kirun 2021 – Ki Run

Budapest Marathon

Roberto — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 16:36:05 +0000

Budapest Marathon

The city of Budapest is one of the most beautiful in the world and in it one can admire several UNESCO World Heritage sites; it is a city that, although it has undergone renovations, still retains its strong identity.

Those who are fortunate enough to visit it get to admire a striking Danube River that runs through it, buildings such as the old Art Nouveau palace, and can stroll along streets full of decadent or trendy restaurants and pubs. Last but not least, one of the city’s major attractions are the ancient and beautiful Budapest Thermal Baths with more than 100 springs that bubble up under the city and provide the well-known baths, where many tourists go to find relief-even after running a challenging marathon such as the Budapest Marathon, which is part of a very important festival.

The well-known Budapest Marathon, in fact, is an annual sporting event that takes place between late September and early October in the city of the same name in Hungary.
Established in 1961, the Hungarian marathon has undergone various changes although, the current one has been the same since 1984.
Runners come from all over the world: in 2017 alone they came from as many as 84 countries, mostly from Germany, France and Britain, but also from places as far away as Vietnam, Thailand and Ghana.

About the Budapest Marathon

The Budapest Marathon is part of a well-known two-day festival, and while Saturday is dedicated to novice runners running less than ten kilometers, the actual marathon takes place on Sunday.

The official start and finish of the running race, which has an impressive 42.195 total kilometers, takes place at the Lágymányosi Campus of Eötvös Loránd University.The competition begins at the beautiful Heroes’ Square in Hősök Tere and continues inside in the Vàerosliget City Park.

Each year, however, the race has changed its route and starting and finishing locations although, as mentioned, it has been the same for several years now.

Participants can run for more than 42 km, for 30, participate in the race in teams consisting of two to four people or finally, in the 10 km race that is certainly within the reach of many. It should be pointed out, in fact, that the minimum distances are 400 meters and the maximum distance is 42 km, so participation in the event is truly open to anyone who wishes.

Registration takes place en masse, and just to cope with the large number of people from so many different places, the start is divided by zones: each one starts slightly later than the previous one, and the last runners start about 15 minutes later than the first.

The Budapest Marathon passes through two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as on two kilometer-long banks of the Danube, through the Tunnel and Margaret Island, so much so that along the entire route it is possible to notice many street performers playing music accompanying the runners.

During the run it is possible to encounter refreshment places more or less every three to four kilometers and there is medical service.

The race is also popular with supporters and fans who can take advantage of easy support points located mainly along subway stations; they are very well organized and allow them to move around to support runners in different areas.

Participating in the Budapest Marathon

As mentioned, anyone and according to their abilities can participate in the marathon and admire the entire city of Budapest as the race takes place; during the course, in fact, one passes through bridges, monuments, squares and city places that are very special and enchanting due to their uniqueness.
Runners, for example, pass in front of the third largest city building, namely the Buda Palace, home of the Parliament of Europe on the banks of the Danube, admire the panorama of Pest, pass through Andrassy Castle Avenue, Buda and over the Chain Bridge.
Participants wear a technical T-shirt with a logo that changes from year to year, and winners receive a medal.
Regular Spar Budapest Marathon race registration is required to participate in the event.
The start, as mentioned, takes place on Sunday morning at Heroes’ Square and it is possible to run distances of 42, 30 and 10 kilometers.

After the Budapest Marathon

Participating in the Budapest Marathon is also a way to visit the city, and those who flock from all areas of the world are aware of this.
Another cognition of runners is to end this experience -which many repeat several times in their lives- at the infamous Budapest Thermal Baths, where they find relief and rest following the not inconsiderable physical fatigue. After running, it is indeed possible to rest the legs in the thermal baths dating back to the 16th-17th centuries or in the Szechenyl Bath built in the neo-Baroque style.
Relief is also provided by the numerous pubs built in old buildings that are close to demolition but have been saved and made popular places for marathon participants both before and after the race.

The types of running shoes

Roberto — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 10:43:48 +0000

Running is more than just a sport or a pastime: it is a passion, a moment we dedicate to ourselves. Running is good because it allows us to relax, but it also keeps us healthy and fit. What many people ignore is that, like any sport, running requires specific “equipment.” While running, the key accessory is shoes: there are running shoes and shoes unsuitable for running.

Running (or running) shoes are divided into 8 well-defined categories, the differences of which are found in terms of the type of training, weight of the runner.

Category A0: minimalist shoe Category A0 running shoes are also known as “minimalist” shoes; they are shoes characterized by a weight between 200 and 300 grams, especially suitable for runners who perform rapid repetitions during training. The nickname “minimalist” is due to the fact that every superfluous element has been removed from these shoes. Their differential never exceeds one centimeter in height. A0s are comfortable and perfect for fast runners but, beware, they fatigue the leg in the long run (mainly due to the lack of shock absorbers).

A1 category: superlight shoe A1 shoes are the so-called superlight shoes: the weight does not exceed 250 grams. They are especially indicated for experienced and capable runners, those who perform numerous races habitually. They do not have cushioning systems but are still ideal for fast running because they promote the runner’s snappy stride and responsiveness. Main drawback: if you suffer from poor posture and if you weigh more than 70 kg, these running shoes are not for you.

Category A2: intermediate shoe Category A2 is a very lightweight shoe, sometimes reaching 300 grams. The somewhat higher (but still small) weight is due to the fact that these running shoes are cushioned, as opposed to A1, and have some support. They are great for those who want some stability and security while running, but still want to sprint and be able to be fast. They are very technical shoes, not for beginners.

Category A3: neutral shoe A3 Running Shoes are also called “neutral” shoes. They are the shoes with strong cushioning, so they are ideal for a large segment of the running population. In fact, beginners and more insecure runners may find these shoes smooth and comfortable. They weigh 300 to 400 grams. They are hardly suitable for competitive or competitive runners, but they are the perfect shoes for those who want to run for pleasure and do not give up comfort; suitable up to 80 kg in weight.

Category A4: stable shoe This category of shoes includes a series of stable models, comparable in weight to A3, suitable for those who no control their feet well during training. They have specific supports to avoid falling into over-pronation of the foot (excessive load on the inside). They are also the most suitable shoes for runners weighing more than 80 kg.

Category A5: trail shoe These shoes are a category whose weight ranges from about 300 to 400 grams. They are definitely sturdy models that protect the runner’s foot; their function is to protect the foot in non-road terrain, that is, not paved. If you run on rough and unpaved soils, the A5 category is for you. Performance in terms of output and speed gives way to foot safety. Typically, these shoes are designed to withstand grass, mud, stones and rocks.

A6 category: jogging shoe The A6 category of shoes are the jogging shoes: they are sufficiently able to adjust the cushioning of the running foot on the ground, but they are not suitable for experienced and competitive runners. They are comfortable and suitable for flat, non-gravel roads. They are suitable for anyone who runs not daily, but once in a while.

Category A7: spiked shoe Spiked shoes – category A7 – are very light, usually under 200 g. They are designed for competitive runners or those who run on the track and not on asphalt or terrain. They are the shoes used by lightweight athletes. These shoes are not cushioned and have cleats that increase the grip of the foot with the racing surface.

Tromso and its surroundings – KiRun’s essential guide

Roberto — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 07:11:36 +0000

The “Paris of the North” Seventh among Norwegian cities in terms of the number of inhabitants that it internally encompasses, Tromso is a destination of arrival if you want to savor the essence of a wonderful country. Peculiarity that characterizes it is the presence of a large number of wooden buildings, the first of which dates back to the second half of the 18th century. Among the most famous monuments is the one that unanimously recognized with the appellation of the Arctic cathedral. A landmark center in the region in which it is immersed, Tromso is annually the destination of a large number of festivals, most of which are concentrated in the summer. The preponderant economic sector in Tromso is the tourism. Indeed, thousands of tourists from every corner of the globe come to contemplate its beauty. At the end nineteenth century, the city was given the affectionate nickname “Paris of the North,” a nickname that has stuck with it to this day. Numerous are the students, enrolled in the local university, who, when the sun goes down, crowd its premises. The backbone of a center that never slumbers are also centers malls and stores where you can unleash your passion for shopping. Of recently, the city administration has clearly expressed its desire to bid Tromso for the Winter Olympics. Having made that premise due, what are the places you will need to include in your itinerary? What will you not be able to omit? Following is a brief guide on that. The Northern Lights If you arrive here between the months of April and Sept, luck that never fails could make you privileged spectators of what is perhaps the natural event that best symbolizes this enchanted slice of the world: the aurora borealis. Its appearance on the sky that uniformly overlooks Tromso. It is appropriate, however, to point out that, in order for you to enjoy worthy spectacle, there are several conditions that must coexist. While it is true that the Northern Lights are best shown when of clouds there are none, it is equally true that further useful advice is to get away from areas where light pollution is high. In making reference to the time of day where the magic manifests itself, the time frame between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. is perfect. If you cannot have a car, you should rely on one of the many guided tours that are daily organized. By tour that is limited to a single day, the amount you you will shell out will be more or less equal to 150 euros. The cathedral of the Arctic Leaping from what Mother Nature molds in her own image and likeness to what instead is nothing more than the fruit of human creativity, the second stop of a journey that you will forever store in the drawer of fondest memories is the one that will take you to the presence of the Arctic Cathedral. Built in 1965, however, the name may mislead you. You are in fact in the presence not of an actual cathedral, but a church. At the time of installation, the most common material used was concrete. By external appearance, the similarity with the Sydney Opera House will surface in your mind before long. In the moment you cross the entrance threshold, what in your eyes will penetrate is as beautiful as you could imagine. The sunlight, filtered from the upper stained glass windows, shatters against the beams giving them colorful vividness. Tromso Cathedral Among the buildings that in making your list you should never omit is a religious building to which, contrary to the one described above, could be given the authentic title of a cathedral. The cathedral of Tromso, an icon of a Gothic art in the Old Continent found almost everywhere, constitutes the Protestant building that, by location, lies most to the north. Base on which it comfortably rests is the same one that, in ancient times, gave hospitality to the city’s first church. The motifs decorations that festively dress the interior walls are sinuous, refined, full of a color that radiates happiness. Completed in 1880, they represent only one of the elements that, for the population living here, have made it without “ifs” and “buts” landmark. Museums Among the museums impossible to cross off are, in order, the Polarmuseet and the Tromso Museum. Starting with the former, public opening hours are between between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Here, you will have much to learn. Several hundred are both the material evidence as well as exhibits that are protected from the tightening grip of passing time. A preponderant sector is hunting, a practice that in the area has been practiced since very ancient times. If you are opposed to it, it would be best not to enter. Turning to the Tromso Museum, something more you will come to know both in terms of what interests the lifestyle of a population that to its roots is firmly anchored and about the consequences of climate change. Pavilion to which you should pay attention is the one set up for with the aim of highlighting the riches and traditions of the Sami people. The Grotfjord If, as mentioned earlier, you are looking for a corner where you can watch effortlessly the northern lights, an option you can look into is the fjord called the Grotfjord, whose pristine nature is as far as you can exist from the city lights and din. The irregular lines that high above it draws create an effect tending toward the marbled. Little lakes where you will see your face reflected, snow-capped mountains and hovels colorful are peculiarities that reign here. The Botanical Garden Opened to the public in the first half of the 1990s, the Tromso Botanoske Hage is place where both alpine and arctic plants from all parts of the northern hemisphere, live undisturbed. Since there are no gateways and no gates, you can come here at any time of the day or night. The bloom, then, is a melody that will warm your heart. If taking a healthy walk you just don’t feel like it, a bus will accompany you both on the way there and on the way back. Although you are not required to pay any fees entrance fee, donations are of course always welcome. The Fjellheisen Whether or not you are a photography enthusiast, mounting the Fjellheisen is an antechamber to a breathtaking panorama. The cable car in question, ascending from a station located not too far from the cathedral of the Arctic, will touch down on the final slope terminus corresponding to the stop called Storseinen. Reaching the ground, at the top you will have the opportunity to refresh yourself either in one of the the many restaurants or in a panoramic terrace. Nothing and no one will prohibit the more daring to venture out on one of the trails that branch off from here and that cross the nearby mountains. The Aquarium If yours also consists of children, a detour to the aquarium of the Arctic will especially appeal to them. What differentiates it from other aquariums should be traced to the fact that, along its entire surface, hover fish born in the Arctic belt alone. The marine fauna is the same that you might observe if you went to the Svalbard Islands, a duty archipelago inhabit species ranging from polar bears to seals to the ox musk ox. The icing on the cake at Polaria is the tank where the seals rest. monks. As if that were still not enough, more will be the tanks where especially the little ones will be able to touch, gently, some escaping little fish. The Library Without visiting the library, the trip to Tromso cannot be said to be complete. A pair of large arches will welcome you. Its imposing grandeur, combined with forward-looking forms, are factors that have helped to crown it as the most beautiful library in all of Norway.

The longest marathon in the world – Maraton du Medoc

Roberto — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 16:25:09 +0000

The Médoc marathon is held annually in this renowned wine region
of France. Among the Grand Cru vineyards, athletes take a tour that
includes tasting the famous wines.

The Marathon du Médoc is a great spectacle as its 8,500 competitors
(maximum number allowed) wear customized costumes, often very
bizarre and the product of creativity. The marathon begins and ends at the pier in
Pauillac, a town on the Gironde River that lies halfway between the
the city of Bordeaux and the Atlantic Ocean. When they touch the finish line, the
runners pirouette, jump and dance on the Pauillac pier, anticipating
the showers, massages and commemorative wine they will receive.

The world’s longest marathon

The longest race in the world, so goes the motto of the Marathon des
Chateaux du Medoc is undoubtedly one of the most unique sporting events on the entire
the planet and which will see its 35th edition on Sept. 11, 2021. The towns of Pauillac, Saint Estephe and Saint
Julien cradle some of the best wines in the world and located on the banks
lefts of the Gironde estuary north of Bordeaux (France), host
indeed since 1985 this blend of sports, fun, entertainment and
wine culture. It is among other things a full marathon so with its
its classic 42,195 meters, in which while running, wine is served even
though, of course, there are bottles of water, isotonic drinks, fruit,
cookies, etc. The event as bizarre as it is original is the brainchild of a
group of medical friends who invent this race that runs along roads
paved, dirt and sandy roads, among vineyards and the spectacular castles that
decorate the landscape of this famous wine region. About 500
participants, a very respectable figure for the time, were put on the
starting line to complete the mythical distance. In subsequent editions
something spontaneous emerged that certainly changed the spirit of this
test: the people who came out into the streets to watch the passage of the
runners began to offer them the best of those lands viz.
wine. In this way, what started as an anecdote became the
main feature of the marathon along with the costumes, which would
would have to wait a few more years to solidify as an essential part of the event.

The great numbers of the Médoc marathon

This annual competition has outgrown its impact and recognition
year after year has allowed many runners from all parts
of the world and so it is not surprising that there are Japanese, British,
Americans, Germans, French, Italians and many others. The notoriety of the event
however, affects more than 55 countries including Vietnam, Israel, the Philippines, the
Barbados or Malaysia. All this attests to the event as the second marathon in number
of participants from France, behind only the competitive one in
Paris. The limit of participating athletes is officially set at 8,500
(although there are usually about 9,500 on the starting line) and for each
edition there are more and more applications for participation. The numbers of
bibs sell out within a few weeks of the opening of the
registration that starts in February, and even the available places in the
hotels are quickly booked, and the same goes for those in campsites
included within a 20-mile radius!

The primary objective of the Médoc Marathon.

Although the spirit of the race is fun, more than 90% of the athletes
manage to finish more than 42 km within the maximum time of 6 hours. The winner usually
usually completes the tour around 2h 25m which can be considered a great time
taking into account the fact that it is not a suitable land to get the top, as
the route is a mix of sections with grade changes, vineyard crossings
and roads with dirt, sand and gravel. So much effort deserves its reward,
although the latter does not come in the form of prize money, but the
winners in both the men’s and women’s sections get bottles of wine
from some of the best local wineries and that they have run through
during the marathon itself as well as T-shirts, bags, medals and other small and
welcome gadgets. The winner certainly doesn’t make the stops at the refreshments, but the
majority of participants put competitive spirit on the back burner and dive in
into what is the true spirit of the competition i.e. they give a good
account of the wines and all kinds of dishes on offer: from oysters to
roasted meats, as well as cheeses, ice cream, chips and sausages, all
enlivened by musical groups and fanfare.

Tromso Midnight Sun Marathon

Roberto — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 13:59:33 +0000

The Tromso Midnight Sun Marathon has an annual occurrence and, as the name suggests, it is a stretch of running as long as 42 kilometers that runs through all that is the idyllic Nordic landscape, among the forests, mountains and pristine valleys, the landscape before us is totally different from what we have at home, it is a totally new world where, surrounded by greenery, hundreds of waterways give drink to flora and fauna that cannot be found elsewhere and is absolutely worth seeing at least once in a lifetime. The city of Tromso itself already represents a major hub of Norwegian tourism enjoying several points of interest and being very famous for its Northern Lights, however, the merits do not end there, as Tromso also hosts the world’s northernmost AIMS-certified marathon, several kilometers above the Arctic Circle, which makes us guess what the particular name of the marathon means, the edition of the year 2021 will be held on June 19 and there is something to know about it: from the middle of May until the middle of July the sun in Tromso never sets, not even for a second, this is the peculiarity of the event, such a phenomenon is something never seen for thousands of people from more than 50 countriesi and who for this reason decide to travel to Tromso to take a run skirting an enchanted landscape on which the sun never sets. The one on Saturday, June 19, 2021, will be the 31st edition of this fantastic event that runners look forward to; if the word marathon can instill a slight fear, since we are always talking about 42 km (… and 195 meters)of running, it is to be known that the “Tromso Midnight Sun Marathon” is by no means spartan in its organization, in fact, the exact opposite, the typical Norwegian kindness clearly comes out on these occasions that takes care to provide a multitude of refreshment points along the entire route with the addition of an additional idea that could really appeal to those who rightly do not feel like running a full marathon. In addition to the marathon it is possible to choose other distances , half marathon and 10km as well as 4.2km and the 800meters for the little ones. There is an option ready to accommodate every kind of runner and enthusiast; the Tromso Midnight Sun Marathon is not an experience designed only for the hardened sportsman but for anyone who has the desire and spirit to venture into the midst of new realities, Tromso and the Arctic Circle in the summer are definitely something to be admired with one’s own eyes regardless of leg fatigue.

Keep your passport handy because you really never know, June always comes earlier than expected and you need to be prepared, ready to have this memorable experience in one of the most unique places in the world, hopefully this guide to the Tromso Midnight Sun Marathon has helped.

Why choose the Maraton du Medoc

Roberto — Sat, 04 Jul 2020 16:17:00 +0000

The organization of the Médoc marathon

The Médoc marathon despite its free spirit that makes it distinguishes and in many ways bizarre, it has behind it an organization perfect that ensures the smooth development of this event with more than 2,000 volunteers, 300 sanitary facilities scattered throughout the circuit and ensuring that not only the race but the entire weekend passes as smoothly as possible. In addition various activities are organized parallel to the race such as a runner’s fair, the eve dinner attended by nearly 2,000 people, visits to wineries, concerts, fireworks, and a major medical-sports conference highlighting the origins of the Médoc marathon initiated by a group of doctors in particular.

The good reasons to participate in the marathon

A bizarre and unique event and many other things represent the good reasons to participate at least once in your life in the marathon of the Médoc. In fact, today the race is synonymous with the wineries of Bordeaux that one can encounter along the route such as the Château Lafite Rothschild, the Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Beychevelles, Lynch-Bages, Pichon Longueville and many other wineries in the Girondin area. Despite the fun aspects of the race, it should also be stressed that the Marathon du Médoc is still a real Marathon of 42.195 km officially measured. The fantastic organization and the beauty of the course have placed it among the leading international marathons year after year, attracting an ever-increasing number of foreign participants. The Marathon du Médoc every year offers the same course, which specifically is a single loop, and runs on an incredibly evocative. About 24 percent of the route is on dirt road and the paved one is closed to traffic. The maximum time to reach the finish line is set at 6 hours and 30 minutes, but those who want to leave the race can stop near a refreshment center and with medical tents located at every 2 km tending then that a shuttle will take him back to the finish line. In reference to what has just been described, it is worth noting that the Médoc marathon offers all-round medical care thanks to a team of 300 people including doctors and paramedics.