On April 13, 2025, the streets of Poznań buzzed with excitement as thousands of runners and supporters gathered for the 17th PKO Poznań Half Marathon. This year’s event proved to be a record-breaking occasion, with 14,000 participants registered, surpassing the previous record of 11,347 set in 2016.
The start and finish lines were strategically located at the Poznań International Fair, with the final stretch leading to Saint Mark's Square. The atmosphere was electric, with family and friends lining the route to cheer on their loved ones. “Filip, do boju!” and “Dawaj tata!” were among the many encouraging chants heard along the way, while some fans humorously reminded runners that a hearty meal awaited them post-race.
The weather was perfect for a half-marathon, with sunny skies and a temperature around 17°C at the start, rising to a forecasted 22°C later in the day. Conditions like these are what every runner dreams of, and they certainly played a role in the impressive performances witnessed.
In the men’s race, Eritrean runner Oqbe Kibrom Ruesom emerged victorious with a time of 1:02:23. Ruesom, who previously placed eighth in the Berlin Marathon and second in the Seville Half Marathon two years ago, showcased his endurance and strategy. He ran alongside Brian Limo from Kenya until the 20th kilometer before pulling ahead decisively in the final stretch.
“I felt strong, and I knew I had to make my move at the end,” Ruesom said after crossing the finish line. Limo finished in second place with a commendable time of 1:02:30, while Poland’s Kamil Jastrzębski secured third place, clocking in at 1:05:16. Jastrzębski, who initially ran with a pack of competitors, found himself alone in the latter part of the race, navigating towards the finish with determination.
The women’s race saw Viktoriia Kaliuzhna from Ukraine take the top spot, finishing in 1:12:06. Kaliuzhna, who had recently placed second in the 116,123rd Warsaw Half Marathon, started cautiously but made her move in the later kilometers, overtaking the early leader, Beatrice Chepkemoi Mutai from Kenya.
Mutai opened strong, running the fifth kilometer in 16:36 and holding a half-minute lead at one point. However, she ultimately finished second with a time of 1:13:38, while Maryna Nemchenko rounded out the podium for women with a time of 1:14:55. Sabina Jarząbek, the best Polish female runner, finished just behind in fourth place at 1:15:31.
The event wasn’t just about the runners; it was a community celebration. Music stations dotted the route, providing entertainment and motivation to the participants. The largest crowds gathered during the final 200 meters leading into Saint Mark's Square, where the cheers reached a fever pitch as runners made their last push to the finish.
As with any large-scale event, the marathon also impacted local traffic and public transport. From 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, the race route was closed to vehicular traffic, and various streets, including Grunwaldzka and Jugosłowiańska, were affected. To mitigate disruptions, the Municipal Transport Management implemented nine temporary tram lines and two shuttle bus services.
With the excitement of the day, many spectators were eager to support their favorite runners, creating a vibrant atmosphere that showcased the spirit of Poznań. The event not only highlighted athletic prowess but also brought the community together in a shared experience of encouragement and celebration.
As the last participants crossed the finish line around 1:30 PM, the streets began to reopen, and the city returned to its regular rhythm. For many, the PKO Poznań Half Marathon was not just a race; it was a testament to the dedication of the athletes and the support of the community.
Looking ahead, the success of this year’s half marathon sets a high bar for future events. With more participants than ever, organizers are already contemplating how to enhance the experience for both runners and spectators alike. The PKO Poznań Half Marathon is not just a race; it’s an annual celebration of endurance, community spirit, and the joy of running.
