Interview with DFBG - The Festival of Mountain Runs

You are organizing Dolnośląski Festiwal Biegów Górskich​ on the 16th to 19th September 2015 weekend. Can you tell us where your event is located and how runners are able to travel there easily?

The Festival is located in south-west Poland - in Lądek Zdrój (approx. 100 kilometres from Wrocław by car).
Ladek Zdroj is located at the foot of the Zlote Mountains, along the Biala Ladecka River. The town is surrounded by gentle hills and vast forests and meadows, protecting the town from violent winds and sudden changes in weather, ensuring good climate conditions. 

The easiest way to get to Lądek Zdrój is to get to Wrocław first (by plane or train) and then to Kłodzko or directly to Lądek Zdrój by car, train or bus. 

Are there different distances in your event?    

The races are the following:

The Run of 7 summits - 240 kilometres (the longes official race in Poland!)
Ultra Trail - 130 kilometres
K-B-L - 110 kilometres
Super Trail - 65 kilometres
Gold Marathon - 43 kilometres
Gold halfmarathon - 21 kilometres
Trojak Trail - 10 kilometres

Tell us something about the history of your event. Why was it created in the first place and how has it changed over the years?

After participating in the famous UTMB race our dream and goal become to create a real festival of mountain runs in Poland. As we are a team of runners and mountain fans this direction seemed obvious. The 2015 race is already the 3rd edition of DFBG. Each year it is more clear to us that this was a good idea - there are more and more participats who come along with their families and for couple days Ladek Zdrój transforms into a real capital of mountain runs. DFBG is also a great occasion to meet fellow runners and to profit from summer weather as it takes place in the middle of July.

Describe your route a bit. How’s the scenery? Is the route beginner friendly? Can runners expect PB's?

In our opinion the mountain region where DFBG takes place is beginner friendly. Especially routes of Gold Marathon (Złoty Maraton), Gold Halfmarathon (Złoty Pólmaraton) and Trojak Trail are perfect for beginners in mountain running. Below you will see as an example the 10 km trail's profile:

How many runners do you expect to have in your event?

In 2015 we expect to have around 2000 participants.

What kind of weather conditions can runners prepare to face in your event?

The weather in Poland is pretty unpredictable. In 2014 all 4 days of the Event were sunny and really hot (around 30 degrees). At this time of the year the temperature should not be lower than 20 degrees but there is a possibility of rain.

What else should runners do in the city after/before the race? Any suggestions to newcomers?

Ladek Zdrój is very small town so it is pretty much invaded by runners at this time. In addition to the runs we plan to have some concerts, expo, meetings with famous runners, showing of mountain films etc.

How would you describe your event to people who haven't yet participated in it? What makes your event unique?

DFBG offers the longest race route in Poland - 240 kilometres and variety of other routes - everybody can find a distance that suits them. But in our opinion DFBG is not only about the races. It is a great chance to meet people - all passionate about running coming from all around Poland and even from other European countries just for a couple of days. It is a great opportunity to get to know the beautiful region in south-west Poland. Finally, it is a great place to come to with friends or family and profit from the summer in the mountains!