Last weekend was marked by sporting excitement and the active participation of the University of Szczecin in the 46th PKO Szczecin Half Marathon, the largest running event in northwestern Poland. Over four thousand participants registered for the half marathon distance (21.0975 km) or 10 km, along with approximately one thousand children who participated in the Pirate Run the day before the main event.
Several units were involved in the University’s activities: the Faculty of Physical Education and Health, the Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, the Center for Human Structural and Functional Research, the University of Szczecin Museum of Olympism, and the University of Szczecin Alumni Club, with organizational and promotional support from the Promotion Department, the Admissions Office, the Communications Office, UNIWIZJI – University of Szczecin Television, and NiUS Radio.
A university running camp was set up on Jasne Błonia, providing a relaxing space. On Saturday, children participating in the Pirate Run eagerly took photos with Uszatka – the univeristy mascot, while on Sunday, the mascot was very popular with alumni. The University of Szczecin Museum of Olympism stand, prepared by Dr. Jerzy Eider, professor at the University of Szczecin, also generated considerable interest.
Sunday was dedicated to the event’s theme, “Alumni on the Start.” Over 500 of our alumni participated in the half marathon and 10k run – an impressive number that demonstrates the strength and commitment of the university community. Before the start, at 8:00 a.m., alumni gathered in front of the University of Szczecin Rectorate for a group photo, creating a symbolic moment of unity and athletic motivation.
Our students also showed great commitment. Several dozen of them – primarily from the Faculty of Physical Education and Health – supported the event organizers as volunteers for three days. They helped in the race office, at the hydration stations, and during the Pirate Run.
On Saturday, a series of four open lectures, prepared by scientists and practitioners from the Faculty of Physical Education and Health, took place at the Floating Arena. Dr. Jarosław Muracki discussed the benefits of relaxation in his lecture: “Regeneration – a runner’s secret weapon. How can rest speed you to the finish line?” Dr. Patrycja Tomasiak explored the importance of biology in the development of injuries in her lecture: “Genetics and the risk of injury. Does DNA hold the answer?” Olympic champion Dr. Marek Kolbowicz encouraged effort in his lecture on “Motivation in Sport,” while Łukasz Rosiński explained the importance of strength training in his lecture on “Strength Preparation for Runners. How Strength Training Can Influence Running Performance and Reduce the Risk of Injury and Overuse.” Throughout the event, free body composition tests were held on the ground floor of the Floating Arena, available to all participants and anyone interested.
The University of Szczecin sponsored prizes were professional performance tests at the Center for Human Structural and Functional Research at the University of Szczecin. These were awarded to the winner of the half marathon and the fastest graduates over this distance. The awards were presented on stage, and symbolic vouchers were presented by dr hab. Jacek Batóg, prof at the University of Szczecin and Vice-Rector for Finance, who presented awards to all winners during the award ceremony at Jasne Błonia.
The 46th PKO Szczecin Half Marathon was held under the honorary patronage of the Rector of the University of Szczecin. Partners of the event were the University of Szczecin and the University of Szczecin Alumni Club.
Photo: Piotr Krawczuk
