XIV Sztafetowy Maraton Szakala 2026

Sztafetowy Maraton Szakala is a team marathon relay held in Arturówek, a forest and pond area within Łódź. Seven runners divide the marathon distance, each completing a 1,000 m loop six times for a total of 42 loops per team. Each team must have at least two women, and registration is capped at 60 relay teams. Timing chips are housed within the relay batons, which are passed between teammates and record the team's overall time. The loop follows forest dirt roads, asphalt, and granite cobblestones around the central pond. It is not a certified course, and the area remains open to pedestrians and cyclists during the event; arrows, tape, and volunteers guide runners through less clear sections. Klub Sportowy Szakale Bałut organizes the race, which has recently seen fields of nearly 50 teams. While competitive teams can achieve very fast times, with a winning mark of 2:14:33 recorded, the format is also suitable for club groups and mixed-ability teams. The top six teams receive cups, all participants get a commemorative diploma and a starter pack, and the event concludes with a traditional group photo.