Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia from which pessimism and negativity are absent.
Bratislava Marathon marked 20th anniversary with record turnout
Runners at the start of the 20th annual ČSOB Bratislava Marathon in the Slovak capital on Sunday, April 6, 2025. (source: Pavel Neubauer)
The 20th ČSOB Bratislava Marathon drew over 16,000 runners from Slovakia and abroad, setting a new participation record. This year’s event highlighted support for the Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted of Slovakia, underlining the determination of visually impaired runners who, despite the challenges, share a passion for running.
For the second year in a row, ČSOB donated €10,000 to the union to improve conditions for blind and partially sighted athletes. Runners and visitors could also show solidarity by purchasing and wearing a symbolic blue shoelace, representing the bond between a visually impaired runner and their guide.
Martin Rusina and Zuzana Polohová were named winners of the marathon and became national champions, with Rusina making history as only the third Slovak to win the overall race.
Archaeologists unearth 7,000-year-old artefacts near Piešťany
Weeks of digging have paid off for archaeologists in Veľké Kostoľany near Piešťany, where they uncovered artefacts dating back as far as 7,000 years. Buried just a metre below the surface, 53 archaeological features and remnants of human activity were found on the site of a future retail store.
“These discoveries range from the Neolithic period to the early Iron Age and provide valuable insights into the everyday life of people who once lived here,” said archaeologist Peter Mandák.
The most unique find is a 2,700-year-old clay baby rattle, which still makes a sound after centuries underground.
To honor the area’s rich cultural heritage, replicas of the artefacts will be displayed in the new store, ensuring that future generations can connect with the past while they go shopping.
Hollywood action hits Kysuce: Filming with John Cena continues in Slovakia
Filming of the Hollywood movie Matchbox, starring John Cena, is in full swing in the Kysuce region near Žilina. New behind-the-scenes videos have surfaced online, showing action-packed sequences featuring motorcycles and ATVs.
A recent viral clip captured a dramatic stunt where a truck crashes through a guardrail and flips off a highway bridge. The shoot, in what is normally a tranquil part of Slovakia, has naturally drawn crowds of curious locals.
Alongside Cena, the film also stars Jessica Biel, who’s been enjoying her time in Slovakia, visiting Strečno Castle and staying nearby. Cena was recently spotted sipping coffee in downtown Žilina.
Five feel-good stories published by The Slovak Spectator for you to enjoy:
Bratislava opens new support centre for foreigners. The capital city is not alone — Žilina took the step earlier.
Slovak ice-hockey sensation helps her team secure US title. Nela Lopušanová best in scoring in her team.
Záhorie uncovered: Slovakia’s quiet corner full of surprises.
Hop on board! Bratislava launches forest bus routes.
Parts of Bratislava will witness significant development in the near future. Petržalka and Kuchajda Lake are among them.
Meme of the week
Caption: When the transaction tax starts to open people's eyes, the government has to call its Pokemon again to cover the topic.
This week's meme from satirical site Zomri highlights the bad publicity that the government has encountered since April 1, when a controversial new transaction tax on businesses cam into force, and the antics of MP Peter Kotlár, who is the government's official envoy for reviewing pandemic resource management – and also a no-holds-barred conspiracy theorist. Kotlár caused uproar at a press conference yesterday, April 11, by calling evidence-based medical experts “charlatans, quacks and frauds.” Referring to his personal "analysis" of Pfizer and Moderna vaccine batches, Kotlár claimed that allowing mRNA vaccinations in Slovakia – which were widely used to combat, and ultimately defeat, the Covid-19 pandemic – amounts to criminal activity.
Kotlár, an orthopaedic doctor who rose to prominence via disinformation websites before being elected to parliament last year on the list of the Slovak National Party (SNS), urged scientists to speak out against the vaccines, stating that those who remain silent are “blind, ignorant, and corrupt puppets.” The remarks have drawn strong criticism from the medical community, but ministers have refused to condemn them. Experts worry that they may fuel vaccine scepticism and belief in conspiracy theories, which are higher in Slovakia than in most other European countries.
You can send me your tips for good news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: kseniia.husieva@spectator.sk. Thank you!
