15 thousand people in Népliget: the 30th ALDI Women’s Running Gala was a celebration of women’s running

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 05. 30. 11:37

The first day of summer brought the biggest women’s running event in recent years, a true celebration of women, the joy of movement and togetherness. More than eight thousand participants at the 30th ALDI Women’s Running Gala, along with the runners’ families, companions, interested parties and fans, filled the Népliget with a crowd of more than fifteen thousand.

Bright sunshine and a unique finisher’s medal that could also be worn as jewelry awaited the runners on Sunday at the 30th ALDI Women’s Running Gala, Hungary’s only running race specifically for women. The event has been the pinnacle of women’s running for three decades and has become a household name in the women’s running community due to its special, supportive and relaxed atmosphere. It creates a unique community experience, where thousands of women run together to strengthen the feeling of belonging and encourage each other: whether they are beginners or more experienced runners, they can freely enjoy the joy of movement without any pressure to perform.

The running gala is able to appeal to women across generations, contributing to the strengthening of the culture of women’s leisure sports in Hungary. This year, all age groups were represented, from little girls to beautiful ladies. The majority of the field was made up of those between the ages of 26 and 40, but a good number of those under 18 started, and several over 70 years old also completed the chosen distance: 90-year-old Mrs. Tiborné Sztarenszky Marika walked, 75-year-old Dr. Magdolna Ignácz won the 5 km race and 74-year-old Imréné Szerletics won the 10 km race, proving that an active life and a love of movement are ageless.

On Sunday, Népliget was packed, with almost fifteen thousand people gathering, including the family members, interested people and supporters accompanying the runners. The most people, 2,600, registered for the classic 10 km race, but the 5 km (2,300 registered) and 2.5 km (1,500 registered) races also attracted many women. In addition, more than 700 people participated in the family run, and more than 600 chose the 2.5 km walk. The 3×2 km relay, which strengthened team spirit, attracted 140 teams, while the 10 km pair race attracted 120 duos. Special recognition goes to the 300 runners who completed multiple distances throughout the day.