Soldiers of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade’s (10BKPanc) Logistics Battalion (blog) also decided to organize a 10-kilometer St. Nicholas run. For service-related reasons, it took place a little later, on December 12, but there was no shortage of willing participants, and the St. Nicholas spirit was also in evidence.
– People all over Poland ran dressed as Santa Claus, so we too decided to find time for a little fun. Especially since the last few weeks had been a time of intensive exercises and the completion of numerous maintenance, repair and transport tasks for us – says the commander of the Logistics Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Michał Koniarz.
Although it rained almost all week, the sky seemed to know that on Friday several dozen soldiers from the blog, as well as from the 1st Tank Battalion (1bcz) and the Reconnaissance Company (kr), would line up at the start of the route leading toward the Tank Combat Shooting Range. The rain stopped, and the sun emerged from behind the clouds. Perhaps it was the sun that warmed the runners with its rays and helped them achieve truly outstanding times.
– Together with the battalion commander, we measured the route three times, and I can confirm that its length is exactly 10 kilometers and one meter – says Senior Private Grzegorz Hyjek from the command platoon, who, together with other soldiers, provided regulatory and traffic support during the run. Despite this distance, the first competitors reached the finish line after just 40 minutes.
– It’s a personal best! – Senior Private Aleksander Żelawski from the Reconnaissance Company celebrated at the finish line. He broke his personal record, completing the distance in 49.27 minutes. Several other soldiers also set records on the Świętoszów route, which is flat, fast and conducive to achieving personal bests.
The St. Nicholas costumes, hats and other festive elements that participants had to wear did not hinder them at all; instead, they added color and plenty of laughter.
It is worth noting that many participants were running this distance for the first time. – I tried to make the runners feel as if they were taking part in a real race – explains Lieutenant Colonel Koniarz. – That is why we prepared proper race packets, labeled with each participant’s first and last name and assigned number. They also included a commemorative shirt for the 1st St. Nicholas Run of the blog, a souvenir mug and an isotonic drink. After the run, every competitor was guaranteed a recovery meal to support the body and regain strength.
The run was provided with medical and catering support. Hydration stations were set up at the 5-kilometer and 7.5-kilometer marks. Water, pieces of banana, chocolate and an energy bar were also prepared. Fun is important, but safety is paramount.
This was another run organized by the Logistics Battalion, and, as the soldiers assure us, not the last. Perhaps soldiers from other armies will also take part in the next one, during joint exercises.
Katarzyna Przepióra