On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Poznań will be buzzing with excitement as it hosts the 17th PKO Poznań Half Marathon, a major event in the Polish running calendar. This year, the race is set to break records, with an impressive 14,000 runners registered to tackle the challenging 21.0975-kilometer course. Participants include both enthusiastic amateurs and elite athletes from Poland and around the world, all eager to make their mark on this prestigious event.
The race will kick off at 10:00 AM from ul. Grunwaldzka, right outside the Poznań International Fair. From there, runners will make their way towards Enea Stadium, passing through Raszyn and Górczyn, before heading down ul. Hetmańska. The course will then take them through Dolna Wilda and ul. Piastowska, leading to Droga Dębińska and into the heart of the Old Town. The final stretch will see them navigate Garbary, Solna, Pułaskiego, and Roosevelta streets, culminating at the finish line near the iconic spire of the Poznań International Fair.
As the excitement builds, spectators are encouraged to come out and cheer for the participants. The atmosphere promises to be electric, especially in the largest fan zone located at plac Marka, where supporters will provide a rousing cheer as runners approach the final 200 meters. Crossing the finish line will be a moment of triumph, with each runner receiving a commemorative medal celebrating the 1000th anniversary of the coronation of the first Polish kings, Bolesław Chrobry and Mieszko II Lambert.
However, with such a large event comes significant changes to the city's traffic and public transport systems. The race route will be closed to vehicular traffic from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Additionally, a section of Grunwaldzka Street will be closed from 6:00 AM on race day, limiting access from Roosevelta to the intersections of Szylinga and Matejki streets. To facilitate some movement around the city, special 'sluices' will be in place, allowing limited crossing of the race route at designated times.
For those needing to navigate Poznań during the marathon, the city has introduced an innovative overlay on Google Maps that provides real-time updates on which sections of the route have been cleared and where normal traffic can resume. This tool aims to help drivers and residents avoid inconveniences during the event.
In response to the anticipated disruptions, the city's public transport authority has set up 9 additional shuttle tram lines and 2 temporary bus lines (114 and 111) to ensure that residents can still travel around the city. These changes will be in effect from early morning on race day, with various lines either suspended or rerouted. For detailed information on public transport adjustments, residents can contact the special infoline at 502 622 438, which will be operational from April 10 to April 13, 2025.
On a related note, the Poznań Run Expo will take place concurrently from April 11 to April 13 at the Poznań International Fair. This event is a haven for running enthusiasts, showcasing the latest in running gear, apparel, and accessories. Attendees will have the chance to interact with renowned athletes and experts, gaining insights into training and wellness.
As the marathon approaches, the city is gearing up for a weekend filled with athletic spirit and community engagement. With a record number of participants and a host of activities planned, this year’s PKO Poznań Half Marathon promises to be a remarkable celebration of sport and camaraderie.
So, whether you’re a runner or a spectator, mark your calendars for April 13 and get ready to be part of this exciting event in Poznań!
