Debrecen4U
October 6, 2025
Thousands of Debrecen residents ran where planes usually take off
“Run where the planes usually fly!” This is the motto of the Debrecen Airport Run.
This year, around 3,500 runners took part in five different distances to test themselves at the exclusive location of the Debrecen International Airport.
Saturday started with a thorough warm-up at the Debrecen Airport. Around 3,500 participants joined the largest running competition in Eastern Hungary this year. Tamás Módis and his team were participating in the competition for the third time.
“We have competed in relays several times, sometimes in mixed relays and sometimes in men’s relays, and now we will compete in men’s relays again. I have a minor injury, but I hope that will be a thing of the past now, and we will ‘go for it’—that’s the name of our team, so I’m confident that we will achieve good results,” Tamás Módis said.
There were also those who, although they only joined the race for a shorter distance, still visit the event year after year. “It is a very good opportunity to exercise; it is great to see so many people come out, even in such bad weather,” Vivien Nagy said.
The Médiacentrum Debrecen team competed in the race again this year. “It is important for Médiacentrum Debrecen to participate in city events, and this is not just a program but also a community event, as sports bring us together. We will compete in a 10-kilometer relay race,” Zsuzsa Keserű, editor-in-chief of Médiacentrum Debrecen, explained.
“One of the goals of Debrecen Airport Run is to promote running and healthy lifestyles. Encouraging active lifestyles and sports is also important for the city,” Deputy Mayor Lajos Barcsa mentioned, adding that the city is trying to create the infrastructure for this. “Not everyone lives in the Great Forest, where you can instantly go for a run in the forest. The rekortan tracks that the city has created in the past were created with this very purpose in mind. Now a course is being built in Debrecen-Józsa. In addition, “Move, Debrecen!” is also a program that was born with this in mind so that as many people as possible can do sports, he highlighted.
Competitors could choose from five different race distances, with the track set in the exclusive environment of the airport. This gave the participants the unique opportunity to race in a location where only airplanes normally fly.
Children with disabilities also participated in the running race with their helpers and strollers. Balázs Barha’s finish was once again spectacular, as expected from him, he walked the last few meters and crossed the finish line with his own feet.
The Debrecen Airport Run was organized for the eighth time.
In addition to the races, family programs awaited the participants. Among other things, a dance performance, yoga, and spinal gymnastics, as well as exciting presentations, entertained visitors.
Source and photo credit:debrecen.hu
