Running is more than just a sport. It’s a way to push your own boundaries, overcome obstacles, and bring people together, regardless of their physical abilities. This is exactly why the “More than a Run” initiative was created – an annual event that inspires, integrates, and shows that there is real strength in unity. This year’s edition is accompanied by the special slogan: #MoveYourWheels – because every movement matters, and working together leads to great things.
The beginning of the journey – the story of Piotr and his first steps
It all started in 2015 when I first ran the Silesia Half Marathon with my friend Piotr. Piotr, who uses an electric wheelchair, completed the course alongside me, and I was lucky to be his “legs.” It was an experience that opened my eyes to how much joy and satisfaction can be gained from running together.
The following year, we earned medals at the Silesia Marathon, and then we completed the Polish Marathon Crown together. These moments inspired me to share this joy with others – to make running accessible to everyone, regardless of physical limitations.
The story of Kuba – new inspiration and a unique start
In the spring of 2018, I was waiting for a train at the Main Train Station in Katowice. It was there that I met a family with a young boy in a wheelchair. Kuba, as he’s called, suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy – a disease that gradually takes away strength year after year. I spontaneously asked his parents if he would like to try his hand at a race and earn a medal.
At first, he was hesitant, but soon he became one of the happiest people on the course. He sang songs from Frozen, high-fived police officers, and proudly crossed the finish line at the Silesian Stadium. This story was a turning point for me – it showed that moments like these can change lives. Kuba and his enthusiasm became a symbol of what we want to achieve through the “More than a Run” initiative – activation, joy, and overcoming barriers.
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2019 – the first big step in the “More than a Run” initiative
In 2019, during the Silesia Half Marathon, the “More than a Run” initiative was born in its full glory. 20 pairs of runners and people with disabilities set off on the course together. We completed the route side by side, at the same pace, and the emotions at the finish line were indescribable. Crossing the finish line at the Silesian Stadium with music playing and the cheers of the crowd became a symbol of what can be achieved through collaboration and mutual support.
With us were families, friends, acquaintances, as well as people who hadn’t met before but wanted to experience these unforgettable moments together. This first edition showed that “More than a Run” is not just a sports event, but above all, a community of people who are breaking down barriers together.
2021 – More emotions, more joy
The year 2021 brought even more joy and emotions. After the challenging time of the pandemic, the initiative returned to the Silesia Half Marathon course, and participants once again proved that running has the power to bring people together.
This time, the stories of participants like Gabriel and Dawid show the enormous impact “More than a Run” has on the lives of people with disabilities. Gabriel, who struggled with doubt for many months, is now planning to participate in more races, even marathons. Dawid, with the support of other participants, was able to experience the emotions of the course once again – alongside his daughters.
The organizers of the Silesia Marathon have supported this initiative from the very beginning, creating space for people with physical limitations and showing that sports are not just about results, but above all, about joy, integration, and collaboration.
2025 – Join us and experience something extraordinary!
This year, we invite you to a special edition of the “More than a Run” initiative, which will take place under the slogan #MoveYourWheels. This simple message shows that every movement matters – whether it’s a step, a turn of the wheels, or a moment of support for another person.
If you want to be part of this incredible event, here’s what you need to do:
1.Sign up for the Silesia Half Marathon
Visit the website silesiamarathon.pl and register for the race. Registration guarantees a race number, an official t-shirt, and a medal for every participant.
2.Contact the event organizer
Send an email to Jakub Krupa: jakub.p.krupa@gmail.com or FB Jakub Krupa We will help you find a partner if you don’t have one, and you will join the group.
3.Get ready for the race
Our group runs at a pace of 2 hours and 30 minutes, allowing everyone to complete the course together while ensuring the safety of all participants.
The terms and conditions of the “More than a Run” Initiative”
1.Together on the course
Runners “lend their legs” to people in wheelchairs, and together they tackle the course as one team.
2.We don’t compete – we overcome the distance together
The initiative focuses on cooperation, integration, and mutual support. It’s not a competition, but a shared adventure.
3.Joy and emotions at the finish line.
Each participant – both the runner and the person with a disability – receives a medal, which is a symbol of shared effort and breaking down barriers.
4.Inspiration for others
“More than a Run” not only activates people with disabilities but also shows that everyone can find their place in sports.
This is not the finish line – it’s just the beginning!
Every edition of “More than a Run” is a new story, new participants, and fresh inspiration. We believe that in 2025, there will be even more of us—more joy, support, and shared energy on the course!
Join us and show that running is more than just a sport. Experience unforgettable emotions on the Silesia Half Marathon course and cross the finish line at the Silesian Stadium with us!
#WięcejNiżBieg #MoveYourWheels #PokonujemyBariery #SilesiaMarathon