Westerplatte Run 2026

This is a race with an extraordinary soul, combining sporting competition with a profound tribute to history. The Westerplatte Run in Gdańsk is the oldest continuously held road race over 10 km in Poland (its history goes back to 1963!). Every autumn, thousands of runners start at the foot of the Monument to the Defenders of the Coast to honor the memory of the heroes of September 1939. The race’s start on the Westerplatte Peninsula—where World War II began—gives the event a solemn character, and in recent editions (including the 63rd edition in 2025) the route has gained a spectacular feature: runners go through the Tunnel under the Dead Vistula, a rare chance to see this structure “from asphalt level.”

After completing 10 km and collecting your medal (often with a historical motif), Gdańsk offers the best options for recovery:

Relax by the stadium: Polsat Plus Arena is more than just a pitch. Around the stadium there’s a recreational area, and nearby (in Letnica) you can unwind, soaking up the atmosphere of a major sporting celebration. ⚽👟

A walk by the Baltic Sea: From the stadium, it’s a short distance to Brzeźno. Nothing regenerates your legs like a walk along the seashore. Air rich in iodine and the sound of the waves are the perfect way to calm your body after intense effort. 🌊🏖️

Powiśle and the Young City: If your route led through the shipyard areas, it’s worth stopping by the Imperial Shipyardor the area around the European Solidarity Centre. The industrial vibe and modern container cafés (like those on Elektryków Street) are great places for “recovery carbs” and coffee. ☕🏗️

The garden at the Museum of the Second World War: located not far from the former race routes, it offers modern architecture and a moment of reflection in the very heart of historic Gdańsk. 🏛️🌿

Thermal baths and SPA in the Tricity: If you’re dreaming of a sauna or a massage, the many hotels and SPA centers along the seaside belt (Jelitkowo, Sopot) will help your muscles get back in shape faster. 🧖‍♀️💧

The Westerplatte Run is a must-have in the calendar of every runner who values patriotism and wants to feel the magic of Gdańsk. Ready to write yourself into the history of the oldest “ten”? 🏁