Debrecen4U March 24, 2026

Finals Scheduled for Debrecen’s 24-Hour Student Competition

On 1 April 2026, a total of 360 secondary school students from Debrecen will take part in the competition Aludj máskor! (Sleep Another Time), as announced by the organisers at a press conference held on 23 March 2026. Twelve teams from Debrecen secondary schools have qualified for the final of the 24-hour student marathon.

The qualifying round of this year’s contest took place in autumn 2025, and at the students’ request the final will be held not on Debrecen’s Day during the spring holiday – 11 April – but on 1 April. Through the 24-hour competition, students can get to know one another and Debrecen better while completing entertaining tasks. There will once again be creative and sporting challenges, and city knowledge tasks will also be included. The event will be hosted at the sports hall on Oláh Gábor Street.

“When the organisers first approached us about whether we would host such an event, we gladly said yes, as it is very important for us not only to organise traditional sporting events, but also experience-based programmes that likewise build community and help young people truly get to know the city,” said András Becsky, Managing Director of Debreceni Sportcentrum.

The all-day competition, packed with playful tasks, is very popular among secondary school students. According to Deputy Mayor Diána Széles, the success of the 24-hour contest also shows that youngsters are willing to step out of the online world. “It is a mistaken stereotype that today’s children do not like attending in-person events; we simply need to find the right way to address them and organise events they genuinely value and can shape themselves,” she said.

In the final round, teams of 30 students from each school will have to complete five tasks.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu