rain. It can crackle with lightning. Just like in August in the Beskids.
Press release after the 2023 edition.
Chudy Wawrzyniec is a mountain run that was created in 2012. The competition has a unique formula for selecting the distance during the run. This happens after 40 km. The long route is approximately 82 km and 3,825 m up. For the fourth time, the Polish Ultra Distance Mountain Running Championships will be held at this distance. The shorter route is 52 km and 2525 m up. For both distances, the time limit is 16 hours. At both distances, it is forbidden to use organized external help, the so-called support. There’s something else. As Piotr Książkiewicz, the organizer of Chudy Wawrzyniec, says:
If we look at the distance and elevation gain, Chudy Wawrzyniec is not an exceptionally difficult race. Its difficulty is demonstrated by additional elements: lack of support and a small number of nutrition points. There are two on the long route, one on the short route. This competition concept means that we reach people who are aware of the effort in the mountains and who appreciate the opportunity to commune with nature. I can honestly say that this creates a unique atmosphere of our event.
Since 2021, Chudy Wawrzyniec has been accompanied by Parszywa Bendoszka. Distance 60 km, 2935 m up. The route partially overlaps with Chudy Wawrzyniec 80+. The competition is held every two years – alternately with Chudy over a distance of 100 km. There is also something for those who prefer it faster and shorter. Little Knight. Spectacular 20 km and 1150 m up. And if someone wants an even shorter time, they can go on the inov-8 Muńcuł Vertical, which is 1 km with an inclination of over 40% (415 m up)! The last two proposals are races that will be held the day after Chudy – August 13. Also on Sunday, children and teenagers will take part in Chudy Hulajnik. Everyone taking part in the August event can choose a charity package that supports local activities, including: Clean Beskidy campaign. This is another year of this type of solution as part of Chudy Wawrzyniec. Moreover, the organizers value local cooperation, and this means, among others: presence of music bands from the Żywiec region on routes. There will also be local accents at the finish line – not only musical, but also culinary.
Press Release.
Photography: Andrzej Olszanowski