More than 600 female and male runners took part in the Legnica Half Marathon – the 28th Legnica Lion Run – over a distance of 21 097 km. Professionals and amateurs, younger and older runners, competed side by side. Participants came to this unique race from more than 100 towns and cities in Poland and abroad. Everyone was a winner.
The route ran along park avenues, the promenade beside the Kaczawa River and Orła Białego Avenue, from Wilson Square to the stadium. Runners had to complete three seven-kilometre laps. The start and finish were on the athletics track at the sports complex in the park. The winner was Grzegorz Gronostaj from Wrocław, with a time of 1:12:22. Among the women, Anna Ficner from Złotoryja was the first to cross the finish line (22nd overall), with a time of 1:26:28.
Everyone who started received a commemorative medal after crossing the finish line. Among those placing them around the runners’ necks were Mayor Tadeusz Krzakowski, Legnica runners and OSiR employees.
Leszek Dacewicz, a 75-year-old runner from Jelenia Góra, made no secret of his satisfaction at completing the half marathon. “This was the third time I had run in Legnica,” Mr Leszek said. “I feel very good here. I like the organisation and the wonderful atmosphere.”
“The Lion Run is superb,” adds Anna Kujawińska from Szklarska Poręba. “An orchestra played for us during the race, which is something special. I found it harder to run than last year, but I’m happy because I finished in under an hour and a half.”
At the end of the event, Mayor Tadeusz Krzakowski told the race participants and audience: “I am proud of you. You created a wonderful, unique atmosphere.”
The Half Marathon was, of course, the main event that Sunday. Earlier, however, a one-mile family run was held, attracting 200 participants. Families ran together, some with their children in prams.
“We’re taking part for the first time with our two-year-old daughter,” said Adrian Szmigla. “It’s really nice because the weather is beautiful and so many people have come to the park.”
UM Legnica/ii