You are organizing Warsaw Marathon on September 28th, 2014. Can you tell us where your event is located and how runners are able to travel there easily?
The Warsaw Marathon takes place in downtown Warsaw. The city is conveniently connected with the majority of European capitals with a network of flights. On top of that, you can get directly from the airport to the National stadium (where the race-bib pick-up as well as the start and finish are located) by taking a S2 city train (SKM) – just get off at Warszawa-Stadion.
Are there different distances in your event?
In addition to the marathon there is a mini marathon (ca. 5 K) on the race day.
Tell us something about the history of your event. Why was it created in the first place and how has it changed over the years?
Warsaw hosts one of Europe’s oldest marathons. It made its debut in 1979 to generate interest in mass sport participation. Since then, the marathon has had its ups and downs, but over the last decade it has experienced an unmatched boom. In 2012 the Warsaw Marathon’s finish was located in the National stadium for the first time, which began a new era in the history of the race.
Describe your route a bit. How’s the scenery? Is the route beginner friendly? Can runners expect PB’s?
Believe it or not, but the Warsaw course is: a) very fast; b) very scenic; c) beginner friendly. For one, it has a negative elevation and merely one minor climb (although the word is misleading anyway); for two, it takes you through the city’s best views, including the start on the Poniatowskiego bridge (Warsaw’s center) and the finish in the National stadium (capacity of 58 thousand); for three, it has a great crowd support, refreshment stations every 2.5 K and pacers set every 10 minutes.
How many runners do you expect to have in your event?
8 000.
What kind of weather conditions can runners prepare to face in your event?
Sunny 15 degrees Celsius. That has been the weather for the past 10 years.
What else runners should do in the city after/before the race? Any suggestions to newcomers?
Warsaw is a very nice city. It is the city of Chopin, who was born here and spent most of his life in the city. Warsaw is a also a great clubbing place, where hundreds of small cafes, bistros and clubs offer a variety things to do (including great food). A must-do is the 1944 Warsaw Uprising museum, which, actually, is unlike any other museum. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel like a real soldier of a secret army who tries to liberate his homeland from the Nazi occupation. The 1944 uprising in Warsaw was 63 days of a heroic battle and you can become a part of it. Unforgettable.
How would you describe your event to people who haven’t yet participated in it? What makes your event unique?
We do not know why we are unique, but that is what people say. Maybe because marathon is our passion and Warsaw is our love. What we know for sure is that we provide a superb level of organization.
Anything else you want to tell about your event?
Well, we may be boring, but you can count on the finish in the National stadium in Warsaw to be something you will never forget. Ask those who already have.
