3 Reasons to Start Running Today… in Gdynia!

The beginning of the year is traditionally a time when many people try to implement their New Year’s resolutions. If yours is regular running, the organizers of the PKO Gdynia Half Marathon have something special for you.

Amateur running is currently experiencing another boom – both in Poland and around the world. After a period of slowdown that began a few years ago and was then drastically amplified by the pandemic, running is back on the rise, as evidenced by numerous studies and statistical data.

Polish road races are on the rise. In 2024, events grew across all distances, from 5 km to marathon.

The Independence Runs traditionally closed the road racing season in Poland, so we can already take a look at how the market for events organized over distances from marathon to 5 km looked in 2024…

Reason 1 – Health

This may not be groundbreaking, but regular running, even 2-3 times a week for 20-30 minutes, has a tremendous impact on our health. Importantly, it benefits not only physical health but also mental well-being. Take care of yourself and give your mind a break from daily worries and challenges. Oxygenate your body and return home energized and filled with endorphins after a successful workout.

Reason 2 – PKO Gdynia 5K

It’s much easier to stick to your resolution and training routine when you have a clearly defined goal. On January 2nd, registration opened for the PKO Gdynia 5K. This is an excellent opportunity for beginner runners to tackle the 5-kilometer distance in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Register Here

The PKO Gdynia 5K will take place on Sunday, April 27, in a breakfast run format. At the finish line, every runner will receive a commemorative medal and also… a shared breakfast. The flat course is especially beginner-friendly and makes it easier to achieve a good result.

If your ambitions are higher, registration for the PKO Gdynia Half Marathon (April 26) is still open. Nearly four months remain until this event, which is plenty of time to prepare properly for a half marathon. It will require discipline and regularity, but the moment you cross the finish line of your first half marathon is one you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Reason 3 – Sports Haven in Gdynia

The organizers of the PKO Gdynia Half Marathon will launch a new spot on the city’s sports map on January 7, located at Świętojańska Street 139. Sports Haven is a place where anyone can leave their child under the care of qualified animators during their training session. Furthermore, for registered participants of the PKO Gdynia 5K or PKO Gdynia Half Marathon, the first hour of this care will be free of charge.

We also plan to organize motivational meetings and workshops for women. We want Sports Haven to be a place where women can discover and develop their passion for running, meet interesting and inspiring people, and deepen their knowledge about training and healthy nutrition. All these activities will be carried out in collaboration with the City of Gdynia and our partners. Michał Drelich, Director of the PKO Gdynia Half Marathon

In summary, it’s a great time to put on your shoes, dress appropriately, and go for a run today. This is the beginning of a journey to a finish line you’ll remember for a long time.

We believe that absolutely anyone who wants to start their running journey can cross the finish line of the PKO Gdynia 5K in April in good health and with a smile on their face. And we will welcome everyone there with equal enthusiasm, whether it’s the winner or the last runner.
Piotr Jakóbik, Spokesperson for the PKO Gdynia Half Marathon

The PKO Gdynia Half Marathon, along with accompanying events, will take place over the weekend of April 25-27, 2025. The main race already has nearly 2,500 participants on the start list. The title sponsor of the event is PKO Bank Polski.