It is a real test of strength, endurance and character. Alpin Sport Tatra Mountain Run is organised in Zakopane, i.e. a run to Kasprowy Wierch. Competitors have to run 8.5 km with a difference in altitude of up to one thousand metres. It takes the athletes 50 minutes. Tourists take an average of 3 hours.
The first edition of the competition was held on 4 October 2008. Despite the unfavourable weather, 130 participants from all over Poland, as well as leading competitors from Slovakia, took part in the race. Since then, the number of daredevils willing to take on the challenge of running has increased every year. The route goes from Rondo Kuźnicki through Myślenickie Turnie to Kasprowy Wierch. Depending on the weather conditions in a given year, the race may be held in summer or in winter. From the upper edge of the forest to the top of Kasprowy, competitors can run on snow and in real winter conditions – continuous and intense snowfall and strong wind.
This run is a great opportunity to test yourself and support sports and responsible initiatives in the mountains. Due to the limited number of participants allowed and the number of people applying for each edition, everyone who gets on the starting list feels extremely emotionally attached to Kasprowy Wierch. Overcoming this distance in the shortest possible time allows you to break your own limits and pay tribute to this unique mountain.
For many runners, the Tatra Mountains race is the end of the season and the last opportunity to test themselves in competition. In addition to top Polish and foreign runners, amateurs also take part in the race. Interest in the event is growing every year, and this year there were more applicants than places on the starting list. The beautiful scenery of the Tatra Mountains makes taking part in these competitions a completely different experience, which competitors will not experience in traditional road races. The race is usually organised on the 3rd weekend of October.
Course:
AlpinSport Tatra Running Up The Hill – Distance: ~8,5 km Elevation: + 1072 m
Event website: www.biegnakasprowy.pl
Photography: Julita Chudko – Organizer’s gallery