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This article was published in the latest edition of our Bratislava City Guide, which can be obtained from our online shop with Spectacular Slovakia travel guides.
A running tour is an alternative to traditional sightseeing by bus or on foot in Bratislava. Those interested can read some tips on www.runningtoursbratislava.com.
Lost in Bratislava? Impossible with this City Guide! (source: Spectacular Slovakia)
Joggers will quickly find that Bratislava offers enough diverse landscape to cater to everyone’s preferences: there are long running trails, parks, as well as hilly terrain. Nature is basically just a 15-minute run away from any spot in the city.
Miguel Rosa from Portugal recommends the Eurovelo 6 cycle road: “not polluted, close to the river, surrounded by nature, with other people running, cycling or on roller blades.”
Alan Mauldin, an American living in Bratislava, usually runs along the Danube “from Eurovea to Lafranconi and across the bridge and through Sad Janka Kráľa.”
Diego Loyola, from Mexico, recommends Železná Studienka on the hilly side of Bratislava: “the scenery is incredible.”
Plan your run in Bratislava
Run around sights in Bratislava(www.gorunningtours.com)
Every first or second Sunday of a month: Beh 2 míle Bratislava (www.beh.sk)
The running community in Bratislava is quite welcoming, says Loyola,“from the waves or head nods from other runners to the cheers from the public that see you at a race.”
The biggest event in the city is the Bratislava Marathon, which usually opens the season.
At the Devín to Bratislava run, the most notable difference from races in the US for Alan Mauldin was the fact that some people were drinking slivovica and beer before the race, rather than afterward.
Running events in Bratislava
Feb: Račiansky kros – Winter (www.racianskykros.sk)
Apr: ČSOB Bratislava Marathon (www.bratislavamarathon.com)
Apr: Devín - Bratislava (www.devin-bratislava.eu)
May: Wings for Life (www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com)
Jun: Račiansky kros – Summer (www.racianskykros.sk)
Sep: dm Womens Run (www.bratislavamarathon.com)
Sep: Telekom Night Run (www.bratislavamarathon.com)
Oct: Račiansky kros – Autumn (www.racianskykros.sk)
Dec 31: Run across Bratislava’s bridges (www.starz.sk)
“Maybe I need to test this idea to see if my time is better after a few shots of slivovica,” he said.
The Devín to Bratislava run is among the most popular running events in Bratislava. The run has been organised since 1921, with some breaks, and is the oldest athletic event in Slovakia.
“The whole experience feels like an enjoyable party,” Loyola said. He also enjoys the fact that there is unusual spontaneous public support for the runners during the event.
“How many other races do you have people setting up water and beer drinking stations along the route of the race?” he said.
Bratislava’s Night Run is another definite on the to-do list. The special feature of this run, apart from it taking place at night, is that the route goes through the long tram tunnel under the castle hill, where DJs stage their music and lights for the event.
People who took part in the run talk about it as a memorable experience.
