We are just 9 days away from this year’s edition of the Sybir Memorial Run in Białystok. This unique event, which has been organized for seven years by the Sybir Memorial Museum and Białystok Biega Foundation, combines amateur sport with the commemoration of victims of centuries-long Russian and later Soviet repressions against the citizens of the Republic of Poland.
The run always takes place in February to commemorate the first mass deportation carried out on February 10, 1940.
“The Sybir Memorial Run is a great example of an event that demonstrates how history can be told in many ways – not only through exhibitions and artifacts but also through active participation. I believe it’s a fantastic opportunity to reach younger generations with a historical message and present events from 85 years ago in an engaging way,” said Rafał Rudnicki, Deputy Mayor of Białystok, during a press conference.
During Thursday’s meeting, Professor Wojciech Śleszyński, Director of the Sybir Memorial Museum, presented the commemorative medal:
“The run is an event that opens and closes the celebrations of the 85th anniversary of the first mass deportation. First, we meet on February 8 in Białystok in the Turczyński Forest, and then on February 15 in Wrocław in the Osobowicki Forest. Participants of both stationary runs, as well as those in the virtual run, will receive a unique medal. This year, it features a sewing machine belonging to the Sitarski family. Anna Sitarska took it with her during the deportation of 1940, believing it would help the family survive in the harsh conditions on exile in Kazakhstan. Although the machine quickly stopped working, it was repaired upon their return to Poland. The sewing machine served the Sitarski family for a long time and a few years ago was donated to the collection of the Sybir Memorial Museum, where it is now displayed at our permanent exhibition to which I encourage you,” said Professor Wojciech Śleszyński.
The Sybir Memorial Run is a remarkable initiative that attracts hundreds, even thousands, of participants each year. So far, nearly 1,000 people have already signed up for the Białystok edition of the race.
“This is a completely different run from those we are used to. In my opinion, the key factor is the incredible atmosphere of this event, created by the lighting, sound, the winter season, and the fact that the run takes place after dark. Unforgettable experiences are also provided by the reenactments along the route, as well as the very moment of starting and crossing the finish line, where runners are welcomed by Siberian deportees – participants in the dramatic events from 85 years ago,” emphasized Grzegorz Kuczyński, President of the Białystok Runs Foundation.
The Sybir Memorial Run in Białystok will take place on February 8, 2025,
in the Turczyński Forest on two distances: 5 km and 10 km. The Wrocław edition
will be held in the Osobowicki Forest one week later, on February 15, on 5 km distance.
We encourage everyone who is interested in the run, but also unable to participate in the event in Białystok and Wrocław to join the virtual edition. The challenge will run from February 8 to 28, 2025, and is open to anyone worldwide – simply register on the website and complete at least a 5 km distance in a single run.
We also encourage participants of both the stationary and virtual race to take part in the initiative “I Run for a Sybirak”. The application form should include the name of a Sybirak or a deported family you would like to honor. This is an opportunity to pay tribute to relatives or commemorate those who have passed away.
The stories of families marked with Sybir can be found here: www.biegpamiecisybiru.pl/historie-sybirakow
The name of the chosen Sybirak will appear on the starting number. More information about the initiative can be found here: www.biegpamiecisybiru.pl/biegne-dla-sybiraka.
See you on the route!
