The event was attended by the Mayor of Białystok, Tadeusz Truskolaski, the Director of the Sybir Memorial Museum, Wojciech Śleszyński, and the President of the Białystok Biega Foundation, Grzegorz Kuczyński.
Mayor of Białystok, Tadeusz Truskolaski spoke about the idea behind the event:
“Those who were sent to an inhuman land can also be commemorated through running. The date is not accidental, as 10 February marks the anniversary of the first major deportation in 1940. I invite everyone to honour the memory of the Sybiraks through physical activity. I am glad that the run takes place not only in Białystok, but also in Wrocław. Additionally, participants will be able to join a virtual run.”
Director Wojciech Śleszyński presented this year’s medal and the exhibit featured on it:
“As every year, we selected one of our museum artifacts to appear on this year’s medal. When Amelia Sieczko was deported on the night of 9–10 February 1940 with her husband and six children, she took various items with her, including a curling iron. It was never used in the Far North, but it preserved the memory of normal life. The curling iron returned with her to Poland, and later became part of our exhibition. Today, it is also commemorated on the medal.”
Grzegorz Kuczyński, President of the Białystok Biega Foundation, discussed details of this year’s edition:
“We already have almost 900 runners registered in Białystok and more than 250 in Wrocław. It is shaping up to be a record-breaking edition, which makes us very happy. As a fun fact, runners are tough competitors: last year, less than 20% chose the longer 10 km distance, which was introduced for the first time, and now as many as 36% have signed up for it. We are delighted. It shows that introducing a longer distance was the right decision. We also invite everyone to cheer on the runners — just remember to dress warmly!”
When and where?
Białystok – Turczyński Forest – 7 February 2026 – distances: 5 km and 10 km.
Wrocław – Osobowicki Forest – 21 February 2026 – distance: 5 km.
Those who cannot participate in Białystok or Wrocław are invited to join the virtual edition. The challenge will run from 7 to 28 February 2026, and anyone anywhere in the world may take part by registering online and covering at least 5 km in one go.
We encourage all runners — both in-person and virtual — to take part in the “I Run for a Sybirak” campaign. When registering, please provide the name of a Sybirak or a Sybirak’s family in whose honour you are participating. The name will appear on the runner’s bib.
See you on the route!
The Sybir Memorial Run is part of the commemoration of the 86th anniversary of the first mass deportation of Polish citizens to Siberia | Organiser of the Commemorations: The Sybir Memorial Museum | Organiser of the Sporting Event: Białystok Biega Foundation | Co-organiser of the Wrocław Edition: Depot History Centre
