A unique challenge in the Beskid Sądecki mountains
The Running Festival is an annual event that attracts thousands of running enthusiasts from all over Poland. Participants can choose from a wide range of routes, and the finish line is a place of many attractions, including a folklore festival and tasting of local specialities. The event is not only an opportunity for sporting competition, but also a space for integration into the running community and spending time together actively.
In 2010, when mountain running was still in its infancy in Poland, the organising team had a bold idea – to create a running festival in Krynica-Zdrój. At that time the market was dominated by tourist rallies and a few prestigious events such as Bieg Rzeźnika or Sudecka 100. The festival introduced a new quality, offering not only competitions of various distances, but also a comprehensive approach to the organisation of mountain races, which from the very beginning stood out in terms of size and scope.
The beginnings: An innovative approach and ambitious goals
“When we organise races far away from cities, we should offer participants more than just one distance,” the organisers explained. This is how the concept of the Running Festival was born, based on a variety of distances and on adapting the offer to the needs of both advanced runners and amateurs. The first edition in 2010 attracted 47 participants in the flagship race – the 7 Valleys Run, a 100-kilometre challenge that immediately gained the status of a unique event on the Polish running market.
The idea worked. In 2011, the number of participants rose to 242 and the festival quickly gained popularity. Within a few years, the number of starts during the weekend exceeded 11 thousand and the number of participants reached almost 9 thousand. The festival developed dynamically, introducing new distances and attracting competitors of different levels.
7 Valleys Run: The Pearl in the Crown of the Festival
One of the most important elements of the festival has become the 7 Valleys Run, a challenging 100 kilometre ultra-marathon. The decision to create this distance was based on the need to offer something extraordinary that would distinguish Krynica from other events. The difficulty of the course, the picturesque views and the uniqueness of the race quickly established its reputation and attracted a growing number of participants.
In the history of the festival there have been more than 40 races of various distances and types. Since the first edition in 2010, participants have been able to choose between mountain races, asphalt races, children’s races and races with a smile, such as the Fun Race. The most challenging race is still the 100km 7 Valleys Run, a mountain ultra-marathon that requires not only physical fitness but also a great deal of determination.
Evolution and diversity of races
The first edition of the festival included 7 races, including the Muszynianki Run – Życiowa Dycha (10 km), the Jaworzyna Run (2.6 km) and the Koral Marathon. In the following years the number of races grew dynamically – in 2012 there were almost 20 of them, and in the record year of 2017 participants could choose from over 30 different races. These ranged from short, leisurely distances to challenging mountain runs such as the 7 Valleys Run over 66 km and 33 km.
As part of the Fun Race, races with a smile took different forms, from the High Heel Run to the Costume Run. Particularly popular was the Lachów i Górali Race, which was part of the Lachów i Górali Festival. Although some competitions, such as the marathon relay or the race through Poprad, have been discontinued, the organisers are constantly working on new ideas to keep the offer fresh and attractive.
One of the most challenging events of the festival is the Iron Run, which made its debut in 2013. Participants have to cover 141 km in three days, competing in different distances – from a mile run to 100 km in the mountains. It is a challenge not only for the body but also for the mind, which attracts the most tenacious runners.
Change of location: Piwniczna-Zdrój as a new home
The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine caused a lot of confusion in the running market. An additional challenge for the festival was the change of location from Krynica-Zdrój to Piwniczna-Zdrój. However, it was a beneficial move. The Nakło recreational area in Piwniczna offers better organisational conditions, including proximity to the mountains, a picturesque panorama and greater freedom in creating a running city. The new location also allowed for the expansion of accompanying events, such as the Festival of Taste or the Tourism Industry Exhibition.
Challenges and goals for the future
Despite its successes, the festival has ambitious goals for the future. The priority is to restore the number of participants to pre-pandemic levels and to develop the event further. The organisers want the event to become part of an international running series, attracting participants from all over the world. There are also plans to increase the prize money, the number of non-race attractions and to cooperate with other race organisers in Poland.
The Running Festival is proof that the right approach to organisation, commitment and openness to the needs of participants can revolutionise the mountain running market. It is an event that not only attracts runners, but also inspires others to try new challenges.
Selected Courses:
BIEG 7 DOLIN 100 KM – Distance: 100 km Elevation: +/- 4200 m
BIEG 7 DOLIN 61 KM – Distance: 61 km Elevation: +/- 2533 m
BIEG 7 DOLIN KORAL GÓRSKI MARATON – Distance: 42 km Elevation: +/- 1584 m
BIEG GÓRSKI 23 KM – Distance: 23 km Elevation: +/- 1055 m
BIEG GÓRSKI 11 KM – Distance: 11 km Elevation: +/- 395 m
Event website: www.festiwalbiegowy.pl
Photography: Wiktor Baron