The Sybir Memorial Run commemorates the first mass deportation of Polish citizens to Siberia, which took place on February 10, 1940. This year marks its 85th anniversary.

The Sybir Memorial Run is an event, which grows larger each year, becoming more popular not only among history enthusiasts and amateur athletes but also among professional runners. During the seventh edition, for the first time, participants could choose between two distances. The vast majority opted for the traditional 5 km route, while nearly 200 runners out of more than 1,000 challenged themselves with the 10 km distance.

At 5:45 p.m., the opening ceremony took place. Participants were welcomed by Jacek Brzozowski, the Podlaski Voivode:

“This run is a special event in Podlasie. The 85th anniversary of the first mass deportation is a tragic chapter in our region’s and country’s history. I am very glad that the Sybir Memorial Museum organizes this event, keeping the memory of this tragic past alive,” he summed up.

Professor Wojciech Śleszyński, Director of the Sybir Memorial Museum also addressed the runners:

“Ladies and gentlemen, today it is -5°C. Please remember that exactly 85 years ago, on the night of February 9-10, the temperature was -25°C. That night, NKVD soldiers knocked on the doors of our homes – our parents’ and grandparents’ homes. I am glad we are here together for the seventh time. I wish everyone a safe run.”

Jolanta Hryniewicka, President of the Białystok Branch of the Association of Siberian Deportees, expressed her gratitude:

“Sybiraks are deeply thankful and satisfied that you chose to honor our tragic anniversary. We wish you all success in your run and reaching the finish line!”

Grzegorz Kuczyński, President of the Białystok Biega Foundation, also spoke:

“I am so happy to see you here for the seventh time. The Sybir Memorial Run continues to grow, and that fills us with joy. This year, nearly 2,000 people will take part in Białystok, Wrocław, and the virtual run. This is the largest Sybir Memorial Run ever. We made it happen together — with you and the Sybir Memorial Museum,” he said.

This year’s Sybir Memorial Run once again took place in the Turczyński Forest, on the border between Białystok and Kleosin. Traditionally, the race route featured numerous reenactments designed to remind participants of the event’s significance. The first installation was a symbolic gate made of several suitcases, representing a transition into the evil world and the beginning of a difficult life stage of deportees. The second installation featured an illuminated banner depicting three Soviet carriages, accompanied by the sound of a moving train. At the third point, smoke and wind machines created an immersive experience, making runners feel as if they were in the midst of a storm. The fourth and final installation, as in previous years, consisted of candles placed along the road in memory of Sybiraks. While passing by these installations, participants had a moment to reflect on the hardships endured by deportees.

Many participants ran in honor of their ancestors, while some took part in the initiative ‘Run for a Sybirak’, with the name of a specific family displayed on their race bib. For almost all participants, the Sybir Memorial Run is not just a sporting event but, above all, a tribute to those who endured extremely harsh conditions during their deportation and life far from their homeland.

One participant, Mr. Ignacy, shared his personal motivation:

“My family was deported to Siberia. They are all gone now, so I must run. This run is dedicated to our entire family who was deported.”

At the finish line, each participant received a medal featuring a sewing machine that belonged to the Sitarski family. Anna Sitarska took it with her during the deportation of 1940, believing it would help her family survive. The machine is now part of the Sybir Memorial Museum’s collection and can be seen at the permanent exhibition.

In addition, the best participants in their categories were honored with commemorative ‘diplomas’ made from wood slices. They were presented by: Rafał Rudnicki, Deputy Mayor of Białystok, Professor Wojciech Śleszyński, Director of the Sybir Memorial Museum, Jolanta Hryniewicka, President of the Białystok Branch of the Association of Siberian Deportees, Grzegorz Kuczyński, President of the Białystok Biega Foundation.

During the medal ceremony, Deputy Mayor Rafał Rudnicki addressed the participants and organizers:

“I would like to sincerely thank all participants and organizers for commemorating the memory of deportees in such a meaningful way for the seventh time. On behalf of the city of Białystok, I thank you for remembering and honoring their legacy through this event. This run is a great history lesson, combining education with physical activity.”

Runners also had the opportunity to have their medal engraved with their result or other text commemorating today’s event. During the frosty evening, in addition to the hot, sporty atmosphere, warm tea and soup were waiting for everyone, and emergency blankets were also available.

We sincerely thank all the runners for attending in such great numbers! We also extend our gratitude to everyone involved in organizing the 7th Sybir Memorial Run.

But this is not the end! The run in Wrocław is coming up next (on Saturday, February 15th), in the Osobowicki Forest. We also encourage everyone who wishes to honor Sybiraks to take part in the virtual run. The kilometers covered in this version will be added to the total pool of distance of all participants taking part in the event.

Registration on the website: www.biegpamiecisybiru.pl