Sopot is gearing up for a half marathon. New running event coming this fall
On January 13th, a press conference was held at ERGO ARENA to inaugurate a new, long-awaited running event – the PKO Sopot Half Marathon, which will take place on October 25th, 2026. The media briefing was attended by: Magdalena Czarzyńska-Jachim, Mayor of Sopot; Grażyna Dobrzyńska, Director of MOSiR Sopot; Krzysztof Lemke, President of the Management Board of AronPharma; and Adam Greczyło, CEO of Energy Events, the company that organizes the event.
As emphasized during the conference, the half marathon is currently one of the most dynamically developing running distances in Poland – according to statistics from bieganie.pl, it was the second most popular distance in 2025, right after the 10 km run.
– For years, we have consistently built Sopot's image as an active city, open to sports and recreation. We organize 5k runs, the Sopot Independence Run, and the half marathon, which address the real needs of runners and represent the next stage in the development of our sports offerings. – said the mayor of Sopot Magdalena Czarzyńska-Jachim.
Player comfort and a unique finish line at ERGO ARENA
The start of the race will be located in front of the ERGO ARENA, while the finish line will be located inside the venue. This is a feature rarely seen in road races and significantly improves the comfort of participants.
– The indoor finish line is not only a spectacular finish to the race, but above all, a real convenience for the competitors. Showers, a recovery meal, and a warm and dry place to change – this is the standard we will provide to every participant, regardless of the weather. – she noted Grażyna Dobrzyńska, director of MOSiR Sopot.
Registration for events will begin February 10, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.. The participant limit is 3,500 people in the half marathon, 100 in the relay race, and 500 in the 5km run.
„Run to the rhythm of the city!”
The race route will lead through some of Sopot's most recognizable and attractive areas, including Władysława Łokietka, Bitwy pod Płowcami, Grunwaldzka, Aleja Franciszekzka Mamuszki, and Aleja Wojska Polskiego. Its length – 21,097.5 meters – will be certified by the Polish Athletics Association.
"When designing the route, we wanted it to be fast, yet visually appealing. The event's slogan is "Run to the rhythm of the city!" and the route will certainly allow you to feel the city's atmosphere and rhythm, and experience Sopot's most iconic spots from a different perspective." – he emphasized Adam Greczyło, którego firma Energy Events oprócz PKO PKO Sopot Półmaratonu organizuje także m.in. Energa Gdańsk Maraton.
Sports competition and a broad event format
The main race will feature a general classification for women and men (OPEN), and the top finishers will receive Swiss HERBELIN watches. Competition will also be held in numerous age categories and additional classifications, such as the best female and male resident of Sopot, and the best newcomer.
The event program also includes half-marathon relays, a 5 km run and children's races over distances ranging from 200 to 1000 meters.
"We're thrilled that the Sopot Half Marathon has such a broad and open format. It's an event not only for elite runners, but also for amateurs, families, and children. Projects like these have a real impact on promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle." – he noted Krzysztof Lemke, president of the management board of AronPharma – the event partner.
A two-day running celebration
The race office and EXPO zone (small ERGO Arena) will be open on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Sunday, October 25, is the day of the main races – the half marathon will begin at 9:00 AM, and the award ceremony for all distances is scheduled for 1:15 PM at ERGO ARENA.
The Sopot Half Marathon 2026 aspires to become one of the key autumn running events in Poland, combining sports competition, city promotion and resident activity in one coherent project.
