Don’t wait! Just do it! – The Silesia Marathon is waiting for you!
A marathon is not just a race. It’s a challenge, a journey, and emotions you’ll never forget for the rest of your life. In less than seven months, we’ll meet again at the Silesia Marathon – the largest running event in this part of Poland. Are you ready to line up at the start?
Whether you already have experience with the marathon distance or are just taking your first steps in the world of long-distance running – you’ll find something for yourself with us.
For beginners, the perfect choice will be the Silesia Half Marathon – an ideal introduction to longer races. However, if you’re looking for a true test of endurance and determination, the Silesia Marathon will give you the chance to challenge your limits. One thing is certain – crossing the finish line at the legendary Silesian Stadium is a moment you’ll remember forever.
Our marathon is the only race in Poland that takes you through four cities and finishes on the track of the legendary Silesian Stadium. We guarantee that participating in our event is an experience you won’t find anywhere else!
Remember, Silesia Marathon = the perfect place for your debut!
Six months is the optimal time to properly prepare for the start. If you’re just beginning your journey with longer distances, six months of training will allow you to solidly prepare for the half marathon. Experienced runners can use this time to fine-tune their form and test themselves on the marathon distance.
Thousands of runners confirm – the Silesia Marathon is filled with great emotions and immense satisfaction at the finish line. It’s an excellent place for your debut – whether in the marathon or the half marathon. Knowing that every year, the Silesian Stadium becomes the arena for many street runners’ debuts, we want to support you in your preparations for the race. Starting from April, we will publish materials every month to help you with your training and, ultimately, achieve your dream goal. Spring is the best time to start your running adventure or ramp up the pace in preparation for the race!
Over 200 days until the start – make the most of them!
‘A marathon is conquered with the mind’ – such a fitting saying that perfectly captures the essence of long-distance running. It is mental strength that is the key to success, which is why we invite you to read the first part of an inspiring conversation with Bohdan Witwicki, an experienced runner who has been passionately and dedicatedly leading the organization of the Silesia Marathon for years. We hope that his story will motivate you to take on your own sports challenge.
Dorota Spaczyńska-Kaim, Silesia Marathon Team:
You are an experienced runner. The Silesia Marathon was born from your many years of passion for running. Tell us about your running beginnings.
Bohdan Witwicki, director Silesia Marathon:
As a child, I swam a lot. As a young boy, I practiced judo professionally, but 42 years ago (ah, the symbolism of numbers), under the influence of a program by Tomasz Hopfer, a promoter of running, I decided to test myself on the marathon distance. With just three months of preparation and no plan, on September 25, 1983, I lined up at the start of my first marathon. From the very start of the Peace Marathon, I remember the very low temperature and the rain that fell for hours. The finish line was at the Decade Stadium in Warsaw, a medal around my neck, and the fact that I couldn’t get off the train in Katowice. That’s how it all began.
Back then, as an 18-year-old boy traveling home by train, I told myself that this wouldn’t be the only marathon – one day, I would run the route from Marathon to Athens. A goal was set, and a passion was born, which continues to this day.
Two years ago, you participated in the Silesia Marathon. How many marathons have you run so far?
We’re talking about the passion for running, about inspirations. Throughout my adult life, running has been an escape from everyday problems, an opportunity to be with my thoughts, to meditate while running. Although in recent years, I’ve dedicated myself to organizing the Silesia Marathon and inspiring others to embrace an active lifestyle, I couldn’t forget about racing. So, as soon as I realized that I had already completed 40 years of running in marathon races, I decided to close that chapter symbolically by running ‘my own’ race, the Silesia Marathon. A lot of emotions came up, and even more responsibility, because we had to organize the event, but I also couldn’t ‘let myself down’ on the course. I’ll never forget crossing the finish line at the Silesian Stadium, just like my first race. The magic of our stadium, the athletics track, is unique. I stopped counting my own starts in street races long ago. There are well over 100 of them, and on various distances. Half marathons, marathons, and ultra races – the longest being 100 km. Participating in races has always been a celebration for me, the culmination of several months of preparation.
What emotions accompanied you during the starts and finishes?
“There have always been huge emotions, but also a professional approach to the races, as much as it was possible. I never reached a high level of competitive running, but each time I prepared for the race as best as I could. The starts themselves are similar – the street, a crowd of people with a passion for running, and great focus. Today, I remember that the races I felt most deeply were those on the African continent. It’s a unique experience. The start usually takes place before dawn, always accompanied by choral singing. A magical and profound experience. At the finish line, it always turns out that we still have some energy left. I have the best memories of finishes at stadiums: the Decade Stadium in Warsaw, Louis II in Monaco, the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, and of course, at ‘our’ National Athletics Stadium. The finish at the Silesian Stadium, with the cheers of thousands of fans… you have to experience it to understand.
Does the finishing time of the race matter to you?
That’s a good and difficult question. The athlete’s soul has never allowed me to approach it any other way than by competing with time. The race has always been as fast as I could go. After the first few years, I quickly realized that I too have my limits. You can’t improve your own records endlessly. That’s why, for the past 2-3 decades, the finishing time of the marathon has not mattered much to me. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for the race itself. Over 40 years of racing, I only ran poorly twice, with results over 4 hours in the marathon. But I want to emphasize that I have great respect for every runner who lines up to face the distance. And it doesn’t matter if someone runs for 2 hours and some minutes or struggles to finish within the 6-hour limit. The most important thing is that they do everything they can to reach the finish line, to overcome their weaknesses.
How has running influenced your life?
Running has definitely contributed to what I do today and where we have the chance to talk – and we’re talking at the Silesian Stadium. Running has influenced who I am today. Mentally, I’m still young, taking on new challenges, even though I’m already in my 60s. Thanks to running, I still don’t complain about my health, and I think I’m in pretty good physical shape. The Polish healthcare system has saved a lot on me (laughs), because my outdoor activity has given me immunity, so I don’t get sick. Running is also a great time to be alone with yourself, reset your mind, and gain perspective on everyday problems. Each of us experiences difficult moments in life. Effort and the distance we overcome teach humility and patience, which are very important in everyday life. Thanks to my passion for running, I’ve also met many wonderful people and traveled a bit around the world. I warn you, running can be an incurable addiction. But it’s probably the best and healthiest of addictions.
Running is your great passion, but is it the only one? What else brings you joy?
Understandably, most people associate me only with running. But that’s not my only passion. I save every spare financial resource for travel. I’m in love with Africa. Escaping to the last places free from intrusive civilization, having direct contact with the most beautiful nature you can find on the African continent, gives me a lot of joy and energy to take action.
For the past year, there has also been room in my life for a new passion. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, last spring I started flying. I completed two courses, passed the state exam, and today, with my pilot qualifications, I fly on my paraglider. It’s another hobby that requires patience, humility, distance, but also a lot of knowledge and experience. This new passion forces personal development in a new direction. Sometimes I fly high, above the clouds, and it gives me a great sense of freedom. It’s truly a lot of fun and intense emotions. When I’m flying, I always know that my loved ones are waiting for me on the ground, with whom—and for whom—it’s also worth spending time.
We’re wrapping up the first part of the interview. Join us next week when we return to discuss the marathon’s royal distance and behind-the-scenes of the Silesia Marathon.