DOZ Marathon Łódź: April 13th–April 15th 2018. Major changes in the marathon formula and new artistic director.
A number of changes are introduced to the next year's edition of the DOZ Marathon Łódź. Between April 13th and April 15th 2018, runners and spectators will be able to attend, in addition to the official marathon, a half-marathon and a five kilometre run. Wojciech Łuszczykiewicz, the new artistic director of the event, will make sure that it remains Poland’s loudest marathon.
Changes in accompanying runs
In addition to the main race, competitors will also be able to take part in the accompanying runs. On Saturday, April 14th, there will be a five kilometre run and runs for children, which enjoy immense popularity each year. Runners competing in the official marathon and in the half-marathon will set off together on Sunday morning. The participants can choose whether they want to run the 42.195 kilometre distance individually or in relay teams.
“We expect the organisers to be able to attract more participants and ensure the event gets enough good publicity so that as many running enthusiasts as possible can find out about it. In my opinion, a wider variety of races will make the DOZ Marathon more attractive, which should translate into larger participant numbers. I strongly encourage you to compete in the runs and to visit Łódź – a city of many attractions. All runners with their families and friends are welcome. Everyone will surely find something of interest for themselves in our city,” says Tomasz Trela, Deputy Mayor of Łódź.
The organizers want to meet the expectations of all sorts of runners – both those who run competitively and those who simply enjoy spending their free time in an active way. Interestingly, the number of running enthusiasts has been on the rise in Poland.
“Promotion of healthy lifestyles among Polish people is our daily mission. We are happy to see more and more Poles go jogging, do sports, and appreciate the benefits of physical activity. At DOZ S.A., we are proud to contribute to the growth of the group of sports enthusiasts,” says Maciej Słomiński, Director for Marketing at DOZ S.A. DOZ S.A. has been the title sponsor of the DOZ Marathon Łódź for the eight time. The event fits perfectly with our mission of fostering health. We believe that caring for health also means leading a healthy and active lifestyle, which is why we promote physical activity by engaging in various initiatives, such as the DOZ Marathon Łódź.
Poland’s loudest marathon
The DOZ Marathon Łódź will continue to be promoted as the ‘Loudest Marathon in Poland’. Like last year, as many as 26 cheering points with live music will be located along the route. This year, Wojciech Łuszczykiewicz, a Łódź resident and the frontman of the Video band, also known as a jury member of the Idol talent show, became the Artistic Director of the event. He will be responsible for selecting bands that will perform during the DOZ Marathon Łódź on April 15th.
“It's hard not to support an idea that unites sport, music and charity initiatives – it truly is a perfect combination. As we are organising the Loudest Marathon in Poland, our key task will be to select music bands that will successfully encourage Łódź residents to attend the event and spend more time there. Together with the organizers of the DOZ Marathon, we will do our best to give the event an inimitable atmosphere, one that you will be really proud to talk about,’ says Wojciech Łuszczykiewicz.
Free training sessions for the runners
This year the organizers and DOZ S.A., the title sponsor supporting the Łódź marathon since its first edition, have reintroduced free-of-charge, open training sessions for those practising for the marathon.
“I myself have more than once prepared for the Łódź Marathon as part of the DOZ Team. It is a great initiative and an immense dose of good vibes. Motivation comes easier in a group – you can be sure that twice a week there is someone out there waiting to give you professional support,” says Jacek Dauenhauer, Vice President of the Management Board of Pelion S.A.
Training sessions preparing for the marathon will be held on Wednesdays and Sundays from December 10th to the end of March. Participants will be divided into three groups – beginners, intermediates, and advanced runners. Each group will have their own experienced coach.
‘Running to Help’ in new formula
For many years, the DOZ Marathon Łódź has been accompanied by the ‘Running to Help’ initiative. Over the past seven years, the runners and the DOZ Dbam o Zdrowie Foundation have collected more than PLN 200,000 for charity. This year, ‘Running to Help’ will take a completely new form.
“Runners can sign up for the DOZ Marathon Łódź by choosing either the ordinary or charity path. In the charity path, participants pay higher starting fee, which is a voluntary donation to one of the three partner organisations. 25% of the starter kits will be offered in the charity path” says Michał Drelich.
The organisers have invited the Empowering Children Foundation, the Iskierka Foundation, and the Stroke Foundation to work together.
Next year’s edition of the DOZ Marathon Łódź will be held between April 13th and April 15th 2018. Signing up for the marathon commenced on December 6th 2017 through the SlotMarket.pl platform
For more information on the DOZ Marathon Łódź, go to facebook.com/lodzmaraton
