SNP half-marathon tradition to be revived in Brezno

Residents of the town of Brezno (Banska Bystrica region) decided to mark the 80th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) with an event that had a long tradition in this centre of the Upper Hron area. After 15 years, on August 31, they will revive the tradition of the SNP Half-marathon in the spirit of the slogan "I Run for Heroes, I Run for Freedom“.

According to the Brezno municipality, the SNP Half-marathon 2024 will follow up the successful and highly-attended editions that took place in the 80s and 90s of the last century. The event's organiser is the municipality in cooperation with Brezno Technical Services, the local athletics club and the Upper Hron Regional Tourism Organisation.

"I am glad that the iconic SNP Half-marathon is returning to our town after 15 years on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the SNP. In this way, we will recall the heroism of our ancestors, revive a beautiful tradition and combine the celebration of the holiday with sports activity," said Brezno mayor Tomas Abel, a co-initiator of this idea.

According to a video posted by Abel on a social network, Banska Bystrica Regional Governor Ondrej Lunter and biathlete Ivona Fialkova are planning to run the SNP Half-marathon as well. They together invited the public to participate in it.

The half-marathon will start at 10 a.m. on M.R. Stefanik Square and its participants will run on an urban track with a minimal superelevation. Athletes can compete in three disciplines: - a half-marathon, a 10.5-kilometre run and a three-times 7-kilometre relay.

The age limit for the half-marathon participants is 16 years, meaning that it is intended for those born in 2008 and later.

Registration forms are available on the website of the municipality.

(TASR)