Bonum Cursum

There was a race that captured the spirit of adventure and human endurance like no other, the Bieg 8848. This unique race in Poland was a tribute to the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, and to the Polish mountaineers who made history by conquering it. Inspired by the legendary winter expedition of 1980, when Leszek Cichy and Krzysztof Wielicki became the first to summit Everest in winter, the Bieg 8848 was a race that pushed runners to their limits.

The challenge was to run the equivalent of Everest’s height, 8,848 meters, spread across a set distance that tested the physical and mental endurance of every participant. The race was held annually in three cities: Szczecin, Warsaw, and Karpacz, usually in February, in connection with the anniversary of the historic summit.

I remember running in Karpacz that time. The race took place on the stadium at the foot of the Karkonosze Mountains, and the weather that day was something else. It rained heavily, soaking everyone, but despite the downpour, the atmosphere was incredible. The track, wet and slippery, added an extra challenge, but it also brought a sense of camaraderie among the runners. Everyone was in it together, pushing through the rain and the cold.

What made the race even more special was the crowd, cheering families, friends, and strangers who were there to support. I could hear the cheers of my family in the stands, encouraging me as I pushed through the final laps. It was a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration, knowing that every step taken was a small tribute to the legacy of those who had conquered Everest.

It was more than just a race, it was a commemoration of one of Poland’s greatest achievements in mountaineering. The event was held on specific dates, February 9th, 15th, and 23rd, each one marking an emotional milestone in the history of Polish climbing, with the actual Everest summit taking place on February 17, 1980. Along with the physical challenge, participants were offered a chance to connect with the rich history of Polish exploration, receiving souvenirs from Nepal and hearing stories from legends of the mountain.

Unfortunately, like many unique events, the Bieg 8848 eventually faded into the past, but it remains a cherished memory for those who ran it. The race may no longer be around, but the legacy of those who conquered Everest, and the spirit of adventure it inspired, continues to inspire new generations of athletes and adventurers. The Bieg 8848 may no longer exist, but it will always be remembered as a race that celebrated not only physical endurance but also the power of human spirit.

PS That weekend, I had also been hiking in the mountains, and my legs were stiff from the climbs. The rain didn’t help either, but despite the discomfort, I found that consistency, just continuing to push through step by step, gave me the strength to finish strong. It was a reminder that when you stick with it, even when things get tough, you can overcome and accomplish more than you think.