CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF MOUNTAIN RUNNING AT TATRA FEST
The Tatra Mountains offer a wild and stunning landscape for running, so we’re delighted to have Tatra Fest as our next race – our second long distance event of the competition. Taking place in Zakopane, Poland, this 27k route with 1700m of ascent is sure to provide a serious test of the runners.
The origins of this race date back to 1925, when the ‘Tatra March’ became the first mountain race in Poland. So this edition marks 100 years of tradition, making it a very fitting race for the World Cup, which celebrates races with rich history.
The race takes place in the beautiful surroundings of the Tatra National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. There are lynxes, wolves and brown bears in this incredibly special area for wildlife. Zakopane itself is a big hub for skiing and snowboarding and it is a popular destination for hikers and runners in the summer, attracted by the stunning mountain trails and the traditional Goral (Polish Highlands) culture and tales of local folklore.
Overlooking Zakopane stands Giewont. Often called the “Sleeping Knight,” it is a striking massif in the Tatra Mountains. Rising to 1,895 meters, its distinctive profile resembles a recumbent knight in armour, giving rise to local legends that a Polish hero lies dormant beneath the rocks, ready to awaken and defend the nation in its hour of need.
The most famous tale dates back to the era of Poland’s partitions. According to folklore, a group of knights perished defending the homeland and were cast under Giewont’s peak by an enchantress. There they sleep, swords at the ready, awaiting Poland’s darkest hour. When the nation faces a dire threat, the Sleeping Knight will stir, rise, and come to its aid—a powerful symbol of hope and resilience among Poles.
In 1901, a 15-meter iron cross was erected atop Giewont, funded by the faithful of the region. It stands as both a spiritual landmark and a technical challenge for climbers. The first recorded ascent of the cross was by mountain guide Andrzej Łapiński, an event commemorated by an annual pilgrimage each year on the Feast of the Assumption (August 15th).
Despite its allure, Giewont can be perilous. Its steep, exposed ridges and popular trails attract thousands but the ridge should only be attempted in good weather, and this just illustrates the technical nature of these mountains.
Today, Giewont remains the crown jewel of Zakopane’s landscape, blending natural beauty, local mythology, and spiritual significance. Whether approached for its legend, climbed for its panoramic vistas, or admired from afar, it embodies the enduring spirit of the Tatras and of Poland itself.
THE ROUTE
Zakopane is the highest town in Poland and when the runners start in Park Miejski they are already at 850 metres. Over the next 27km they will encounter sections at over 2000m, exposed trails and some technical terrain. After following the road out of the Park for 3km, the runners soon begin to climb as they make their way to Kondracka Pass at the 9km point, gaining almost 1000m in the process. They then stay high as they head first to Kondratova Pass, Malolucniak and Ciemniak, spending considerable time at over 2000m. They then begin the long descent, via Piec, before heading back towards the finish, with the last 7km slightly downhill.
THE RACE
In the women’s race we are delighted that Scout Adkin (HOKA EU), the current World Cup leader and last year’s champion, will be on the start line. With a win at Zmeu X Fest and two second places at Vertical and Trofeo Nasego she is proving to be a formidable competitor this year, but she will face stern competition.
Georgina Gabarro Morente (Merrell) of Spain, who recently won the Merrell Belgrad Ultra should be an interesting athlete to watch. Maria Florencia Milanesi (ASICS) of Argentina, who finished in the top 10 at Giir di Mont and Canfranc in 2024 could also be a contender.
For the men, there should be a very interesting battle between Atletica Saluzzo teammates Kevin Kibet and Paul Machoka. Machoka leads the men’s World Cup, with a win at Zmeu X Fest and a second place at Trofeo Nasego, and Kibet was a close second in Romania. It should be a very interesting duel.
But one man who could also challenge is Romanian Alexandru Focsa (Datacor Running Team), who was 11th in Zmeu X Fest this year.
In addition to the main race a prize of 5,000 PLN will go to the fastest woman and man on a designated uphill section, which should make things even more interesting.
The race starts at 8am local time on Sunday 15th June. Find out more at TatraFest – Tatra Fest and follow WMRA social media channels.