PKO Wroclaw Night Half Marathon

First of all the city of Wrocław has a special atmosphere that makes it unique in Europe. During its thousand-year history it has been part of many countries. The past has made Wrocław a point of connection and interaction between different cultures and languages. This is reflected in the city’s motto: Wrocław — the meeting place. It comprises a mix of old and new: architectural monuments like the Centennial Hall (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and a contemporary student population of over 100,000 from all over Europe.

The 5th PKO Wrocław Night Half Marathon uses the city as its backdrop. As a night run it offers a different experience of running through the streets between illuminated monuments and bridges over the Odra river.

Each year the race includes some special cultural element. Two years ago the bridges in the city were part of a European Capital of Culture preview. Artistic performances including music, light etc. were staged on them; Grunwaldzki bridge — one of the city’s symbols — was illuminated for all of the runners crossing it. Last year, during the period as European Capital of Culture, classical music was played live by small bands in designated places alongside the Half Marathon route. In 2017 the theme will be film music. Sound tracks of the best-known movies will be heard on the way to the finish.

The race finish will be in the renovated Olympic Stadium, to be used as one of the main arenas for the World Games 2017. The run will be the biggest warm-up event and runners will cross the finish line in front of stands which can contain up to 11,000 spectators.

The PKO Wrocław Marathon takes place on 9 September only 12 weeks after the Night Half Marathon. This 35th anniversary race incorporates the European Masters Marathon Championship.