I finished the Karkonosze Winter Ultramarathon!

I DID IT! I finished the Karkonosze Winter Ultramarathon!

When I was signing up for this race back in the fall, I didn't think I'd actually take part. Registration works differently here: only those who have finished at least two mountain races of at least marathon distance in the last two years are eligible. From that pool, a group of 400 people is drawn for this unique chance to face ZUK: a 48km route with over 2,150m of elevation gain 🏔️ A route starting in Szklarska Poręba, leading through Szrenica, along the ridge of the Karkonosze (including the Karkonoska Pass), to Śnieżka, and then further to the Okraj Pass, before heading back from there to Karpacz.

And yet, it happened. I got the chance and said: Łukasz, if not now, then when ⁉️ As for the impressions from the race, I can’t find any other word than the often overused lately: “epic.” Truly. While it felt like spring was arriving at the bottom, at the top we were greeted by winter in its full glory, but also full sun, presenting incredible views. It was actually deceptive, because there is a massive amount of snow; I happened to fall into a drift up to my thigh, and getting out of it was no easy feat.

What you experience during this expedition is perfectly described by the words from a film last year: “we are at the top.. and we love life.” I can try to describe it, explain it… but it’s just not possible. Sorry, I just can't 🤷‍♂️ You have to experience it yourself. I will say, however, that the organizers took incredible care of us, and the tourists on the route were cheering and giving high-fives, basically giving us wings.

I knew the route was tough and the conditions would be variable, and they were—there was no shortage of snow and ice, but also mud. The competition was in full swing, and for the last 15 km I ran like some kind of robot: that’s the section where I overtook the most people, because while others were letting up, I kept my pace. I appeared on the promenade in Karpacz… 2.5 hours faster than I had planned. My lovely girls were there waiting and cheering for me 😍😍😍 That was the end for me; I simply mentally reached my limit. I finished the race with a time of 6h 29m, and according to the results text, in 133rd position (there were some changes later, but I don’t know what they were based on).

Even though I’m writing this three days after the race, I still find it hard to believe that I finished, and with a respectable result at that: after all, we're talking about a race full of total veterans of these kinds of events… I still see it more like an observer rather than a participant who fought to the end and overcame his weaknesses. However it may sound: when the emotions come out, I burst into tears 😭 And that is exactly why I love ultra…

ZUK 2026