Bonum Cursum

The Jerzy Kortz Memorial Run in Szczecin was one of the most significant running events in the region, held in honor of Jerzy Kortz, a professor at the Agricultural Academy, a coach, and a running enthusiast. The race series was unique not only because of the name, which carried a tradition and contribution to the development of sports in the region, but also because of the challenging terrain that provided a real test for participants. Over the years, the event gained recognition and became an important part of the running calendar.

The competition was part of a series where participants earned points in each race, which were then added to the overall standings. The race route took place on the terrain of Bukowa Wilderness, an area with moraine terrain formed by glaciers during the ice age. In ancient times, an ocean covered this region, which explains the current landscape full of hills, slopes, and deep valleys that give the trail a distinctive „mountainous” character.

The Jerzy Kortz Memorial Run covered a 5.3 km distance, and the route consisted of a double loop, meaning participants ran the same course twice, increasing the physical demands and difficulty. The main race was held under challenging conditions, with numerous uphills and downhills, making it a cross-country event, perfect for training running strength.

The Jerzy Kortz Memorial Run became a tradition in Szczecin, bringing together running enthusiasts from across Poland and providing unforgettable experiences and challenges on a beautiful and demanding terrain. Although the series has now ended, the memory of this event lives on in the running community, and its organization was a great example of passion, dedication, and the desire to promote sports at the highest level.

PS: The run was extremely close to my heart, as I loved training in this forest, especially the uphills and long runs. It was only about a few kilometers away from my place, so it was perfect for a short loop. I spent a lot of time there back in my university days, and we often had bonfires and enjoyed great moments together. I’ll never forget the friend who, for whom I’ll always be grateful, showed me this forest for the first time. As a city dweller, I had never experienced anything like it. I spent many years there, and now I watch the changes from the other end of the forest right from my kitchen window.