07. 06. 2023
The third Behaj lesmi race brought Bachledova Valley to life and braved the adverse weather
The Behaj lesmi running series headed east to Slovakia on its 3rd stop, right below the Belianske Tatras. Runners set off in the majestic Bachledova Valley, right in Resort BACHLEDKA. The runners were taken to the start by cable car and also tried running across the Treetop Walk.
As usual, the day began with children's races. All children's races are traditionally organised under the patronage of Dr. Max pharmacies. At the foot of the Tatras, 179 of the youngest competitors lined up at the start. Some of our youngest runners had just turned two and competed in the Snails category. The children were divided into a total of six categories, so there was something for every age group.
The JOJ ŠPORT RUN charity race was a great success, with 234 runners at the start this time. This year, the organisers joined forces with JOJ Šport, the title partner of the charity race. The money is donated to the TV JOJ Foundation and will help the non-profit organisation IPčko, which looks after the health and mental well-being of young people. The partners of the race, ZATOPEK CONSULTING, also contributed 500 euros. The total amount raised for the non-profit organisation IPčko, specifically for its Káčko low-threshold centre in Prešov, was ultimately 2 383 EUR.
At 13:00, the clock struck the start of the longest race, a 21-kilometre forest route. The race was symbolically started by BACHLEDKA Resort director Ivan Dic. Pavol Orolin won the long route with a time of 01:22:20. The first woman to cross the finish line was marathon champion Ivana Líšková with a time of 1:41:21. Matisons Runner's Club dominated the tandem category.
This Behaj lesmi race was also held in an eco-friendly spirit - at all races, the medals are made of biodegradable bioplastic based, for example, on corn, while the diplomas are made of fungal mycelium, which not only decomposes but even serves as fertiliser. In addition, the medals feature contour lines of the given location, so runners can take home a part of the route they ran as a keepsake.
Another highlight of the day was the Lesnícka 11 race, organised under the patronage of its founding partner, Lesy Slovenskej republiky. A total of 388 competitors lined up at the start of this route, all aiming to win. It was a truly thrilling battle. The runners set off in difficult conditions, with the routes significantly damaged by the all-day rain. Part of each route led across the Treetop Walk.
Filip Kubík won the Lesnícka 11 with a time of 00:54:13, with his brother marek Kubík finishing just behind him with a time of 00:54:54. The first woman on the Lesnícka 11 route was Eliška Klepková with a time of 01:03:29.
Despite the adverse weather, the atmosphere of the race was excellent. The service offering running shoes for hire from the Swiss brand On and the Herbalife Nutrition product tasting were especially popular.
At the Dr. Max pharmacy stand, competitors could, for example, have their lung capacity measured, while children could have an entire animal kingdom painted on their faces at the AAA AUTO stand. At the same time, the rule also applies in Bachledova Valley that the organisers, together with the founding partner Lesy Slovenskej republiky, will plant one tree for every runner.
In their starting packages, all runners also found commemorative medals from the Czech Mint or practical gifts from Dr. Max pharmacies. At the Herbalife Nutrition stands, competitors could taste protein bars and drinks, while at the Continental stand they could charge their electronic devices.
The third stop of Behaj lesmi 2023 is behind us, but the running series is heading into its second half, which will begin with a race in the wild Veľká Fatra. The runners will be taken to the start by cable car and will enjoy a descent to the village of Vlkolínec.