This is an event that takes runners back in time. The Henryków Half Marathon (held in Henryków, in Lower Silesia) is a race with a truly unique atmosphere, where sporting competition intertwines with history recorded on the pages of the famous “Book of Henryków.” The start and finish next to the monumental Cistercian Abbey make an impression you won’t forget until next season. The course leads through the charming landscapes of the Niemczańsko-Strzelińskie Hills. Get ready for mixed terrain (asphalt and gravel/forest roads) and a few solid climbs that will make your calves remember this start. 📈🌲
Once you’ve conquered the hills and picked up your medal, Henryków and the surrounding area offer perfect conditions for spiritual and physical recovery:
Touring the Cistercian Abbey: This is an absolute must. Baroque interiors, incredible choir stalls, and a sense of the site’s history make for the best recovery for the mind. A walk through the cool monastery corridors will help you calm down after the effort. 🏛️🙏
Monastery Park: The garden and park surrounding the abbey are the perfect place for a restorative walk. You’ll find, among other things, the third-oldest yew tree in Poland. Resting in the shade of centuries-old trees will help soothe your body. 🌳🍃
The Arboretum in Wojsławice: It’s located a dozen or so kilometers from Henryków. If you’re racing in spring or early summer, a visit here is therapy through colors and scents. A stroll among thousands of rhododendrons is pure relaxation for the senses. 🌺🌸
Ząbkowice Śląskie and the Leaning Tower: If you still have the energy for a short trip, nearby Ząbkowice (the city of Frankenstein!) offers a climb up Poland’s “Pisa.” Climbing the Leaning Tower is a good test for your legs after a half marathon. 🏰📐
The Henryków Half Marathon is a race for those who look for something more in sport than just a time on the stopwatch. It’s an encounter with tradition, nature, and your own weaknesses in one of the most beautiful corners of Lower Silesia. 🏁
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