Małoposka international chess championship 2025

In the second half of June, I participated in the 35th edition of the International Chess Championship of Małopolska. It was held once again at the Galaxy Hotel in Kraków. This marked my third appearance at the tournament, following my previous participations in 2022 and 2024. The organization was excellent, just like in past editions, … Continue reading Małoposka international chess championship 2025 →

10 Years of Running: My Journey through Two Cities

This May marks 10 years since I started running. A full decade of runs, finish lines, and the quiet rhythm of feet on pavement. One month earlier I crossed the 12,000 km distance. I’ve written before about other key milestones in this journey, crossing the 6,000 km and later the 10,000 km marks. Both were … Continue reading 10 Years of Running: My Journey through Two Cities →

A Personal Duathlon: Running and Chess in Bucharest

A traditional duathlon typically combines running and cycling. It’s less well-known than the triathlon, which includes swimming, cycling, and running—in that order. In both formats, the winner is the person who crosses the finish line first. While I was in Bucharest this May, I experienced a rare coincidence. Two major sporting events were scheduled for … Continue reading A Personal Duathlon: Running and Chess in Bucharest →

Reflections on the SuperHalfs Series: My Experience and Insights

The SuperHalfs program has gained immense popularity, evident in the surge of participation, with nearly 100,000 runners participating in at least one race. As of May 2025, only 1,113 have completed all six events, prompting organizers to lift the time limit for completing the series. Data analysis revealed Spain and Great Britain lead in finishers, likely due to their robust running cultures. The series features six races: three in spring and three in autumn, and increased demand has led to a lottery system for entries. Personal experiences highlight Valencia and Berlin as top races, emphasizing that running is a rewarding personal journey.

Berlin Half-Marathon 2025: A Memorable Finish at the Brandenburg Gate

The 2025 edition of Berlin half-marathon concluded my Superhalfs journey. Ending the series with the most impressive finish of all the races was a good decision. This took place at the Brandenburg gate. More than just an architectural masterpiece, the Brandenburg Gate stands as a powerful symbol of European unity. Before 1989, it marked the … Continue reading Berlin Half-Marathon 2025: A Memorable Finish at the Brandenburg Gate →

Rome-Ostia half-marathon

Rome hosts two prominent half-marathons annually: the Rome-Ostia Half Marathon in March and the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon in October. The Rome-Ostia event, celebrated for its 50th edition this year, takes runners from the city to the sea, attracting around 12,000 participants, with increasing numbers of women joining. The course, known for its organization and beautiful finish line, poses challenges such as hills and limited hydration points. Finisher times varied among participants from the author’s group. Despite injury challenges, the race experience was rewarding, emphasizing the event's history connected to Pier Paolo Pasolini's legacy.

Short history of half-marathons

The Roma-Ostia Half-Marathon sparked my curiosity about the race distance's history, which traces its origins back to the marathon, rooted in the legend of Pheidippides. The modern marathon debuted in the 1896 Olympics, with the official distance set at 42,195 meters during the 1908 Olympics. The half-marathon's history is less clear, beginning in the 1960s, gaining popularity after being included in the 1992 World Athletics Road Running Championships. With over 2 million participants in 2019, the half-marathon's appeal continues to grow.

Remembering George Enescu: Stories of Humanity and Art

George Enescu, a Romanian musical genius born in 1881, was a composer, conductor, and violinist. Known for his exceptional talent and teaching, he inspired many, including Yehudi Menuhin. Enescu's profound humanity shone through his acts of kindness during difficult times, enriching the lives of those around him while promoting Romanian culture.

Milano 21 half-marathon

Running becomes increasing popular in Europe. Milano has two important half-marathons, Stramilano in March and Milano21 in November. Both are flat, fast courses and are considered among the best routes in Italy. This year, Milano21 saw over 6,000 finishers, a 33% increase compared to the previous edition. For years, Italy wasn't a top destination for … Continue reading Milano 21 half-marathon →

Valencia half-marathon

The Valencia half-marathon this year saw Yomif Kejelcha set a new world record at 57:30 amid perfect running conditions. The event was highly organized, with over 24,000 participants and strong support. While I faced stomach issues and finished in 2:07:47, my colleague Bobo achieved a personal best of 1:42:05.