On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the streets of Krakow were alive with the sound of pounding feet and cheering crowds as the 22nd Tauron Cracovia Marathon unfolded. This annual event, a highlight on the Polish running calendar, drew thousands of runners from across the nation, eager to take on the iconic 42.195-kilometer challenge through the historic heart of the city.
The marathon, which has been held since 2002, saw a record-breaking participation this year, with 6,423 athletes crossing the start line at the Main Market Square. This impressive turnout surpassed the previous record of 5,848 participants set in 2018, showcasing the event's growing popularity and the enthusiasm of the Polish running community.
As the runners navigated the picturesque course, they passed by some of Krakow's most famous landmarks, including the majestic Wawel Castle and the bustling Sukiennice market. The atmosphere was electric, with spectators lining the streets to cheer on their friends and family, creating a vibrant backdrop for this sporting spectacle.
In the men's race, it was a thrilling finish that saw Benard Kiprotich Too from Kenya claim victory with an official time of 2:17:52. Remarkably, he was matched in time by his compatriot Shedrack Kiptoo Kimaiyo, who finished just fractions of a second behind, taking second place. Dariusz Boratyński rounded out the men's podium, finishing strong in third place with a time of 2:21:39.
On the women's side, Swietłana Sanko from Belarus took home the top honors, completing the marathon in 2:37:21. Following her was Chelangat Sang of Kenya, who finished just seconds later at 2:37:52, while Nancy Waigumo Githaiga also from Kenya secured third place with a time of 2:38:24. Notably, Monika Brzozowska was the first Polish woman to cross the finish line, completing the race in 2:43:46.
The event also featured a wheelchair marathon, where Krzysztof Plewa triumphed with a remarkable time of 1:15:52. He was followed closely by Paweł Sochaj, who finished in 1:16:47, and Rafał Szumiec, who completed the race in 1:22:14.
"It was an incredible day for running and for Krakow," said Tomasz Marzec, the Director of the Sports Infrastructure Management Board in Krakow. "We are thrilled to see so many participants and spectators come together to celebrate this wonderful event. The atmosphere was truly special, and it highlights the passion for running in our city."
Since 2014, the marathon has begun and ended at the Main Market Square, a location that has become synonymous with the event. The course has remained a favorite among runners, not just for its scenic views but also for the enthusiastic support from the local community. Participants have the chance to run alongside the stunning backdrop of historic architecture and modern developments, making the marathon a unique experience.
This year, the marathon also marked the launch of a new running initiative called Złota Seria 42, aimed at inspiring runners to take on the marathon distance. This project is a collaboration between the Cracovia Marathon and other major Polish marathons, including those in Warsaw and Poznań. "We are excited to kick off this new project in Krakow, and we hope it will motivate more people to pursue their marathon dreams," Marzec added.
The Cracovia Marathon is not just a race; it is a celebration of health, community, and the joy of running. As the sun set on this remarkable day, participants and spectators alike were left with memories of triumph, camaraderie, and the spirit of competition that defines this beloved event.
For those who missed the action, a wealth of photos and highlights can be found on the event's official social media channels, capturing the essence of this unforgettable marathon experience. As anticipation builds for next year’s race, the Cracovia Marathon continues to solidify its place as a premier event in the running world.
