“It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life,” said Eliza Anthunes from Brazil, smiling as she recalled a freezing January morning that turned into something unforgettable. She wasn’t alone.
For runners, volunteers, and spectators alike, Zimní běh na Blaník has a way of becoming more than just a race.
Held in the heart of the Czech winter, this iconic event blends athletic challenge, deep-rooted tradition, and an inspiring sense of community.
For Cumorah Academy students, it also became a powerful lesson in service, teamwork, and resilience.
What Is Zimní běh na Blaník?
The official name of the race, Zimní běh na Blaník, translates into English as “Winter Run to Blaník.”
It is a traditional annual running event held every January in the Central Bohemia Region of the Czech Republic.
With more than 50 editions completed, this race is considered one of the oldest and most respected winter running events in the country.
Each year, runners from across the Czech Republic and beyond gather to test their endurance against cold temperatures, snowy trails, and challenging elevation.
All while celebrating a piece of Czech sporting heritage.
A Legendary Location Steeped in History
The race takes place in Načeradec, within the Podblanicko region, near Mount Blaník.
This area holds strong cultural and historical significance in Czech folklore, often associated with legends of bravery, hope, and national identity.
The course both starts and finishes in the same location, where full event facilities are available.
The surrounding forests, hills, and winter scenery create an atmosphere that feels both demanding and magical, especially for those experiencing Zimní běh na Blaník for the first time.
Two Courses, One Winter Challenge
Participants can choose between two trail-running distances, depending on their experience level and appetite for challenge.
The long course spans approximately 19.9 kilometers and includes the ascent to Velký Blaník.
This option is physically demanding, featuring significant elevation gain and technical winter terrain that even seasoned runners find challenging.
The short course measures about 11.2 kilometers and passes through Malý Blaník. It is ideal for recreational runners who still want a meaningful winter challenge without committing to the full ascent.
Both routes offer breathtaking scenery and a true test of mental toughness—hallmarks of Zimní běh na Blaník.
Why This Race Stands Out
What makes this event so special isn’t just its age or difficulty.
It’s the way sport, tradition, and nature come together in a uniquely Czech way.
As one of the oldest winter races in the country, Zimní běh na Blaník represents continuity and community.
It offers runners a rare winter trail experience through a legendary landscape while maintaining a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year.
“It was fun! The participants were amazing! Loved the traditional sweets as well,” shared Azizie Beitullaieva from Ukraine, highlighting the warmth that exists even in freezing conditions.
The Role of Cumorah Academy Students
Beyond running, this year’s race included something just as impactful: service.
Cumorah Academy students took part in a service project supporting the event’s organization.
They helped prepare and distribute race kits, ensuring that runners felt welcomed and cared for from the very beginning.
During the race itself, students were stationed along the course, especially in the most demanding sections.
Armed with signs, flags, music, and boundless enthusiasm, they cheered runners on when energy was low and the cold felt overwhelming.
This human support added a powerful emotional layer to Zimní běh na Blaník, transforming the course into a corridor of encouragement.
Creating Impact Through Encouragement
The students’ presence made a real difference.
Runners smiled, waved, and pushed forward, often citing the cheering as a key motivator during the toughest moments.
“If we weren’t so excited to cheer on the runners, we would have been freezing!” laughed Savanna Chan from Canada. “It was cold, but one of the best experiences I’ve had in a while.”
Through service, Cumorah Academy students learned that leadership doesn’t always happen on a stage.
Sometimes, it happens on a snowy trail, one encouraging shout at a time—another reminder of the deeper purpose behind experiences like Zimní běh na Blaník.
More Than a Race, a Learning Experience
For students, participating in this event was not just about volunteering.
It was about stepping into the local culture, serving others selflessly, and building resilience in uncomfortable conditions.
These moments (standing in the cold, supporting strangers, working as a team) mirror the kind of personal growth Cumorah Academy cultivate.
Just like Zimní běh na Blaník, Cumorah Academy challenges young adults to grow through effort, purpose, and community.
Ready to Experience More Than the Classroom?
Events like this are a glimpse into life at Cumorah Academy: practical learning, real-world service, international friendships, and experiences that shape character long after they end.
If you’re a young adult looking for purpose, growth, and meaningful challenges, now is the time.
Apply to Cumorah Academy today and become part of a community where education goes beyond lectures, service creates impact, and unforgettable experiences—like cheering runners through a Czech winter—become part of your story.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
