A wave of positive female energy through Bratislava

The 14th edition of the dm Women’s Run, centered for the first time at the Aupark shopping center and the adjacent green oasis of Sad Janka Kráľa, proved once again that few events can match its popularity among women. Thousands of runners across multiple disciplines (10 km, 5 km, Mother & Daughter 5 km, and 5 km Nordic Walking) created an incredible wave of positive energy through the streets of Bratislava on Saturday.

“We experienced a truly wonderful day of sports filled with incredible energy, positive emotions, solidarity, and great vibes. I am delighted that together with our partners, led by dm drogerie markt, we managed to create something much more than just a running event,” emphasized Peter Pukalovič, Director of the 14th dm Women’s Run. “I am convinced that events like the dm Women’s Run—with their broader impact on everyday life and their role in building a healthier society and community not just during the event weekend, but in the weeks and months leading up to it—are an excellent signal and a great example of how to promote sports, active leisure time, and stronger interpersonal relationships.”

While peak athletic performance was not the main priority over the unforgettable atmosphere, the participants delivered impressive results on the track as well. The main 10 km race was won once again by Žofia Hujsová (Slávia STU Bratislava), completing a golden hat-trick. Following her victories in 2023 and 2024 (under her maiden name Naňová), she secured a clear win with a time of 37:11 min, finishing nearly two minutes ahead of another newlywed runner, Zuzana Tomečková (née Bibzová) from Atletika Šport hrou Bratislava (39:06). Sofia Gašparíková from AC Nové Zámky took third place (39:12), just 15 seconds ahead of Ivana Záškvarová (ŠKP Bratislava).

“I felt good running today,” said 35-year-old Žofia Hujsová, who also celebrated a victory at the Telekom Night Run in Bratislava just two weeks prior. “Except for the incline onto Lanfranconi Bridge, the course was pleasant. Since I treated the dm Women’s Run more as a training session, the heat didn’t bother me at all. I enjoyed the race despite the weather; the atmosphere was truly fantastic.”

On the 5 km course, Slovak national team runner Silvia Valová (Prievidza) took top honors with a time of 18:22, ahead of Bratislava’s Mária Danečková (18:26) and Trnava teenager Lucia Sopková (18:36). Incidentally, Valová also won the 5 km race at the Brose Night Run in Prievidza just a week before the event in Bratislava.

A total of 748 pairs participated in the “Mother & Daughter Run” within the 5 km distance, with Simona and Viera Čurilové achieving the fastest combined time.

In the 5 km Nordic Walking competition, Milena Grmanová dominated with a time of 36:09 min, finishing nearly a minute and a half ahead of Lara Búriová and Henrieta Zbyňovcová.

“The dm Women’s Run is so much more than a sporting event to us. It serves as a reminder that taking care of our health, enjoying physical activity, and making time for ourselves belong in our daily lives. At the same time, we are thrilled every year by the energy that women generate among themselves—whether running individually or alongside a mother, daughter, friend, or colleague. We deeply appreciate that this energy extends beyond the race itself. Thanks to the charity registration fees, we can support the ‘dm sport zone’ project, creating spaces for active movement and leisure time. We thank every woman who participated in the 14th edition. Sometimes taking just one small step—simply putting on running shoes—can mean so much for ourselves and those around us,” said Nicol Noseková, Marketing Manager at dm drogerie markt Slovakia.

Jozef Pukalovič, Chief Organizer and Technical Director of the event, was also extremely pleased with the participation and smooth execution: “It wasn’t easy moving the entire event to a completely new location. However, the new venue provided fantastic opportunities, making the event even more beautiful and welcoming. It was great to see whole families supporting the runners throughout the day and then enjoying the facilities and surroundings of Sad Janka Kráľa and Aupark. The number of participants has doubled since 2024—growing from 6,000 to 12,000 in just two years, which is incredible. Now it’s up to us to evaluate everything properly, sit down with the relevant stakeholders, and find ways to push the dm Women’s Run even further. The potential and energy of this event are immense and unique.”

Jozef Pukalovič also thanked the City of Bratislava, the municipal police, and traffic police for ensuring a smooth event.

“This year, we are once again allocating part of the raised entry fees to create another ‘dm sport zone.’ The sum of EUR 24,000 will be used, in agreement with the City of Bratislava, to build a new sports venue at the Zlaté Piesky area. This once again confirms the deeper purpose and meaning of the event, which brings us immense joy,” added Jozef Pukalovič.