This was one of those moments that can truly be described as historic – especially as it took place during the University’s jubilee year. After more than 40 years of the event’s history, the University of Zielona Góra, together with the University’s AZS UZ Club, took over the organisation of the city’s iconic Winobranie race, adding its own touch to its name. Thus, the Bachus Run became the BachUZa Run and, as tradition dictates, officially opened the Zielona Góra Days. This year’s sporting event took place on 5 September. Competitors raced over three distances, while spectators and other event guests had the opportunity to take advantage of health screenings and expert advice at the Active, Healthy, Sporty Town. As the new organisers, we made sure to preserve the running tradition of our city while bringing a fresh perspective to the event.
On Saturday, 5 September, at 6:00 p.m., the main streets of Zielona Góra were transformed into the route of the 41st LOTTO BachUZa Run. Participants could choose from three distances: 2.5 km, 5 km and 10 km. Before the race began, the participants were welcomed by Prof. Maria Mrówczyńska, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, who also joined them on the course as a competitor; Prof. Wojciech Strzyżewski, Rector of the University of Zielona Góra; Marcin Pabierowski, Mayor of Zielona Góra; Radosław Brodzik, Director of the Office of the Board of the Lubusz Voivodeship Marshal’s Office; and Piotr Kaczumka, Director of the LOTTO branch in Zielona Góra. Naturally, no such gathering could be complete without Bachus, who had taken over the city for the week.
A total of 600 runners lined up at the starting line in the very heart of the city, on Bohaterów Westerplatte Street. The sight of such a large number of participants crossing the starting line was truly impressive. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the runners were full of energy and positive spirit. Wearing Bachus emblems on their shirts, they raced along like a procession accompanying this iconic symbol of our city, signalling to residents and visitors alike that the most festive time of the year in Zielona Góra had arrived – and that the University of Zielona Góra was part of the celebrations.
Just beside the main race route, the Active, Healthy, Sporty Town was in full swing. It welcomed runners, their families and friends, as well as everyone interested in a healthy and active lifestyle. Visitors could undergo preventive health screenings, test their physical fitness, discover how modern technologies used in sport can help assess the capabilities of the human body, and learn more about how to take better care of their health.
Students and staff of the University of Zielona Góra’s Department of Nursing, Department of Sport and Health Promotion, and Department of Biomedical Engineering shared their knowledge and expertise with visitors. Children – and not only children – could also meet the University’s mascots, OrłUZ and his sister OrłUZka. The mascots attracted a great deal of attention, entertained visitors, cheered on the runners and happily posed for photographs.
Meanwhile, runners regularly crossed the finish line, completing their races with a great sense of satisfaction. Receiving a medal around their necks was a particularly memorable way to celebrate their achievement. The loudest cheers, of course, were reserved for the winners. The awards were presented by distinguished representatives associated with the University, the city, the region and the event itself. Receiving their awards from such prominent figures made the occasion even more special.
The results in the individual categories are available on the following website: super-sport.com.pl.
Congratulations to all participants on their achievement and thank you for celebrating with us in the spirit of sport and good health! We hope to see you again next year at the beginning of the Winobranie Festival.
The race was held under the honorary patronage of the Mayor of Zielona Góra. The event formed part not only of the Zielona Góra Days, but also of the celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the University of Zielona Góra, held under the motto “Inspiring through Science.” The aim of the race and the accompanying Active, Healthy, Sporty Town was to promote science, with particular emphasis on issues related to sport and health. The event demonstrated the importance of an active lifestyle and regular preventive health screenings. The Winobranie Festival, which attracts large numbers of residents from the region as well as visitors from across Poland and abroad, provided an excellent opportunity to share this message with a broad audience.
