Running Festival - Lechites' Run 2026

Looking for a start that isn’t just another big-city mass run, but a true, living legend and a journey to the roots of the Polish state? The Lechites’ Run in Gniezno is an absolute sacred classic on Poland’s running map 🏅! Held continuously since 1978, it proudly bears the title of the oldest half marathon in Poland. The route of the flagship distance (21.0975 km) has an exceptionally symbolic form – it starts from Ostrów Lednicki (considered one of the likely sites of Poland’s Baptism), and the finish line is located on Gniezno’s Market Square, at the foot of the monumental Cathedral. A flat, fast course with a rich historical backdrop, plus accompanying shorter distances (including the 5K and youth races as part of the Running Festival), draws thousands of runners every year eager to feel the pride of crossing this unique finish line 🏁.

Gniezno, as Poland’s First Capital, is very well connected with the rest of the country. From Poznań you’ll get here in just 40 minutes (both by car and by fast rail), from Bydgoszcz or Toruń in about an hour, and from Łódź or Wrocław in under 2.5 hours 🚗. Once you proudly cross the finish line and hang the unique medal around your neck (often featuring images of Polish kings), this historic city will offer you and your loved ones a brilliant weekend of relaxation:

A royal family stroll on site: After the racing emotions, be sure to take a walk along the Royal Route 🏰. It’s an interactive urban trail with hidden sculptures of kings, models, and charming little rabbit figurines (referencing the city’s history) that kids love to track down with a dedicated app. The crowning moment of the walk is a visit to Lech Hill and a tour of the monumental Gniezno Cathedral with its famous 12th-century bronze Gniezno Doors.

Romantic relaxation for two by Lake Jelonek: Take your other half to the nearby Lake Jelonek (called “Venice” by locals), which is just a stone’s throw from the city center 🌊. A walk around the lake with a view of the cathedral’s silhouette reflected in the water, a moment to catch your breath on a bench, and the closeness of nature are the perfect, effortless way to loosen up tired legs and enjoy a romantic evening in the arms of your loved one.

A trip to Ostrów Lednicki: Since you started from there, it’s worth coming back the next day at a calmer pace! Head to the Museum of the First Piasts at Lednica 🛶. A short ferry ride to the island, where you’ll find the mighty ruins of the palatium (palace) from the times of Mieszko I and Bolesław the Brave, makes an incredible impression and lets you touch the absolute beginnings of our history.

A true Piast feast for a serious hunger: Completing a half marathon is a huge energy expenditure, so it’s time for uncompromising loading up on Greater Poland carbs 🤔! In Gniezno’s restaurants, be sure to order local regional classics: hearty Greater Poland-style duck with potato dumplings and red cabbage, iconic pyry with gzik (potatoes with perfectly seasoned quark and chives), or the warming soup parzybroda.

Feel the call of history, add your name to the legendary list of finishers of the oldest half marathon, and report to the starting line … 👑 Gniezno is waiting for your royal run!