The 23rd edition of the Poznań Marathon is just around the corner, and this year promises a thrilling mix of world-class competition, sustainable initiatives, and revamped post-race experiences. As thousands of runners from around the globe prepare to take on the iconic 42.195 km, there’s plenty to be excited about — whether you’re participating, spectating, or simply navigating the city this weekend. Here’s everything you need to know about the key updates, transportation changes, and accompanying events.
Over 4,500 Runners Ready to Race
This year, over 4,500 participants from 33 countries will converge in Poznań for the marathon, with even more signing up for the accompanying Poznań Five, a 5 km race. Among them are some of the world’s top marathoners, set to battle it out for victory on the streets of Poznań. On the women’s side, expect a heated competition between Poland’s Izabela Paszkiewicz, with a personal best of 2:27:41, and Argentina’s Daiana Ocampo, whose best time of 2:26:24 could set a new marathon record for Poznań. Also joining the elite women’s race are Hungary’s Zsófia Erdélyi and Kenya’s Celestine Temko, who will be making her marathon debut.
On the men’s side, the spotlight will be on Debebe Teka from Ethiopia, who returns to Poznań after winning the 16th PKO Poznań Half Marathon earlier this year. He’ll be competing against a strong field of runners, including fellow Ethiopian Asefa Mengisa (PB: 2:07:47) and Martin Musau from Uganda (PB: 2:08:42).
New Competition for Young Runners
One of the key additions to this year’s marathon is the Janusz Grzeszczuk Academic Cup, a new competition open to students, doctoral candidates, and university staff under the age of 30. Honouring the memory of Janusz Grzeszczuk, a celebrated runner and coach, this category aims to encourage younger participants to join the race. The top male and female winners will each receive a 5,000 zł cash prize. Marathon director Łukasz Miadziołko shared his hopes for the new category, saying:
Every year, the largest group of runners in our marathon are aged between 30 and 39. I hope the Academic Cup will boost participation in the youngest category. We’re also rooting for the most experienced runners, with 39 of them having completed every edition of the Poznań Marathon.
No More Plastic Bags!
In a push to make the marathon more eco-friendly, the organisers have introduced a significant change to this year’s race kits. Instead of the usual plastic bags for storing personal items at the deposit, runners will receive a reusable cotton bag as part of their start package. This small but meaningful shift reflects the marathon’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bags, and they will find a special deposit tag attached to their bib number, which they can use to label their bag before handing it over at the deposit area.
Relax After the Race in the Chill Zone
After crossing the finish line, runners will be greeted with a refreshing change in the post-race experience. The outdoor post-race area has been moved indoors, transforming Hall 3 of the Międzynarodowe Targi Poznańskie (MTP) into a Chill Zone, where runners can relax and recover. Browar Fortuna, known for their post-race refreshments, will also be present in this new indoor setting, offering participants the perfect spot to unwind after their marathon efforts. A hot meal will be available here as well, ensuring all runners are well-nourished after their achievement. To commemorate their race, participants can also take a photo with a customisable clock, marking the time they completed the marathon.
Pacemaker Support for Every Runner
Pacemakers, or “zające” (hares) as they’re affectionately known in Poland, are a staple in marathons, helping runners maintain their desired pace and achieve their target times. This year, pacemaker support has been enhanced with a dedicated Pacemaker Booth in Hall 3 of MTP, open on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00. Here, runners can pick up wristbands that provide guidance on the pace needed to complete each section of the race. It’s an invaluable resource, especially for those aiming to hit a personal best or stick to a specific time goal.
Traffic Changes During the 23rd Poznań Marathon
As with any major event, the Poznań Marathon will bring significant changes to traffic and public transportation. On Sunday, 13th October, key streets, including Grunwaldzka Street, will be closed to vehicles from 7:45 to 16:00. To help residents and visitors navigate the city during the marathon, the organisers have provided an interactive map on the official marathon website, showing road closures, detours, and available crossing points.
For those relying on public transport, additional tram lines will be operational during the marathon, with routes 50 through 59 providing enhanced service. However, certain tram and bus lines, such as 1, 5, and 13, will have adjusted routes or temporary suspensions. It’s recommended to check the updated schedules on the city’s transportation website or the marathon’s official page to avoid any surprises on race day.
Additionally, a dedicated hotline (502 622 438) will be available from Thursday to Sunday to assist with any questions related to road closures or public transport. The hotline will operate during extended hours to ensure smooth communication for both residents and visitors.
Health and Wellness Events for All
In addition to the race itself, the marathon weekend will feature a range of health and wellness activities. On Friday, 11th October, the Activity Zone in Hall 3 of MTP will host free health screenings, including blood pressure and glucose tests, BMI checks, and skin cancer screenings. Visitors over the age of 60 are particularly encouraged to attend the scheduled lectures, which will cover topics such as mental health, stroke prevention, and maintaining a healthy diet. These health-focused events are part of the larger Senioralni initiative, promoting health and wellbeing for seniors in the city.
Poznań Marathon: Something for Everyone
The 23rd Poznań Marathon is set to be an unforgettable event, packed with new features, top-tier competition, and activities for all ages. From eco-friendly race kits to revamped relaxation zones, this year’s marathon is a step forward in creating a more sustainable and inclusive experience for runners and spectators alike. Whether you’re participating in the race, cheering from the sidelines, or navigating the city, the marathon will bring an undeniable energy to Poznań this weekend. Be sure to plan your day carefully, taking note of the transportation changes, and join in the excitement of one of Poland’s biggest running events.
