Since 2022, on the initiative of the Rak’n’Roll Foundation, we have been awarding a special and symbolic distinction during races – the Empaton – to individuals who show heartfelt attentiveness. To those who notice, have the courage to stop, ask, and help someone in need of support.
“– Over the past years, we’ve learned to find joy in what we have. It’s no longer just about going higher, further, faster – but also about being mindful, kind, and caring. To ourselves and to those around us. It’s up to us whether we choose to nurture this. At the Rak’n’Roll Foundation, we truly want to! Why? Because we see how important good support is in times of illness or weakness. Thanks to such support, our beneficiaries make it through cancer and move on with their lives. But good help is only possible when the helper looks with heartfelt attentiveness, has the courage to ask, and helps someone reach their goal.”
What does this have to do with the Pieniny Ultra-Trail®? We all know those touching moments on race routes and at finish lines, when runners help each other in times of struggle or weakness. We know such moments also happen during the Pieniny Ultra-Trail®. Sometimes helping means stopping to ask a simple question like “Do you need help?”, making a call to the mountain rescue service, or even taking someone by the arm and walking slowly with them all the way to the finish line. These are the kinds of actions we want to nurture and reward. And most of all – we want to sincerely thank you for them.
Every race participant – but also fans, volunteers, or even a passer-by who witnesses an act of empathy – can submit a nomination.
How to Submit a Nomination for the Empaton Award?
Within 48 hours after the end of a given edition of Pieniny Ultra-Trail® (by Monday at 8:00 PM), send an email to: empaton@raknroll.pl
In your message, please include:
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A description of the situation – provide as many details as possible about the nominated person. If possible, include their name and surname or bib number – anything that will help us get in touch with them.
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Your own name, surname, and phone number.
Want to learn more?
Follow this link for the detailed rules for awarding the EMPATON:
EMPATON 2024 – Piotr Żydek
Angels fly near the Bacówka shelter on Obidza! At least that’s what we believe after reading this year’s nominations for the Empaton – the award for heartfelt attentiveness on race trails.
They are wonderfully human 🙂 They go by the name Piotr, give up their own race plans to pull someone out of the mud, set a steady pace, keep the conversation going, and watch the clock – all to accompany Wioletta, a runner of the Niepokorny Mnich race, and support her in finishing. And what’s more, they say, “Well, it’s just the normal thing to do.”
Meet Piotr Żydek, Empaton 2024!
It was Piotr who reached out to Wioletta when she hit a rough patch near Bacówka on Obidza. He checked in, stayed by her side, and supported her. Thanks to him, Wioletta crossed the finish line. Give him a big round of applause!
All of this year’s nominations were incredible, but the story of Wioletta and Piotr, to us, is the most beautiful embodiment of the spirit of Empaton – to notice, to stop, and to offer support when it’s needed.
Empatons are among us – and within us!
Nurture them in yourselves.
EMPATON 2023 – Mrs. Michalina
Mrs. Michalina, who lives in a small cottage along the red trail to Niemcowa, received the Empaton 2023 distinction. From the nominations we received, we learned that since 2014 she has tirelessly cared for the well-being of runners in the Dziki Groń and Niepokorny Mnich races—cheering them on and lifting their spirits. For the past few years, she has also been offering them water.
Warm memories of Mrs. Michalina’s heartfelt attentiveness appeared in many emails and sparked a fire in our hearts! When we visited her to present the award, our conversation only confirmed what you all had observed.
Mrs. Michalina is full of warmth and kindness. Despite difficult moments in her life, she has kept her cheerful spirit and an open heart, which she shares generously with others.
Thank you, Mrs. Michalina!
EMPATON 2022 – Zbigniew Tocha
During the 2022 edition of Pieniny Ultra-Trail®, we received 10 messages of gratitude – and thus 10 nominations – 6 of which were about one person: Zbigniew Tocha. And it was Zbyszek who received our heartfelt thanks and the symbolic title of EMPATON 2022, in recognition of his kindness, attentiveness, and empathy on the trails of Pieniny Ultra-Trail®.
Zbyszek, thank you!
HONORARY EMPATON – Eliza and Kuba from Pieniny Ultra-Trail®
In 2023, we were honored to receive the Honorary Empaton, awarded to us by the Rak’n’Roll Foundation.
“They have been long-time Friends of Rak’n’Roll, co-creators of many of our sports and therapeutic projects, always open and attentive to the needs of our Beneficiaries – the Rollers. Thanks to their initiative, one of the Szczawnica routes became the Hardy Rolling. Hardy – because it’s dedicated to those seasoned in overcoming adversity, pushing forward no matter what, those who roll through cancer. Thanks to Eliza and Kuba’s heartfelt attentiveness, every year the Rak’n’Roll team shows up in greater numbers on the Pieniny Ultra-Trail® courses.”
We are deeply grateful for this wonderful recognition.
A heartfelt bow from us!