World Cross promotion gaining speed in Bydgoszcz 2013

The stage of preparatory activities, the content of the starting package of the amateur championships and the logo sticker of the IAAF World Cross Country Championships – these were the main topics covered at last week’s press conference held at the Bydgoszcz City Hall.

The details were provided by the Vice-Mayor, Sebastian Chmara, and the General Director of the event, Krzysztof Wolsztyński. “We have closed down the signing-up procedures of the volunteers, who are an indispensable part of every sports event. I would like to thank all the 270 people who have applied for their engagement,” said Wolsztyński. The journalists were also informed that 640 athletes from 53 countries had expressed their eagerness to participate in the IAAF World Cross Country Championships.

An official T-shirt and backpack, making up part of the starting package, were presented. What is truly essential, however, is the fact that part of the income coming from the sale of this package will go to a good cause. “We are about to sign an agreement with Polish Humanitarian Action, to support a project of building a well in Sudan. This way everyone will not only be able to run and take care of their health, but also make a difference,” informed Wolsztyński.

The charity can also be supported during the IAAF World Championships in Moscow as well, where Polish Humanitarian Action will have a stand, selling handmade African crafts and holding workshops about water.

“What makes the IAAF World Cross Country Championships a special event is the fact that it is dominated by athletes from one continent. Nevertheless, thanks to its growing popularity also in Poland, we do hope that the Amateur Championships will attract a number of keen runners, who will have a chance to compete right after the main event, on the same course as the professional athletes. It is worth signing up as soon as possible, as the number of places in the amateur event is limited to 1000,” added Chmara.

From the beginning of this month, promotional activities of the 2013 IAAF World Cross Country Championships will gather pace, with posters and billboards being placed all over the region. Hundreds of stickers have been prepared to be given away and stuck on cars and around the city as a symbol of our support of the event.

“Cross-country running is a unique discipline, yet a perfect opportunity to promote the city,” said Chmara. “The previous edition of the event was broadcast by 60 TV stations worldwide. The opinion given by the International Association of Athletics Federations was highly positive, which should be credited to the hard work and engagement of Kujawsko-Pomorski Athletics Federation.”

The next opportunity to promote the IAAF World Cross Country Championships will be a visit from IAAF ambassador Paul Tergat. On Sunday February 10, the former marathon World record-holder will run along the course in Myślęcinek and everyone is welcome to join him!

Finally, on February 12, the 2013 IAAF World Cross Country Championships will be promoted during the Pedros Cup indoor meeting, held in Bydgoszcz at the Łuczniczka Arena.

Organisers