Why Warsaw?

WARSAW - CITY OF CHOPIN

In 2010, Poland is celebrating the 200th birthday of a great composer, Frederic Chopin. He spent more than half of his life in Warsaw. His music was deeply rooted in the Polish history, culture and tradition. And although we do believe that he belongs to the whole world, his passion for Poland cannot be denied. This is why Warsaw feels it is the City of Chopin, and that's why we are the Chopin City Marathon.

Apart from Chopin, Warsaw has much more to offer. The end of summer is the time of numerous open-air music concerts and lots of contemporary museums are open to visitors. If you wish to spend an interesting weekend in the City of Chopin you will not be bored. In Warsaw history is everywhere and if you need some guidance – we will be glad to help you plan your trip.

THE MARATHON

The Old Route - New Emotions! This year's marathon route will be only slightly different from the one in 2009. Participants will have a chance to run by the central streets of Warsaw, on the two banks of the Vistula River and two bridges, passing the most famous places and landmarks Warsaw has to offer. All the runners will be able to refresh at 15 refreshment points throughout the route. Additionally, runner will have chance to listen to live music played especially for them.

The most spectacular event during the 32nd Warsaw Marathon will be attempt to break the record of London Marathon. In April of this year London Marathon was completed by the largest ever group of runners interconnected by a rope. This "longest marathon human caterpillar" consisted of 34 runners and has been officially recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. We want to try to break this record and build even longer ''human caterpillar'' consisting of at least 35 people.

This year, the runners will not only compete for the best time. The main prize in 32nd Warsaw Marathon is a brand new Volvo S-60. This year the first person to cross the finish line does not necessarily has to be a man, women has chance also. How is this possible? Well, best women runners will start the marathon 19 minutes and 30 seconds earlier than male runner – it is the time difference in the records between women and man, for the marathon route. It would be unusual rivalry, which have not been seen in Poland yet. 
 

CHOPIN CITY MARATHONING 

The long distance running has a tradition that goes back to the 1930s. But the history of the marathon in Warsaw started in 1979 and continues until now. Did you know that the 1979 Warsaw Marathon ( it was called the Peace Marathon then) was the largest marathon in Europe? With nearly 1800 runners, it was out of reach for other races at that time. These days we are more than 3.500 runners that electrify the streets every last Sunday of September. Come run in Warsaw !

BEEN ! RUN ! FINISHED !
(all quotes from marathonguide.com).

Brian Allen from Boston, MA.
I have nothing but great things to say about this marathon. I have done over 20 marathons, and this one ranks #1 for me. Beautiful course, well organized, pancake flat, good temperature, and very friendly people. I will definitely do this one again if I happen to be in Warsaw again in the future!! A must-do if you are ever in Poland.

Sandra Taylor from Mold, North Wales, UK
Excellent organization - one of the best. Fabulous weather. Great sense of companionship. Interesting route. Cobblestones are hard on the feet, but a fairly easy course as far as marathons go. Highly recommended race in a beautiful, historic city.

B.K. from Ontario, Canada
This was an excellent event. It was very well organized and executed, and it was supported by perfect, sunny weather. The streets of Warsaw offered unique, European atmosphere for runners from another continent, like myself. I liked the overwhelming support delivered by drummer bands, musicians and singers under bridges and overpasses, where the local acoustic conditions created phenomenal effects. The volunteers, mostly school children, were extremely effective and innovative. Some of them advertised their products orally to attract runners: "My PowerAde is cooler and wetter then theirs," "100% organic water," and so on. The multiple loops around the Old Town allowed the spectators to see and cheer for their runners many times in one location. 
Thank you, Warsaw, for a great marathon!