About this race
More than a thousand runners dressed as St. Nicholas fill Hlavná Street for the Charitatívny Mikulášsky beh in Košice. It is a 4 km charity run held on St. Nicholas Day in the city’s historic center, with a 6:00 PM start near the Immaculata monument. The event is non-competitive; the point is not racing the clock, but a short, festive run suitable for beginners, families with children, and those who mainly want to join the pre-Christmas crowd.
The route stays in central Košice and is part of the city’s Fairytale Christmas program. Runners wear Santa-style costumes and hats, and organizers add themed surprises along the course. Finishers receive a medal and a package, and people who cannot be there in person can complete a virtual version. Part of each entry fee goes to Svetielko pomoci, a Slovak non-profit that supports young cancer patients and their families. The race is in its second decade, feeling more like a local December ritual than a standard road race.
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