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Running in Central Europe

Szaggasd az aszfaltot! ("Grind the asphalt!") was the motto of the event, and a record 240 runners from four countries followed this call and came to the village of Bagod to grind the asphalt of the long-distance bike path that runs through Zala County in western Hungary.

The Zalai futóparty ("Zala Running Festival") offers a 3km run (the most popular distance this year), a 10km race, and a half marathon. Children run 500 metres. All routes are out and back.

Bagod is the wrong place for elite athletes who are looking for a big prize fund but those who are interested in running a lovely route through rural Hungary, meeting local runners (many of whom speak English or German), and trying original Hungarian goulash after the race will love the event.

Furthermore, it´s possible to set a personal record in the race. The course is flat and fast, accurately measured, and completely traffic-free.

The most remarkable feature of the Zalai futóparty, however, may be the high percentage of women. This year, over 40 per cent of the runners were ladies - much more than in most other running events!