Gdańsk Marathon

Gdańsk Marathon is an annual marathon held in Gdańsk, Poland, which attracts runners from around the world, including Europe, Asia, and the United States. The event is organized by the Gdańsk Sports Federation and supported by the City of Gdańsk, Pomeranian Voivodeship, and Polish Athletic Association. The marathon is a member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races and is certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations and USA Track & Field. The course passes through the historic city center, including the Long Market, Gdańsk, Neptune's Fountain, and St. Mary's Church, Gdańsk.

Introduction

The Gdańsk Marathon is one of the most popular marathons in Poland, with thousands of participants from over 50 countries, including Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Spain. The event is held in March, with the start and finish lines located in the heart of the city, near the Gdańsk Shipyard, a historic site of the Solidarity movement. The marathon is a great opportunity for runners to explore the city's rich history and culture, including the European Solidarity Centre, National Maritime Museum, Gdańsk, and Gdańsk History Museum. The event also features a half marathon, 10K run, and 5K run, making it a great experience for runners of all levels, from beginners to experienced athletes like Haile Gebrselassie, Paula Radcliffe, and Kenenisa Bekele.

History

The first Gdańsk Marathon was held in 1993, with over 1,000 participants from Poland and other European countries, including Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. The event was organized by the Gdańsk Sports Federation and supported by the City of Gdańsk and Pomeranian Voivodeship. Over the years, the marathon has grown in popularity, attracting runners from around the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The event has been won by runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Morocco, and Poland, including Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot, Tsegaye Kebede, and Abeba Aregawi. The marathon has also been supported by famous athletes like Jan Železný, Hicham El Guerrouj, and Wilson Kipsang.

Course

The Gdańsk Marathon course is a scenic route that passes through the historic city center, including the Long Market, Gdańsk, Neptune's Fountain, and St. Mary's Church, Gdańsk. The course is relatively flat, making it a great opportunity for runners to achieve a personal best time, like Dennis Kimetto and Mary Keitany. The course also passes through the Gdańsk Shipyard, a historic site of the Solidarity movement, and the European Solidarity Centre. The marathon starts and finishes near the Gdańsk Sports and Entertainment Hall, a modern sports facility that hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts and sports competitions, featuring artists like Andrzej Piaseczny and Kayah.

Winners

The Gdańsk Marathon has been won by runners from around the world, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Morocco, and Poland. The men's course record is held by Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot, while the women's course record is held by Abeba Aregawi. Other notable winners include Tsegaye Kebede, Wilson Kipsang, and Priscah Jeptoo. The marathon has also been won by Polish runners like Henryk Szost, Leszek Bebło, and Dorota Gruca. The event has been supported by famous athletes like Jan Železný, Hicham El Guerrouj, and Haile Gebrselassie, who have participated in the marathon or provided guidance to the runners.

Organization

The Gdańsk Marathon is organized by the Gdańsk Sports Federation and supported by the City of Gdańsk, Pomeranian Voivodeship, and Polish Athletic Association. The event is a member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races and is certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations and USA Track & Field. The marathon is also supported by various sponsors, including Polska Grupa Energetyczna, PKN Orlen, and PKO Bank Polski. The event features a range of activities, including a marathon expo, pasta party, and awards ceremony, which are attended by famous athletes like Robert Korzeniowski, Marek Plawgo, and Anna Rogowska. The marathon is a great opportunity for runners to experience the city's rich history and culture, including the Gdańsk History Museum, National Maritime Museum, Gdańsk, and European Solidarity Centre.

Category:Marathons in Poland