Bircza ran for health [PHOTOS]

Author: Sabina Majewska

The competition was held in different age categories, so everyone could find something for themselves. The biggest challenge was the open category race, where participants had to face a demanding 5-kilometer route. Not only the distance, but also the capricious weather put the competitors to the test - the sun kept giving way to heavy rain, which made the competition even more difficult. Bohdan Semenowycz triumphed among the men, finishing the race in 18:26.00 min. Natalia Semenowycz was the best among the women with a time of 21:10.00 min. In the Nordic Walking 5 km category, Jan Słowik was the fastest with a time of 38:31.00 min, while Małgorzata Oleksyk won among the women with a time of 43:06.00 min.

Despite the difficult weather conditions, the competitors showed incredible determination and sporting spirit. Both debutants and experienced runners proved that no adversity can stop the passion for running and a healthy lifestyle. The audience, gathered along the route, cheered the participants on, giving them strength with every kilometer.

It is safe to say that this year's edition of the race also gained an international dimension. Among the participants were two competitors from Ukraine, as well as a competitor from Scotland and Spain. The presence of athletes from different parts of the world not only raised the prestige of the event, but also showed that the Birczański Run for Health is becoming an event with an increasingly wider reach and significance.

The success of the event would not have been possible without the great commitment of the organizers. Members of the "Sportowy Duch" Association, headed by president Stanisław Chrobak, put their whole hearts into preparing the race. The employees of the Municipal Center of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Bircza also contributed greatly to the organization, actively supporting the course of the event. Irreplaceable support was also provided by the professional securing of the routes by firefighters from the Volunteer Fire Department (OSP Bircza, OSP Leszczawa Dolna, OSP Kuźmina, OSP Borownica), who, despite the pouring rain, stood firm at the designated points along the route. It is thanks to their commitment that the participants could feel safe throughout the entire competition.

The contribution of partners and sponsors, who have supported this initiative for years, was also invaluable. Special thanks are due to: the City and Commune of Bircza, the District Office in Przemyśl, the Bircza Forest District, the Cooperative Bank in Żurawica, Henryk Sowa - Sawmill Brzuska, the "Lpg-Gaz" Car Wash Stara Bircza, the Premium Delicatessen in Bircza, the Piotruś Pan Delicatessen in Stara Bircza, the GS Samopomoc Chłopska in Bircza, Bircza Insurance - Ewa and Radosław Pacławski, the Tranwóz - Zabłotka company, the Klimel company, the catering company of Elżbieta and Roman Stasziewicz and the Sołtysiak Tour company.

The event was held under the honorary patronage of the mayor of the city and commune of Bircza Anna Szymaszek, councilors of the City Council in Bircza and the starosta of Przemyśl Bożena Ryczan. Their presence and support gave the event special prestige and emphasized the importance of activities promoting a healthy lifestyle in the region.

This year's race was also accompanied by numerous attractions prepared with the whole family in mind. In the vicinity of GOKSiT, attractive promotional stands were set up, including: PANS in Przemyśl, Medical-Social Centre for Vocational and Continuing Education in Przemyśl, Bircza Forest District, Provincial Emergency Medical Service Station in Przemyśl, WOT Przemyśl and Tran Urządzenia Sanok.