THE DROWNER'S RUN

by Sara Miernik, Gimnazjum nr 2 im. św. Walentego w Bieruniu


Every year at the beginning of January there is a huge charity festival in Poland. It is called the Grand Finale of Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity. Without any doubts, it has become the biggest money collection event in our country. The day of Finale is very joyful with lots of free concerts and feasts. About 120 000 volunteers help to raise the money, which are spent for medical equipment and for supporting different medical national programmes.

One of events of Grand Finale in Bierun is ‘The Drowner’s Run’. It is going to be held for the first time on 11th  of January. There will be two possible routes of the run. The main route is 16,8 km long. Less experienced runner can try the shorter route, which is 5 km long.
There is nothing to worry about the name of the run. It is related to a local legend. In the past our region was a wetland famous for its numerous ponds. It was called ‘Frog Land’. People believed that ‘The Drowner’ were the spirits thrown down from heaven. They lived in ponds and disturbed citizens. Nowadays we have a sculpture of ‘The Drowner” in the market square to commemorate old beliefs of local community.

Symbol of The Drowner's Run

I hope the cold weather, snow and frost won’t be an obstacle for runners. Although it is winter, we will have an opportunity to help other people and spend good time with our families.

 

LINKS:
http://www.biegigorskie.pl/zapraszamy-na-1-bierunski-bieg-utopca/
http://en.wosp.org.pl/
http://www.bierun.pl/english/sculptures.htmlhttp://www.biegutopca.pl/