Hévízi Futófesztivál: Runners pass the Dotto Train at the thermal lake of Hévíz in Hungary (Copyright © 2019 Hendrik Böttger / runinternational.eu)

 

Participating in the Hévízi Futófesztivál (Hévíz Running Festival) gives runners a great excuse to treat themselves to a weekend stay in Hévíz, Hungary's best-known spa town.

Home to Europe's largest thermal lake, an elegant spa park and many beautiful trees, Hévíz attracts international visitors all year round, and on the streets you may hear as many people speaking Russian or German as Hungarian.

The Futófesztivál, however, attracts mainly Hungarian runners.

Held annually since 2016, the event offers:

  • 250m-500m-1km gyermek versenyek (children's races)
  • 7km
  • 14km
  • 21km félmaraton (half marathon)
  • 21km váltó (relay for teams of three runners)

The route is a challenging 7km loop. The difference between the lowest and the highest point on the course is approximately 45 metres.

Starting on Gróf Festetics György tér in the heart of the spa area, competitors run through the town centre, through residential areas and through the forest that surrounds the lake.

This photo shows the course in Egregy in the northern part of town, a popular destination for its lovely vineyards and wine taverns:

 

Hévízi Futófesztivál: Runners in Egregy, Hévíz, Hungary (Copyright © 2019 Hendrik Böttger / runinternational.eu)

 

The children's races are held in the pedestrianized town centre:

 

Hévízi Futófesztivál - Hévíz Running Festival, Hungary (Copyright © 2019 Hendrik Böttger / runinternational.eu)

 

Map of the venue:

 

5. Hévízi Futófesztivál:

Date:

  • 9-10 May 2020 - Cancelled

Event website:

 

Number of finishers:

  • 2019:
    • 7km: 161 runners
    • 14km: 51 runners and 9 relay teams
    • 21km: 37 runners and 14 relay teams

 

No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or thoroughness of the information on this page! Please visit the official event website to verify the above information.