October 20, 2024 Tomasz Koprowski Events
On Sunday morning, at 10:00 sharp, the participants of the 10th Cracovia Royal Half Marathon and the “Czaniecka Piątka” 5 km run started. Over 12,000 runners took part in the Krakow running festival.
Cracovia Royal Half Marathon is an important point on the map of Polish races. The event is included in the Crown of Polish Half Marathons, alongside events such as the Warsaw Half Marathon and the Poznań Half Marathon. Over the course of ten editions, the race has gained international reputation, and its characteristic feature is the spectacular finish on the TAURON Arena Kraków stage, with the support of fans.
The winner of this year’s edition of the Cracovia Royal Half Marathon was Kenyan Denis Chichir, who completed the route in time 1:01:33improving the course record. Glorius Jepkirui won the women’s competition against the clock 1:11:16. The remaining places on the podium were taken among men by: Hillary Kimaiyo (KEN 1:02:41) and Mateusz Mrówka (POL 1:07:05) as well as Maryna Nemczenko (UKR 1:13:03) and Monika Jackiewicz (POL 1:13:23 ) among women.
In the “Czaniecka Piątka” 5 km run accompanying the half-marathon, the fastest were Dariusz Nowakowski (14:40) and Monika Kaczmarek (17:08). The participants started from the same place as the half-marathon runners and finished on the main stage of TAURON Arena Kraków, adding a unique character to the event.
Welcome to the Cracovia Royal Half Marathon!
Let the Races Begin!
On Sunday morning, at 10:00 sharp, the Krakow streets were transformed into a running playground as over 12,000 participants kicked off the 10th Cracovia Royal Half Marathon and the lively “Czaniecka Piątka” 5 km run. That’s right—12,000 people! Which is approximately 11,999 more than anyone expected to be out of bed at that hour on a Sunday! But don’t worry, it’s not like anyone went to church that day—running is the new form of prayer, isn’t it?
A Royal Affair
The Cracovia Royal Half Marathon has secured its place as a must-do event on the Polish running calendar. Part of the Crown of Polish Half Marathons, it graces itself next to the likes of the Warsaw and Poznań Half Marathons, making it the kind of star-studded line-up you’d expect at a Hollywood premiere—if only Hollywood had a fascination with running shorts!
Over the years, this marathon has gained an international reputation, which I can assure you is not just Polish people trying to butter up their marathon records. Its highlight? A sublime finish on the TAURON Arena Kraków stage, where tired runners are greeted like rockstars as their friends and fans scream their names…or more likely just shout ‘Are you done yet?’
Speed Demons: The Winners!
And speaking of speed, let’s bring out the champions! The winner of this year’s edition, representing Kenya with the speed of a gazelle on steroids, is Denis Chichir, who finished a blistering 1:01:33. I mean, at that pace, he could have circled back, made himself a sandwich, and still crossed the finish line before I’d manage to run to the fridge!
And let’s not forget the women’s race, where Glorius Jepkirui nailed it home in 1:11:16. The rest of the podium included Hillary Kimaiyo (KEN 1:02:41) and Mateusz Mrówka (POL 1:07:05) for the men, while Maryna Nemczenko (UKR 1:13:03) and Monika Jackiewicz (POL 1:13:23) represented the ladies. They probably ran so fast they’re still recovering from being chased by imaginary wild animals!
Short and Sweet: “Czaniecka Piątka” 5 km Run
Now, for those of us who see “marathon” and think, “Oh dear, that sounds like a commitment,” we had the “Czaniecka Piątka” 5 km run as a delightful alternative. The fastest of these sprinters were Dariusz Nowakowski at 14:40 and Monika Kaczmarek at 17:08. They practically sprinted back to bed after finishing—no, I’m kidding! They finished to thunderous applause on that iconic main stage of TAURON Arena, adding a glimmer of celebrity to a post-run high-five!
Final Thoughts
Overall, it seems like the Cracovia Royal Half Marathon was not just a race, but a jubilant celebration. After all, nothing says “I love carbs” quite like 12,000 people running for the better half of their Sunday. And don’t forget, you can check out the Full Results if you’d like to relive the speed, the glory, and perhaps, the awkward post-race selfies that we all inevitably end up seeing!
