Gdańsk Half-Marathon 2026: Record Attendance & Race Highlights

The beautiful city of Gdańsk hosted the 13th edition of its half-marathon on September 27. The most striking takeaway this year? The massive explosion in participants. With a 250% growth compared to the previous year, jumping from 5,000 finishers in 2025 to a massive 12,600 this year, it perfectly reflects the huge surge in running popularity I’ve noticed across all races in Poland.

The race hub is the Polsat Plus Arena Gdańsk. Since the stadium is quite far from the city center and nearby hotels are scarce, I booked accommodation near the main railway station to rely on public transport. Unfortunately, this massive leap in attendance brought some severe growing pains. On Sunday morning, my friend Bogdan and I tried to catch a tram to the arena. Bad luck, they were only running every 20 minutes and were already packed with runners. After some frantic moments, we barely managed to snag a Bolt to the stadium, arriving just in time to drop our luggage and warm up.

Aerial view of Polsat Plus Arena with a large crowd and pink smoke emerging from the building. Multiple people are gathered in line outside the venue, with portable restrooms visible nearby. — Spectacular start of Gdansk half-marathon

The Course

The route itself is fantastic. It heads north from Gdańsk toward Sopot, turning around just 3 kilometers from the Sopot city center. It’s entirely on asphalt and incredibly flat, boasting only about 60 meters of total elevation change. A major highlight of the course is getting to run directly inside the Polsat Plus Arena, the fifth-largest stadium in Poland.

Since I had another race coming up in two weeks, I decided not to push my limits and settled into a comfortable, steady pace. Things went quite well: 5’36”/km for the first 5K, 5’31”/km for the next 5K (crossing the 10K mark in 55:37), and continuing with a 5’29”/km average to the finish. I had prepared three Maurten gels 100 (no coffeine) and consumed only two. Another highlight is that I ran with Nike Vaporfly 4, the best running shoes I ever had.

A group of runners participating in a race on a sunny day, wearing race bibs and athletic gear.

Together with me was my friend Bogdan, who also ran this race. He took a very disciplined approach, focusing strictly on keeping his heart rate at lower values. The strategy paid off, and he crossed the finish line with a solid time of 1:48:24.

The weather was slightly warmer than ideal, but highly manageable. The flatness of the course was proven by the elite field, Ela Glinka set a new Polish national record for women, finishing in a blistering 1:08:48! If you are hunting for a Personal Best, Gdańsk is clearly a great place to do it.

Participants running in a race event with a crowd of spectators in the background on a sunny day. — At the finish line

Organization: The Good, The Bad, and Room for Improvement

As this was my fourth half-marathon in Poland in 2026, I can say it was the one with the most room for improvement from an organizational point of view. This isn’t entirely a surprise given the sudden jump to over 12,000 runners, but there are definitely lessons to be learned.

What needs fixing (My advice to the organizers):

Transport: Run significantly more trams on race morning. A 20-minute frequency is simply not enough to move thousands of runners.
Starting Corridors: There were no volunteers checking starting zones, meaning anyone could stand anywhere. Furthermore, everyone aiming for a finish between 1:50 and 3:00 was lumped into a single massive group. Advice: Bring in volunteers to enforce zones and segment runners by 10-minute intervals (e.g., 1:50–2:00, 2:00–2:10).
Traffic Control: For a few kilometers, runners occupied two lanes while cars drove right next to us on the third. Inhaling exhaust fumes during a race is not okay. Worse, at the bridge near kilometer 19, a driver stuck behind the runners actually started honking to get past. Totally unacceptable! Advice: Completely close the running route to traffic.
Course Atmosphere: It was a surprisingly quiet race. Advice: Bring in more bands and cheering zones to boost the energy along the route.

What they got right:

The Route: Wide enough to comfortably pass other runners, flat, and well-paved.
Support: Three well-placed water stations, with gels provided at one of them.
Tech & Media: Seamless post-race SMS with results and the ability to buy professional race photos easily.
The Bling: At the end of the race, I received the most beautiful medal I have ever earned, and I’ve run a lot of races. It perfectly captures the spirit of the city, featuring iconic symbols of Gdańsk like the Poseidon fountain, along with the city’s motto: Nec temere nec timide, which translates beautifully to “Neither rashly nor timidly.”

Close-up of decorative medals featuring a muscular figure with a trident, surrounded by waves, hanging on display with green ribbon straps. — Gdansk half-marathon medal

The Post-Race Adventure

Meeting up with Bogdan again after the race, we faced the morning’s transport nightmare all over again. Trams were impossible to board for the same reasons as the morning, and calling an Uber or Bolt was a lost cause. Because it was getting late and we had to get back to our hotel for check-out, we had only one option: run the 4 kilometers back to the hotel. We did exactly that. Between the warmup, the race, and the panicked commute, I ended up logging 27 kilometers that day. So, if you run in Gdańsk, be prepared to literally run to your hotel afterward.

Final Verdict

Despite the logistical hiccups, I genuinely liked this race and would be happy to return and run it again in the future. More importantly, Gdańsk is a gorgeous city that is absolutely worth visiting. Pairing a late-September city break with a half-marathon is a fantastic idea—the weather is usually great, and the city isn’t nearly as busy as it is during the summer time.

Live recording of the race

Wroclaw Half-Marathon: A Night Race Experience

This year, my spring running season wrapped up at the 12th Wrocław Half-Marathon. The organizers tried to break Poland’s record for the highest number of finishers in a long-distance running event. The standing record, set earlier this year in Warsaw, was 22,494 finishers. With 26,066 registered runners, Wrocław officially became one of the largest night races in the world. This marked a staggering leap from the previous year, which saw only 12,900 finishers.

This year brought a total route overhaul. Both the start and finish lines were located at Tarczyński Arena on the city outskirts.

Kilometers 1–7: A long, straight stretch from the stadium to the city center.
Kilometers 8–14: A loop winding around the heart of the city.
Kilometers 15–21: A parallel return stretch back to the stadium.

Night races present unique challenges. Because you are on your feet all day before the starting gun, fatigue sets in much faster than during a morning run. This makes hitting a personal best much harder. Visibility can also become an issue in certain sections.

To boost the atmosphere, the organizers hosted a stadium concert scheduled to end just as the race began. The goal was likely to encourage concertgoers to stay and cheer for the incoming finishers.

Spectacular images projected before the race

Tips for Future Participants

If the organizers keep this specific route for future editions, keep these takeaways in mind:

Corral Enforcement: Time zones at the start line were not enforced. Thousands of spectators entered the runner-only areas to accompany friends, making the starting corrals unnecessarily crowded.
Lighting: The city route was well-lit overall. However, a few hundred meters near the stadium were quite dark. While the organizers added temporary lighting, it felt insufficient.
Elevation & Crowd: This is one of the flattest courses I have ever run, featuring a mere 28-meter ascent. The spectator support was incredible. In terms of pure entertainment, it is the best race I have experienced so far.
Weather: The temperature was ideal for running, hovering comfortably between 16°C and 19°C.
Logistics: Logistics were smooth, and the course never felt overly congested. Runners received free public transit for the day, and professional race photos were available afterward for about €10.
Hydration: Stations offered tap water and isotonic drinks. I drank twice without issue, though I heard some runners complain about the tap water.
Wave Starts: The race started in waves from 10:00 PM. I crossed the line at 10:25 PM, and the last groups did not start until after 11:00 PM. If you are assigned to a later wave, be prepared to finish around 2:00 AM.

Race Day: How It Went Down

Right before the start, an old song with slightly adapted lyrics kept looping in my mind:

“Yesterday is dead and gone / And tomorrow’s out of sight / And it’s hard to run alone / Help me make it through the night”

A fascinating highlight occurred around the 4 km mark. Looking across the divide, I saw the elite leaders flying past at km 17. Later, when I reached km 17, the roles reversed. I saw the final wave of runners just hitting their 4 km mark, closely followed by a caravan of police cars and ambulances. It was a stark reminder of the long journey they still had ahead.

My race went smoothly until the 10 km mark, when a chronic back injury flared up. I passed 10 km in 55 minutes (a 5:30/km pace), but the pain capped my speed at 6:20/km. Since I did not have a strict time goal, I took the pressure off myself, slowed down, and crossed the finish line at 2:06:20 (an overall 6:00/km pace).

My colleague, Bogdan, started strong, hitting the 10k mark in 50 minutes. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury around km 12 and was forced to walk-run from km 15 onward. He finished just ahead of me at 2:04:01. Had I known he was that close, I gladly would have sped up to catch him at the finish line!

Our injuries were likely a toxic mix of an overly packed spring racing calendar and late-day fatigue. Thankfully, neither injury was severe, and we will both be back to training soon.

The Verdict

Ultimately, Wrocław saw 21,809 finishers—a massive 70% increase over last year. While they missed breaking the national record by a mere 700 runners, it was a historic turnout. Wroclaw marked also our third race for the Polish Crown of half-marathons.

Though it was an incredible experience, I personally still prefer the fresh energy of morning races. That said, the Wrocław Half-Marathon is an excellently organized, high-energy event. If you are looking for a unique running experience, I highly recommend giving it a shot.

An appropriate song after a night run

Personal Biathlon: 10K Running and Grand Prix Chess Tournament in one day

I recently repeated my ultimate personal challenge: participating in a major running competition and a high-stakes chess tournament on the exact same day. Taking advantage of the fact that the OMV Bucharest 10K and the Bucharest Chess Grand Prix lined up once again, I signed up for both, determined to beat my 2025 results.

Part 1: The OMV Bucharest 10K Race

The morning of May 9th brought perfect running weather to Bucharest. On my way to the starting grid, I ran into Emanuel, a former colleague from Trupa lui Fane. He used to be an elite runner winning these competitions in 33–34 minutes, but now runs casually. Since he was just running for fun, he generously accepted to pace me.

We started with a conservative strategy: a 5’15” pace for the first kilometre, dropping to 5’00” for the second. However, the official course markers from kilometres 2 through 9 were completely incorrect.At one point, the marks showed we crossed the 5K under 25 minutes, yet the 50-minute pacers were far ahead of us. We wondered if the marker was wrong or if the pacers were running too fast. Unfortunately for me, the pacers knew exactly what they were doing.

When we hit the 9K mark, the time was 45:15. I emptied the tank on the final kilometre, clocking a 4’56” split. I crossed the finish line at 51:18 ( that last km was about 1200 meters long in reality). This is 50 seconds faster than my 2025 time, though still 50 seconds shy of my all-time personal best.

A massive thank you to Emanuel! Even without active training, a 5’08”/km pace was a walk in the park for him, and his support made all the difference. Huge thanks also to my coach, Stefan Oprina, who cheered us on along the route.

Happy after the finish. Many thanks to Emanuel!

The event’s popularity exploded this year. There were nearly 3,500 finishers compared to under 3,000 in 2025. I managed to finish in the top 10% (316th place). I was thrilled, but there was no time to celebrate, the chess tournament was already calling.

Part 2: The Bucharest Chess Grand Prix

The 2026 Bucharest Chess Grand Prix set an all-time record for chess tournaments in Romania with 586 players, a massive 30% increase from last year. This is also due to involvement of Romanian Chess Federation which has many projects ongoing.

The venue was once again the Palace of the Parliament. While it may not win any beauty contests, the sheer scale of the largest building in Europe is incredibly impressive. The tournament featured 10 rounds of rapid chess, using a 15-minute format with a 5-second increment per move.

The field was stacked with 32 Grandmasters. I was lucky to be paired against a Grandmaster in the very first round. My opponent went on to finish tied for 1st place (taking 3rd on tiebreaks), and I am proud of how I held my own in that game.

Final Score: I finished with 5 out of 10 points, matching my score from last year.
The Reward: I gained 4 ELO points, which will bring my official rating to 1749 on the next list. Last year I gained only 2 ELO points so I did better in 2026.

The podium was a clash of the new generation. Jose Martinez (Jospem) won the tournament, and Aydin Suleymanli finished second.

This year the VIP of the tournament was without any doubt Vasyl Ivanchuk. He is at the top of the chess world for almost 40 years. He was for a while number 2 in the world and was also world champion in both blitz and rapid chess.

While most top chess players are happy to sign autographs, Ivanchuk is in a league of his own. He stayed at the venue to play casual blitz games with young children. This rare humility reminded me of a beautiful excerpt from the 2003(!) book Linares! Linares!:

“Ivanchuk’s victories have earned him an unbelievable popularity with the Linarese. People greet him everywhere with a brief and warm ‘Ivanchuk!’ The warmth they feel at his unaffected behaviour out-weighs their admiration for the distant Kasparov. Ivanchuk doesn’t push his way haughtily through the crowd of noisy children thronging at the bottom of the hotel stairs every day begging the players for a signature in their programme booklets. He always stops to sign a few. In the year of his third tournament victory, he invited these young admirers to join him in eating the cake that the restaurant kitchen had prepared for him.”“

Ivanchuk playing a young fan in Bucharest

Vishy Anand once famously said that Ivanchuk lives on “Planet Ivanchuk”, he is a pure, eccentric chess genius. You can see this unique brilliance in clips from 2016 when he won the World Rapid Championship.

The organization was flawless, with one major exception: security screening at the Parliament building took over an hour. For future editions, organizers must either find a way to fast-track player entry or choose a more accessible venue.

Interesting video about the tournament. I am showing up from 17:10 during the first round

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Pairing

Running and chess may seem like opposites, but they share a beautiful common ground. Both sports are universally accessible, highly inclusive, and inexpensive to pick up. Most importantly, they form the ultimate synergy for health, one keeping the body sharp, while the other trains the mind. The only thing to have in mind if you practice both is that running helps improving playing chess while chess is not great for your running skills.

If you like playing chess and running you can try doing both in the same day in Bucharest next year!

Poznan half-marathon

2026 is officially the year of the record-breaker. Following massive turnouts at the Warsaw Half Marathon and the Grenke Chess Open , Poznań kept the momentum alive. The 18th edition of the Poznań Half Marathon set its own milestone with a record 13,500 participants finishing the race.

If you’re hunting for speed in Poland, Poznań is a top contender. Compared to Warsaw, the route is flatter and built for pace. The local support was great, with many spectators, providing even more “cheer power” than I experienced in the capital.

The Highlights:

The Stadium Loop: A major highlight occurs at kilometer 16, where the course takes you directly inside the ENEA Stadium. It’s an incredible atmosphere that gives you a huge mental boost for the final 5 km push.
Logistics: The organization was top-tier, featuring pacers at 5-minute intervals, free public transport for runners, instant SMS results and enough hydration points on the route
The Weather: We had near-perfect running conditions, with temperatures holding steady between 12-14°C during the race.

My Race: 1:53:33 (Top 40%)

At the start. Good luck overtaking people in such crowd!

The scale of the record crowd brought one major challenge: early congestion. It took me 18 minutes just to reach the start line from the 1:50-1:59 block. Despite starting in the “right” place between the 1:50 and 1:55 pacers, the first 4km were a battle for space, making it very difficult to overtake.

During race, all is good. As you can see space was a problem only at the beginning

I found my rhythm as the crowds thinned. I hit 10km in 54:34 and reached the stadium at 15km in 1:21:26. While I was about 3 seconds slower than my recent time in Warsaw, I finished strong, running the final 1.1km at a sub-5:00/km pace. I crossed the line in 1:53:33, placing in the top 40% of the field.

Enjoying the run inside Lech Poznan’s stadium!

My friend Bogdan also put in a gutsy performance. Despite a lingering injury forcing him to dial back in the second half, he clocked a solid 1:47:02. Once he’s fully recovered, he’ll be back to his 1:40 form in no time.

As usual many thanks to Stefan Oprina, our coach who is helping us obtaining better results!

From 1:59 to 1:53: The Injury “Blessing”

I’ve been asked how I dropped from a 1:59+ last year to a 1:53 today. Ironically, it started with a sprained ankle in December. My orthopedist, a fellow runner, limited me to 4km treadmill sessions followed by 10 minutes of cycling.

I stuck with the bike routine even after I healed, eventually increasing it to 20 minutes after every run. That extra aerobic base, combined with the Nike Vaporfly 4, made a massive difference in my endurance. It goes to show that sometimes a hardship can lead to a breakthrough in your training.

Final Verdict

I highly recommend the PKO Poznań Half Marathon. It’s flat, fast, and the atmosphere is electric. Just be ready for a crowded start and make sure to enjoy that stadium loop at km 16!

Inside the World’s Largest Open Chess Tournament

The GRENKE Chess Festival is easily my favorite event on the calendar, and returning for my third time this year only confirms it. With 3,658 participants in 2026, it has solidified its spot as the world’s largest open tournament. Beyond the scale, what keeps me coming back is the impeccable organization and a vibe you simply won’t find anywhere else.

Comparing this to the 2024 edition, a few changes stood out. I stayed at Motel One through an organizer-provided discount, which was a great call the hotel is just a three-minute walk from the playing hall. I was also pleased to see the introduction was done in both German and English this year, one of my past suggestions to the organizers! Another suggestion is receiving pairings via WhatsApp/SMS, maybe from another edition.

The festival now features six different tournaments: three classical and three Freestyle Chess (Chess960). In Freestyle, pieces on the back rank are randomized, making it impossible to rely on opening preparation. The organizers are pushing this format hard, and the prizes for Freestyle are significantly higher. Each category is based on rating: A for 2000+ Elo, B for under 2000, and C for under 1600. I played in the Classical B Open, which was massive, over 1,500 people in my section alone!

The schedule was grueling: two rounds a day (at 10 AM and 4 PM) with a 90-minute + 30-second increment time control. That’s eight hours of chess a day! I started with a bang, winning my first three games, especially impressive since my second and third opponents were over 100 Elo points stronger than me. However, the intensity caught up in rounds 4 and 5, where I lost to two 1900+ players. I was winning round 5 until a late-game blunder cost me the point. I finished with a solid 4.5/9, and considering 8 of my 9 opponents were rated at least 100 points above me, I was thrilled to gain 15 Elo points.

With a performance rating of 1863, this was my best result since the pandemic. But more importantly, it was a much-needed break. For five days, the rest of the world disappeared, and it was just me and the board.

One funny highlight: the Schwarzwaldhalle venue borders the Karlsruhe Zoo. At one point, people visiting the zoo went from watching animals in cages to peering through the windows at a huge hall where 2,500 people were locked in deep thought over chessboards!

Warsaw half-marathon

Running culture in Poland is booming, and the Warsaw Half Marathon 2026 proves it. With record participation, excellent organization, and a fast (but strategic) course, this race has quickly become one of the top half marathons in Europe. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the event attracted 25,000 registered runners and sold out two months in advance. If you’re planning to run the Warsaw Half Marathon in the future, early registration is essential.

Despite the typical “10% no-show rate,” 22,492 runners finished the race, marking a 54% increase from 2025. Warsaw is no longer an underrated race, it’s now a major destination for runners across Europe.

Interesting choreography: runners dressed as Spartans and the siren symbol of Warsaw

A Masterclass in Organization

The Warsaw Half Marathon stands out for its exceptional logistics and runner-friendly setup.

Wave starts were spaced 15 minutes apart, preventing overcrowding and ensuring a smooth race experience. Even starting toward the back, I had plenty of room to run and overtake others without friction, something rare in large city races.

Key Highlights:

Hydration stations every 4 km, with the final one at 18 km
Wide, spacious roads throughout most of the course
Free public transport for all runners on race day
Affordable professional race photos (€10)
Generous start/finish zones for warm-up and recovery

For anyone comparing European half marathons, Warsaw ranks among the best in terms of organization and runner comfort.

Strategy on an Ever-Changing Course

The Warsaw route evolves. Having run this race in 2022, I found this year’s path completely different. In 2026, we faced an immediate uphill climb in the first kilometer followed by a descent. The real challenge, however, was the climb between kilometers 14 and 16. My advice? Conserve your energy for that late-stage hill, then use the remaining distance to sprint home.

While the city center (first 4km) and the finish line were lively, the middle sections were a bit quiet. An American runner nearby noted the lack of crowds compared to races back home. However, the route’s sheer quality more than compensated for the sparse cheering.

Personal Milestones and Gear

The weather was perfect, a crisp 10-14°C. I started conservatively at a 5’40”/km pace for the first km. I gradually sped up and hit the 10 km mark in under 55 minutes. After a Maurten gel and conquering the kilometer 14 climb, I found my “second wind.” Over the final 5 km, I averaged 5’10”/km. In the last 200 meters, I even chased down the 1:55 pacer! I finished in 1:53:30—shaving 11 minutes off my Valencia time from last October. My Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 4 contributed to some of my success. They are easily the best shoes I’ve ever owned. But the other secret I will share it here after my next race.

I want to thank my coach Stefan Oprina for training me remote all these years! This helped me a lot to keep running.

I see here that I am stepping on the heel which is not good, The ideal touch of ground should be with the front of the foot

Together with Bobo we ran in Warsaw in 2022, it was our first half-marathon abroad. It was a great experience back then and decided to repeat it this year. The route was very different than in 2022. We started in different waves and met only at the restaurant after the race.

Bobo, also had a strong showing at 1:42:08. While the kilometer 14 hills thwarted his PR attempt, he matched his Berlin time from a year ago. It was a great return for both of us. Compared to our Warsaw run in 2022, Bobo improved by 7 minutes. I improved by 1 minute. It’s great to run faster than four years ago!

After a great run. The siren statue behind us is the symbol of Warsaw

Final Thoughts

Two of my colleagues joined us this year for their first long-distance race. Watching their promising start reminded me why I love this sport. This race was a phenomenal experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-organized, spacious, and fast European half-marathon.

PS: On a personal note, this race helped me reach a huge milestone. Since I started in 2015, I have now run one-third of the Earth’s circumference at the equator. Next stop: 15,000 km!

Italy’s East Coast – from Venice to Rimini

Over two decades of traveling through Italy, I’ve seen the country evolve through a tourist’s eyes. While most flock to the West Coast, the Adriatic side offers a deep dive into history that is often less crowded but just as breathtaking. My experiences here are personal and subjective, focusing on the layers of art, music, and architecture that define the region.

Venice: La Serenissima

Venice is the undeniable crown jewel of the coast. Yes, it is crowded, but it remains a “must-see.” Beyond the iconic Piazza San Marco and the Doge’s Palace, I recommend preparing your senses before you arrive. To truly understand the Venetian soul, listen to the works of Antonio Vivaldi, the 18th-century maestro who shaped European music.

I also suggest studying the paintings of Canaletto. While Titian is the city’s most famous painter, Canaletto’s detailed 18th-century vistas allow you to compare the lagoon of 300 years ago with the city you see today.

Canaletto –*The Entrance to the Grand Canal, Venice*, 1730

Chioggia: The “Little Venice”

Just 25 kilometers south lies Chioggia. Often called “Little Venice,” this quieter town offers a similar canal-side charm without the massive crowds. You can visit St. Andrew’s Church; its bell tower (11th–12th century) is considered the oldest clock tower in the world. The town also inspired the 18th-century playwright Carlo Goldoni, who captured the local spirit in his famous comedies.

Chioggia – oldest clock tower in the world

Ravenna: A Mosaic of Empires

Emperor Justinian on a mosaic in San Vitale church

Further south, Ravenna serves as a stunning bridge between Western and Eastern Christianity. Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later ruled by the Byzantines under Justinian, the city is a treasure trove of 5th to 7th-century art. The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the Basilica of San Vitale (548 AD) left the deepest impression on me; their mosaics are simply luminous. Don’t miss the Orthodox Baptistery or the Arian Baptistery, the latter built under the Ostrogoth King Theodoric the Great. It is staggering to realize these vibrant glass mosaics have survived for over 1,500 years.

Crossing the Rubicon

Between Ravenna and Rimini, you will cross the Rubicon River. This is the site where Julius Caesar uttered the immortal words “alea iacta est” (the die is cast), before sparking a civil war. Interestingly, the river’s exact location was lost to time for centuries and was only officially identified (formerly known as the Fiumicino) in 1933.

San Marino & Rimini: From Fortresses to Film

A short detour inland takes you to San Marino, one of the world’s oldest and smallest republics. The Guaita fortress atop Monte Titano looks like something out of a fairytale.

Back on the coast, Rimini is famous for summer beaches. I visited it in winter. This allowed me to focus on its Roman roots. You can still walk across the 2,000-year-old Bridge of Tiberius or view the Arch of Augustus. For cinema lovers, Rimini is the birthplace of Federico Fellini. Unfortunately, the Fellini Museum was not opened yet during my visit.

Pesaro: The Home of Rossini

Finally, visit Pesaro, a refined, smaller version of Rimini. As a fan of Rossini’s opera overtures, I highly recommend the Rossini National Museum, located in the very house where the composer was born.

Travel Tips

Arrival: The easiest gateways are the Venice Marco Polo Airport or Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport.
Getting Around: While trains are efficient, I have rented a car for many of my Italian trips. It offers the freedom to find these hidden historical gems at your own pace.

The East Coast of Italy is more than just a coastline; it is a timeline. From the ancient Roman stones of Rimini to the shimmering Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna and the operatic echoes of Pesaro, this region offers a quieter, more contemplative beauty than the bustling west. Italy is a country that is constantly changing, but here, the layers of the past remain remarkably vivid.

Half-marathons circuits in Europe

Lately, the challenge in the running world has evolved. It’s becoming more popular to finish not just a single race, but a “circuit” of grouped events. The Abbott World Marathon Majors is the most famous global series. It now features seven iconic marathons. Meanwhile, regional circuits are gaining incredible traction.

In Europe the SuperHalfs series, a circuit of six half-marathons in European capitals is gaining huge popularity among runners. It offers a shorter distance to run compared to World Marathon Majors. Additionally, the cities where you need to run are closer together. I completed the SuperHalfs series in 2025 and wrote about it.

Beyond the international series, local circuits often showcase the highest levels of competition. Based on my experience racing across the continent, I believe Spain and Poland have the fastest runners in Europe. I use an empirical measurement to assess a race’s speed. It is the finishing time of the runner exactly in the middle of the pack (the median). In countries where running is deeply ingrained, organizers use these circuits to encourage consistent participation. This helps drive up the average speed of the field.

In Spain this circuit is called “El Circuito Nacional de Running Plátano de Canarias“. It includes exactly five premier half-marathons: Seville, Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and San Sebastian. You have to finish all these races, and they calculate some rankings based on your results. As a tourist I visited all these beautiful cities, but I ran only in Valencia (twice).

In Poland the circuit is called the Crown of Polish Half Marathons. The rules evolve annually. For 2026, the requirement is to finish at least 5 out of 11 designated races.

Of these 11 races five are in big cities: Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Poznan and Gdansk. All have over 12k runners at start, except for Gdansk.

Other races have tradition: The Lechit Run is the oldest Polish half marathon. Ostrów Lednicki was chosen as the starting point, from where Otto III walked to the tomb of St. Adalbert in Gniezno, Poland’s first capital. For historical context this historical pilgrimage happened in the year 1000. No, the half-marathon though did not start at that time :). It is organized continuously since 1978. In 2026 will reach is 49th edition.

At the Półmaraton Ślężański, a literal cannon blast signals the start of the race.

Wroclaw half-marathon is the main night race in Poland, starting at 10:30 PM. As I write this post, over 24 thousand people have signed up for the 2026 edition of this race! This makes it a record for participants in a long-distance run in Poland.

It is important to mention that all races are well established having at least 12 editions completed already.

If everything goes well, I plan to officially obtain the Crown of Polish Half Marathons by the end of 2026.

I am already registered for Warsaw (completed previously in 2022), Poznan, and the record-breaking Wroclaw. I will sign up for Gdansk and Krakow (which I finished in 2021 and 2022) as soon as registration opens.

It is inspiring to see such passion for running across Europe. People are starting to realize the benefits of running!

Valencia half-marathon 2025

The best proof that what I wrote last year about the Valencia Half-Marathon was true is the fact that I decided to run it again this year.

With limited race options, I have to choose carefully where to compete. The Valencia Half-Marathon makes that decision easy, it’s one of the best-organized and most enjoyable races in Europe. For returning runners, registration is even smoother: the organizers give priority to those who ran in the previous edition.

If you’re trying to run Valencia for the first time, you’ll need to enter a ballot in November. If you don’t get in, there’s still hope. Several official travel agencies offer guaranteed race entries as part of their packages.

This post isn’t about repeating what I said last year. It’s about sharing what was new. I also want to share what I learned this time around.

What Was New This Year

The Wardrobe Service

This year, I paid 6 EUR to leave my luggage at the start area wardrobe. It was absolutely worth it. Not having to run with my phone or other items made the experience much more comfortable.

Slippery Grids on the Course

After kilometer 10, the route passes along a street full of metal grids covering subway vents. When it rains (as it did this year and last), these grids can get very slippery. Tip: stay on the left side of the road, where the surface is safer.

The Energy of the Drummers

One of the things I love most about Valencia is the number of live drumming bands along the course. The beat of the drums has an incredible effect. It pushes you forward in a way that no playlist ever could.

My Race

I learned from last year’s mistakes. This time, I didn’t eat too much before the race. I made sure to finish my breakfast more than two hours before the start.

I started in wave 7 at 9:01 a.m. and took it easy at first, running the first 5 km at around 6:00 min/km. I planned to pick up the pace later. However, by kilometer 15, I realized I wasn’t going to finish under two hours. At that point, I decided not to push too hard. Whether it’s 2:02 or 2:03 doesn’t make a huge difference. I crossed the finish line in 2:04:11, an average result, but still 22 minutes faster than in Tallinn!

Our Team – “Trupa lui Fane” in Valencia

This year, five of us from Trupa lui Fane ran in Valencia. That made the whole experience even better. We shared the excitement, compared strategies, and celebrated together after the race.

Everyone had a strong performance, close to their personal bests:

🥇 Mihai – 1:24:54, our fastest runner, finishing among the first 2,000 participants
💪 Andreea – 1:34:52, the only one to set a new personal best
👟 Bogdan – 1:44:24, two minutes slower than last year
🔥 Sorin – 1:56:06, at his first SuperHalfs race, very close to his PB

Congratulations to all of them for their fantastic results!
And a big thank you to our coach, Ștefan Oprina, for helping us become better runners over time!

Valencia remains, without question, my favorite half-marathon in Europe.

Later that day in Valencia I met someone who didn’t look quite happy with his result.

Valencia 2025 reminded me once again why I love running. It’s the rhythm, the people, and the stories. These moments stay with you long after you cross the finish line.

PS.1 A Seagull and a Song

On race morning, I woke up early, opened the window, and saw a lonely seagull flying above the hotel. It reminded me of a Joe Dassin song I’ve always loved:

“Moi, de temps en temps, je me sens pareil
À cet éternel exilé
Lui, qui ne sait pas replier ses ailes
Moi, qui ne sais pas m’arrêter.”

A small, poetic moment before the adrenaline of the start line.

PS.2 Remembering the Floods of 2024

The day before the race, Valencia held a large protest. It was in memory of those who lost their lives during the 2024 floods. Last year, we left the city on Monday after the half-marathon. The next day, torrential rain caused devastating flooding that claimed 224 lives in the province. One year later, people are still unhappy with how the authorities responded.
It’s a sobering reminder that life is unpredictable. Every race, every trip, and every day, is something to be grateful for.

PS.3 Goodbye, Mihai Suba

On Sunday, October 26, the day of the race, Grandmaster Mihai Suba (1947–2025) died near Valencia in Spain. Before 1990, Romania had only three chess grandmasters — and Suba was one of them, a true original. He made significant contributions to chess, particularly in middlegame theory and the Hedgehog system. I’ve read a few of his books; Dynamic Chess Strategy was a particular favorite. He was admired worldwide for his creativity and deep understanding of the game. May he rest in peace — and may his ideas continue to inspire players for generations.

Tallinn half-marathon

Another autumn begins, and with it a new running season.

Every September, Tallinn hosts the largest running festival in the Baltic countries. Over one weekend, thousands of participants gather to run distances from 5 km to the full marathon. It’s the biggest and most vibrant event of its kind in the region. If you count all the finishers the number is greater than 1% of the entire population of Estonia.

Choosing the Half-Marathon

As usual, I signed up for the half-marathon. My goal was simple: to enjoy the race without any pressure about results.

The course in Tallinn is flat. It is flatter than most half-marathons in Europe. This makes it a great choice for both beginners. It is also ideal for experienced runners chasing a personal best.

The Race Experience

The organization was excellent. Runners received free public transport for three days. Drinks were available every 4 km. At kilometer 12, energy gels were handed out. The atmosphere was festive: live bands played along the route, jugglers entertained, and spectators cheered with genuine warmth. There were no frustrating interruptions. No pedestrians suddenly crossed the track. At the finish, runners had the option to buy online their race photos.

The weather was perfect too: cool, dry, and comfortable for running.

Mistakes Along the Way

Still, I made several mistakes that cost me the race. The start was at 9 AM, and my hotel served breakfast only from 7:15. I ate too much, too late, finishing at 7:35, which left me no time for a proper warm-up.

The first kilometer is downhill, and I ran it too fast—5’08”, much quicker than my target pace. Almost immediately, I felt the food rising back up, and by kilometer 5 I was close to dropping out. From there until kilometer 12, every step was a struggle. Fortunately, gels and water helped me hold on.

I shifted my focus to simply finishing, ignoring the clock. In the end, I crossed the line in 2:26, my slowest half-marathon ever. But I accept full responsibility. The race was perfectly organized; the mistakes were mine alone.

As the Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen once said: “Have you not succeeded? Continue! Have you succeeded? Continue!” That’s what I intend to do.

For this race I chose a T-Shirt with Estonian flag colors on it

Running with Friends

My colleague Bogdan had an excellent performance, finishing in 1:44, a strong start to the season. Running alongside friends always makes the experience better, no matter the result.

Post-Race Joy

After the race, we headed to Tallinn’s beautiful city center for lunch and to share impressions. On one street, a singer was performing pop songs. Soon, a group of joyful runners joined him. They sang together, people from Sweden and other countries, united by music and the shared experience of the race.

It was a beautiful moment: strangers from across Europe celebrating together, voices blending in the heart of Tallinn. That’s the Europe I love.

A Personal Milestone

On a personal note, this race also marked a symbolic milestone for me. I’ve now run the equivalent of 300 marathons. This is a total of 12,660 km since I started running ten years ago. It has been an incredible journey so far, and despite setbacks like this race, I’m excited to continue.

Tallinn half-marathon is a race I highly recommend. The course, the atmosphere, and the city itself make it unforgettable, even if this time, it wasn’t my best day.