MU on the run: Bohunice campus turned racetrack

The course of the race wound its way between university buildings, over stairs, cobblestones, and even a footbridge – whether seasoned runners or beginners, everyone found something to enjoy. Adults ran a 4,800-meter route, while children took part in shorter loops tailored to their age groups. MUNI RUN was not about time or rankings: it was all about the joy of movement and experiencing the university campus from a different perspective.

MMA fighter Jiří Procházka was also present at the starting line. He did not run, but he handed out diplomas and medals to the top finishers in the children’s categories. During the main race, he had the honour of firing the starting pistol to send the runners on their way. “I’ve got my final exams in a month and I’m doing my best to stay fully focused on finishing my studies,” revealed the UFC light heavyweight champion, who is completing his master’s degree in Applied Sports Education for Security Bodies at the Faculty of Sports Studies.

The fastest time over the four laps was posted by Daniel Kotyza, a student at the Faculty of Sports Studies who specializes in the 800- and 1,500-meter track events. “I know the route between the faculties – I run here from time to time, though I mostly study,” said Daniel, who is currently training for the Summer World University Games, after finishing the race. “The surface wasn’t bad today, but weaving through groups of runners was a challenge. I had to constantly search for my own space.”

The first woman to cross the finish line was athlete Pavla Štoudková, also an 800-meter specialist and a student at the Faculty of Sports Studies. “This was my first time running here, and I really enjoyed the course,” Pavla said after the race. “I had a great time interacting with the other runners. I’m familiar with the campus and its surroundings from my classes, but this was a completely different experience. I had so much fun racing.”

Wearing race number 1, Petr Suchý, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation and External Relations, completed the race course and was pleased to see the event become a tradition. “I ran last year and again this year, and I’d like to thank not only all the participants but especially the organizers and our partners. I’m very happy that, with our participation, we’ve all supported the sports activities of children and young people,” he said, referring to the fact that the funds raised from the entry fees was donated to the MUNI SPORT University Sports Club as part of the MUNI DAY event.

Dean of the Faculty of Sports Studies, Jan Cacek, highlighted the impressive number of participants: 205 in the men’s and women’s categories. “We can truly be proud of the turnout. It’s comparable to some of the major running cups in Brno. To have so many runners is simply fantastic,” said Jan Cacek, who raced with the number 1000.

As part of their training, the HC MUNI hockey players took part in the race at a relaxed pace, running together. This group run – of the hockey players but also other groups of students – gave the organizers the idea to expand next year’s MUNI RUN to include a four-person relay race, where each team member would run one lap.

The ROJC brewery provided refreshments at the race venue, offering both beer and lemonade, while Božský Kopeček served ice cream. Another race partner, the sports equipment retailer TRIEXPERT, set up a booth where participants could undergo running diagnostics, try out, and purchase running shoes.