Traditionally, the last weekend of September will be marked by the biggest running event in Poland. In the heart of the country, over 10,000 runners will start in four different races. Polish and European national running teams will appear, along with distinguished guests and beloved volunteers. What’s more? 34 cheering zones along the entire route, concerts, happenings, and activities for the entire families of athletes and fans in the Runners’ Town.
We’re all waiting for the 45th Nationale-Nederlanden Warsaw Marathon and companion races: Bridgestone Marathon Relay, Nice To Fit You Warsaw 10k, Nationale-Nederlanden Mini Marathon, and the intra-marathon team competition – TEAM UP! Europe and TEAM UP! Everyone.
It will be a truly sporty day for Warsaw. In the heart of the city, on Emilii Plater Street next to the Palace of Culture and Science, we shall see over 10,000 participants. There are already 6,000 registered for the royal distance, over 3,000 for the 10 k race, and 130 teams have signed up for the Bridgestone Marathon Relay. The day before, on Saturday, September 23, over 1,000 young athletes will compete at shorter distances.
45th Nationale-Nederlanden Warsaw Marathon
The Warsaw Marathon is a unique event, among other things, because of its tradition. The capital’s marathon has been uniting runners for 45 years without break.
We have been running continuously since 1979, but for the first time we are starting from the heart of Warsaw – right under the Palace of Culture and Science. We want Warsaw to be associated with exceptional events, and our great dream is for the capital to have a major international event. It’s a challenging mission, but I’m convinced that in 5 years, on the 50th anniversary of the Warsaw Marathon, you will be positively surprised, says Marek Tronina, president of the “Warsaw Marathon” Foundation.
It has become a permanent part of the city landscape, its symbol, and a witness to social and historical changes. The Big Race is also a symbol of endurance and hard work by the participants. The jubilee 45th edition of the race is a new chapter in its history.
Sports events and sports tourism on such a scale are something that can attract people to Warsaw who have not yet visited this beautiful city. The Warsaw Marathon is organized by a group of exceptional people who carry out a magnificent race. I hope that this event will continue to grow, and we along with it. I wish the organizers all the best, adds Janusz Samel, director, Sports and Recreation Office of the City of Warsaw.
Companion races – everyone will find their distance
The Big Race is not just a marathon – it is a series of accompanying events and activities. Nice To Fit You Warsaw 10k and the Bridgestone Marathon Relay are races for those who prefer shorter distances or are looking for options to bond with fellow runners. The Nationale-Nederlanden Mini Marathon, an event for children and kids, will take place on Saturday and is divided into age categories and distances. The Little Big Race can be an opportunity for fun and getting out of home, but it’s also a chance to show future generations how valuable a passion for sports can be.
Everyone will find something for themselves – we always want everyone to find their place in the Marathon, whether they dream of a marathon or shorter distances, whether they are families or fans. I am very pleased to see the returning high tide of running. Our mission and goal are to make amateur sports a common phenomenon and an opportunity to be together, have fun, and fulfill dreams, says Magda Skrocka, deputy race director.
The marathon relay is extremely attractive, especially for beginners who are not yet ready to tackle the full royal distance. By starting in a team, we share the race among ourselves, and we also have additional team motivation both at the preparation stage and during the race itself. This motivation is even greater because our team includes Marta, supported by the Rak’n’Roll Foundation, who defeated the biggest opponent, which is cancer, adds Marek Plawgo, coordinator of the Bridgestone Olympic Campaign.
Our cooperation with the ‘Warsaw Marathon’ Foundation is developing very dynamically, and on the 10th anniversary of our activity, we decided to become a sponsor of the 10-kilometer race. We are excited about the event. The ambassador of Nice To Fit You Warsaw Ten is Olympic gold medalist Robert Korzeniowski, who, together with us, encourages others to engage in physical activity. Remember that a healthy diet and sports should always go hand in hand, says Sylwia Ramos-Wójcik, brand manager, Nice To Fit You.
Marathon Fan Zone – the largest Runners’ Town – invites families
This year, for the first time in history, the start, finish, and entire runners’ zone will be located right at the city’s symbolic building, the Palace of Culture and Science. In just over a week, we’ll have two days of sports competitions, meetings with interesting people, sports fairs, health promotion activities, happenings promoting active lifestyle. All visitors will get a chance to visit sponsor zones with attractions, have their bodies checked, and take advantage of catering stalls. There are contests with prizes, the opportunity to get fan gadgets, and show off sporting and artistic skills. And all of this in a positive, energetic atmosphere of a great sports celebration.
We focus on the attractiveness of the event not only for runners but also for spectators, and the runners’ families. Although the event revolves around running – after all, it’s a marathon – we want to attract as many spectators as possible to the start and finish, to the Runners’ Town next to the palace, to the 34 cheering zones. We have prepared a whole bunch of attractions on the route and at the finish area related to sports, health, fun, and relaxation, for both young and old. This is supposed to be a celebration for everyone: runners, fans, Warsaw residents, tourists, adds Magda Skrocka.
Start of the Big Race: September 24, 9:00 AM, Emilii Plater street
Marathon Fan Zone: September 23 and 24, area next to the Palace of Culture and Science
TEAM UP! Europe and TEAM UP! Everyone – the premiere features a new dimension of street races
This year’s edition of the event will also be the premiere of a new project – team competition within the marathon. The competition will be staged at a high, European level right from the start. The goal? Revitalise team running, show it from a very exciting, suspenseful side, create new opportunities for mixed professional and amateur teams, and encourage integration.
The sister brand – TEAM UP! Everyone, is open to those thirsty for amateur team competition. Its rules are very similar, and teams of marathon runners with a bib number can sign up.
More details at https://maratonwarszawski.com/team-up-everyone/ and https://teamupeurope.eu
#BiegamDobrze (#GoodRunning)
As every year, the largest charity running project in Poland, #BiegamDobrze, is held as part of the activities around the marathon. By training, preparing for the race, and promoting fundraising among friends, participants support one of nine non-governmental organisations. In total, runners have raised over 8 million Polish złoty as part of the project. The current edition alone has now gathered 450,000 złoty. The action is ongoing!
More details at https://maratonwarszawski.com/biegamdobrze/
We have been living with this event for a long time and can’t wait for the start. Running has become our true passion. We joined the Warsaw Marathon also because of the social value of the #BiegamDobrze campaign, which turns a major sporting event into a way to help, and we are actively involved in these charity actions as well, says Marta Pokutycka-Mądrala, director of corporate communication and spokesperson, Nationale-Nederlanden.
Last chance to register
Those interested can still register for the event and run their chosen distance – marathon, 10 kilometers, or in a relay, where participants cover about 9.5 km, 19.1 km, and 13.6 km. The races will take place on September 24. Registration is also open for children’s races – these will be held on Saturday, September 24. Both adults and children will start from the same place – Emilii Plater street. They will compete with traffic closed, loud cheering from the fans, and the best organisation! Finisher medals and a wealth of attractions for everyone await in the Runner’s Village.
You can’t miss it!
Sign up at https://rejestracja.maratonwarszawski.com/pl/
Join us to cheer
All those who prefer to focus on cheering or soak in the atmosphere of the Big Race are invited to passionately support the runners at selected points along the route or at the start and finish.
See you at the Big Race – the largest sports event in Poland!
