Welcome to the Event Page of the 14th Lake Balaton Supermarathon!
We decided to reduce the number of our printed race guides, flyers, leaflets, coupons because of environmental considerations. Instead, the most important event information regarding the 4-day race will be shared here and loaded into our mobile application, easily accessible on mobile devices. We wish all of you a pleasant run!
Race Rules
I/a. The course leads on the bicycle road around Lake Balaton. Only certain parts of this route lead on roads specifically designed for bicycle travel, the rest of the route–especially within towns–are designated as public roads. Especially on the south coast of the Lake the bicycle road often does not lead on a separate lane but on smaller streets of towns (on bicycle-friendly roads). On these roads, it is essential to proceed with caution and in full compliance with the rules and regulations of the Highway Code.
Special care should be taken: on Saturday when the designated route crosses the main road (at Balatonrendes, approx. 700 meters: here runners are protected from the traffic by a special barrier); on Friday, Saturday and Sunday when the designated route crosses the main road (crossing must be done according to police instructions); any time when there is a railway crossing on the designated route (crossing must be done according to the instructions of civil guards).
At these places, you must cross the road according to the instructions of the police and the race judges. On the road, 71 police will direct traffic to ensure the safe crossing of the road. When the railway signal is red or, in the lack of a railway signal, runners will be stopped by the civil guard if a train is approaching. In both cases, running must only be continued when the police/civil guards send a clear signal to proceed.
There will be a lead cyclist in front of the field and a sweep cyclist at the end of the field. Where the course permits it, a sweep bus will follow the participants. The insurance of the race refers to the segment between the lead cyclist and the sweep cyclist. The sweep vehicle will follow the crowd at a pace according to the daily time limit. Runners who are passed by it will be obliged to give up the race for that day but may continue the next day. Those giving up the race are obliged to get on the sweep bus which will follow the field and take the runners to the finish line.
The course of the race will lead on roads that are NOT closed to traffic so be prepared to expect other vehicles on the road!
I/b. Wherever the route is designated along a public road, participants are to stay in the right lane or in case of a one-lane road they must keep to the right. On the bicycle roads, it is compulsory to run on the right side. Where the bicycle road leads on the sidewalk, participants must run there.
In case there are any vehicles on the road or a faster runner approaches you, you must divert to the right! The rules of the Highway Code are applicable to the runners and their companions: it is compulsory to observe and to obey.
I/c. Given that the race goes on bicycle roads or bicycle-friendly roads that are NOT closed from traffic, for safety reasons we do not recommend wearing headphones on both ears, as it tones down the outside noises.
I/d. The https://bszm.maratonfutas.hu/en/home/ website contains a detailed itinerary (description of the course) for each day and also a sketch map of the course. The most important information will be shared beforehand on the website in the event information section, as well as on the BSI Sport app.
Along the course, we will help your orientation with appropriate signs (board signs, road signs, ribbons). Signs and ribbons will be posted shortly before the runners pass by, however, it might happen that someone replaces or removes these for fun or malice.
The itinerary always shows the road that runners need to take (bicycle road, bicycle-friendly road, public road). Each day’s course will be marked by signs at every 5 km.
I/e. Bicycle road signs at Lake Balaton, as well as signs posted by the organizers and orange/red arrows painted on the roads, will help you to follow the race route.
II/a. Each day we mark on the maps the easiest way for runners and for their companions to get to the start and to the relay exchange zones. We kindly ask you to keep to the recommended routes and parking places so that runners will not be disturbed and no traffic jams will form around the locations of the race.
During the entire duration of the race, runners have priority over the companions and their vehicles!
II/b.
Day 1, Thursday–Lake Balaton Supermarathon,
Start: 10:45, mass start
Location: Siófok, Hotel Magistern, on the side of the lake
Race Centre Opening Hours:
On Day 1, Wednesday: 16:00-18:00
Thursday morning: 8:15-10:45
Finish: Fonyód, railway station, at the parking lot on the side of the lake
II/c/1.
Day 2, Friday–Lake Balaton Supermarathon,
Start: 10:30
Location: location is the same as it was the day before, Fonyód, railway station, at the parking lot on the side of the lake
Race Centre Opening Hours: 8:30-10:30
Participants (4-day individuals, 4-day teams, Marathon+) will start in waves from specific zones according to their goal pace (minute/km). The start time might change depending on the train schedule.
Finish: at the parking lot under the Szigliget Castle.
II/c/2.
Day 2, Friday–Bay Half Marathon
Start: 11:00
Location: Keszthely, at the parking lot of Helikon Beach
Race Centre Opening Hours: on Friday in Keszthely, Helikon Beach, Halászcsárda restaurant 09:00-10:45.
Participants will start in waves, in pairs based on their goal pace.
Finish: at the parking lot under the Szigliget Castle.
II/d/1.
Day 3, Saturday–Lake Balaton Supermarathon, Half Lake Balaton Supermarathon
Start: 10:20
Location: Badacsony, MOL gas station
Race Centre Opening Hours: 8:00-10:20
Participants (4-day individuals, 4-day teams, 2-day individuals, 2-day teams) will start in waves from specific zones according to their goal pace (minute/km).
Finish: Balatonfüred, Tagore Promenade
II/d/2.
Day 3, Saturday–SPURI MarathonFüred
Start: 9:40.
Location: Badacsonytomaj, beach
Race Centre Opening Hours: 8:00-9:40
Participants will start in waves, in pairs based on their goal pace.
Finish: Balatonfüred, Tagore Promenade
II/e.
Day 4, Sunday– Lake Balaton Supermarathon, Half Lake Balaton Supermarathon
Location: location is the same as it was the day before, on Tagore Promenade
Race Centre Opening Hours: 7:00-8:30
Start: 8:30
Participants (4-day individuals, 4-day teams, 2-day individuals, 2-day teams, Marathon+ Day 4) will start in waves, in pairs based on their goal pace.
Finish: Siófok, Hotel Magistern, on the side of the lake
II/f.
Early Start
From the second day of the race, participants who arrive at the finish close to the time limit the previous day will have the possibility to start 30 minutes ahead of the official start time, with a so-called ‘early start’.
They will start in pairs and the start will last for 1 minute at most. After this, they only can start with the rest of the field at the official start time.
II/f/1.
On Thursday (5 March) and Friday (6 March), participants (individuals and teams as well) who finish the distance 15 minutes before the time limit can start 30 minutes ahead of the official start time the following days (early start). Upon arriving at the finish, staff will put a sticker onto their bib that proves their eligibility for the early start. On Thursday and Friday (5 and 6 March), participants (individuals and teams as well) who finish the distance 15-30 minutes before the time limit can start 30 minutes ahead of the official start time the following days (early start). Upon arriving at the finish, staff will put a sticker onto their bib that proves their eligibility for the early start.
II/f/2.
On Saturday (7 March), participants (individuals and teams as well) who finish the distance 30 minutes before the time limit can start 30 minutes ahead of the official start time the following day (early start).
Upon arriving at the finish, staff will put a sticker onto their bib that proves their eligibility for the early start. On Saturday (7 March), participants (individuals and teams as well) who finish the distance 30-45 minutes before the time limit can start 30 minutes ahead of the official start time the following day (early start).
Upon arriving at the finish, staff will put a sticker onto their bib that proves their eligibility for the early start.
There are no other ways for an early start.
III/a. At the time of bib pick-up, we provide a distinctive sign (route permit) for vehicles accompanying the teams, which must be placed inside the vehicles, to the front and back, at a clearly visible location because only with this they are entitled to accompany runners according to the race rules. It is FORBIDDEN to continuously and directly accompany individual participants and relay/pair runners.
The accompanying vehicle should not hold up other participants or any other vehicle or pedestrians on the road. According to the rules of the Highway Code, where the running route leads on a bicycle road, the accompanying cars must not drive on the bicycle road.
III/b. At the time of bib pick-up, we provide a distinctive sign (route permit) for the bicycle companions of the runners as well, which must be placed to the front of the bicycle, to a clearly visible place.
Continuous and direct accompanying is allowed behind the runner from the first refreshment station of the day.
The start of the accompanying bicycles happens 10 minutes before the runners start–this is valid for early starters as well.
During the Bay Half Marathon accompanying the runners by bicycle is not allowed.
III/c.
RULES OF ACCOMPANYING BY BICYCLE
We kindly ask you to observe the following rules for the safe conduct of the race:
1. The start of the accompanying bicycles happens 10 minutes before the runners start
2. Accompanying by bicycle is allowed from the first refreshment station of the day
3. Bicycles are not allowed in the refreshment area
4. In case the companion on a bike would like to refresh themselves at the refreshment station/relay exchange zone, they must leave the area and place their bike aside (without blocking the runners’ way), then walk back to the station. (If the route permits the station must be bypassed. If this isn’t an option, they must go through the station, taking care of the physical well-being of those who are there and the integrity of the products being displayed.)
5. During the entire time of the race, the companion on a bike must place the distinctive sign on the bicycle that the runner is given upon the bib pick-up
6. The distinctive sign must show the bib number of the accompanied runner/team
7. Companions on a bike must obey the rules of the Highway Code
8. Companions on a bike must not obstruct the participants of the race
9. Runners always have priority
10. In case of not following the rules upon accompanying a participant, the runner might get time penalty (the exact time penalties are specified in the rules of the race)
11. During the Bay Half Marathon accompanying the runners by bicycle is not allowed.
At the start, finish, and around the relay exchange zones, we kindly ask you to observe the guidelines provided on the sketch maps regarding the parking of the cars of the companions.
III/c. REFRESHMENT STATIONS
There will be refreshments served at the start zone, at the finish, and at the relay exchange zones. All participants can take refreshments only from tables designated to them. There will be a separate table for the individual participants and pairs of the Lake Balaton Supermarathon and Half Lake Balaton Supermarathon and a separate one for teams. The refreshment stations will have the same structure along the course:
the first table is for relay teams (here the participants of the Bay Half Marathon and MarathonFüred can have refreshments)
and the other tables with refreshments are for the individuals and pairs.
Accompanying cars are asked to wait strictly outside the area of the refreshment station. Bicycle companions may take refreshments from the table of the runner whom they accompany, WITHOUT OBSTRUCTING THE RUNNERS.
Participants of the Bay Half Marathon and MarathonFüred can have refreshments at the tables designated for relay teams.
At the relay exchange zones participants of the MarathonFüred may take refreshments from the table placed before the relay point, marked by a “MarathonFüred refreshments” sign.
III/d. PERSONAL REFRESHMENTS
Personal refreshments can be dropped off 30 minutes prior to the start at the latest (or if there’s an early start, then before that). Personal refreshments must be placed in the appropriate collection box at the race center, showing the daily km and the number of the refreshment station, marking the bib number on it as well. Any racer can drop off personal refreshments (except for the participants of the Bay Half Marathon) that will be placed at the selected refreshment station. It is also possible to send clothes to the refreshment stations. Clothes not picked up from the refreshment stations or clothes dropped off at the refreshment stations may be retrieved during the opening hours of the race center. Refreshments can be given only from stationary vehicles, abiding by the rules of the Highway Code referring to parking.
III/e. Planned assortment of the refreshment stations
individuals and pairs: water, iso-drink, non-alcoholic beer, coke, glucose, fruit, dried fruit, bread, salt, chips/salted sticks, chocolate, cereal bar, calcium and magnesium effervescent tablet
relays: water, iso-drink, glucose, fruit, calcium and magnesium effervescent tablet
other: tissue paper, toilet paper, band aid
IV/A On the 2-DAY AND 4-DAY RACES, and on the MARATHONFÜRED race
IV/A/a. Time tracking will happen with the help of the SPORTIdent system, with a chip (small plug) used in orienteering races. There is no deposit fee for the plug. The deposit fee of the plug, in reality, would be 30 EUR–this amount only has to be paid if the plug will not get returned by Wednesday, the week following the race. In this case, the runner’s balance in the BSI database will be deducted by 30 EUR. Plugs will be collected by the staff upon arriving at the finish in Siófok. Those giving up the race for good will be able to drop it off at the daily finish. There is an option to use your own chip but kindly notify us about this when you pick up your race package at the latest.
IV/A/b. It is recommended to wear the small plug on the finger. When picking up your start package you will have a chance to try it, and our staff at the race center can also help you with this. Resetting the plug back to zero will happen when you obtain your start package.
IV/A/c. On day 1 everybody’s start time will be the same, but on the following days, runners will be able to start off their time at the start gate by the touchpoints. There will be touchpoints on the course at the relay exchange zones. Relay members will need to use a touchpoint when arriving at the relay exchange zone, then exchange by handing over the plug. Individuals and runners in pairs will find their touchpoints before their refreshment table–they need to touch too at every relay exchange zone.
IV/A/d. The plug will record the time at the touchpoints in a way that it has to be put in the device, then wait for the sound and light effect (approx. 1 second) and then running can be continued. There will be another touchpoint directly at the finish gate. After that, at the race office, we collect the data for that day from the device and we will return the plug.
IV/A/e. Each day after the finish we will share the daily and the overall race results as well on the https://bsieredmenylista.hu/spuri-balaton-szupermaraton-2020/ website. We will also feature the names of those who gave up the race but without their place. When announcing the results we only take into consideration the results of those participants who accomplished the whole distance.
IV/A/f A Participants of MarathonFüred must use the touchpoints situated at every relay exchange zone.
IV/B ON THE BAY HALF MARATHON DISTANCE
IV/B/a. Tracking time will happen with the help of a UHC chip attached to the back of the bib.
Every chip can be checked upon bib pick-up at the CHIP CONTROL.
To be able to successfully record the individual times we kindly ask you to adhere to the following rules:
The bib has to be worn on the front side, clearly visible, on the chest/stomach area during the entire time of the race.
Do not remove the chip attached to the back of the bib, do not fold the bib and do not stab the chip with the safety pin.
Everyone must wear their own bib during the race.
We kindly ask you to leave the touchpoint as soon as possible after the finish.
IV/C TIME CREDITS
During the race, participants are entitled to time credits in the following cases: red light at the railway crossing, and when waiting according to the instructions of the race judge in order to cross the road safely. If the runner is being stopped by a race judge, the runner must use the touchpoint when stopping and then when proceeding. Failing to do so means no eligibility to time credit.
V/a. We provide time limits for each daily part and the daily relay exchange zones, based on the start time of the last runner. The runner or team has to finish the race on the given day when the time limit is reached—the race jury shall decide whether the runner/team may continue the race. They may continue the race the next day but they will not be evaluated in their category. There is also a possibility to give up the daily distance. In this case, the runner/team may continue the race the next day but they will not be evaluated in their category. The staff at the relay exchange zones and at the refreshment stations will not allow the participants who exceed the time limit to proceed, instead, they will be transported back to the finish by the sweep bus. We would like to call the attention of our individual runners that, for the part time-limits on day 4, the arrival time to the first and second relay exchange zone will be determined based on the pace of the teams starting half an hour later. The times below show the arrival times, taking into consideration the daily time limit and the start time of the last runner.
Day 1 – 6 hours 4 minutes
1. to the relay exchange zone (pace 7:00 minutes/km)
2. to the relay exchange zone (pace7:30 minutes/km)
to the finish of day 1 (pace 8:00 minutes/km)
Day 2 – 6 hours 57 minutes
1. to the relay exchange zone (pace 7:20 minutes/km)
2. to the relay exchange zone (pace 7:40 minutes/km)
to the finish of day 2 (pace 8:15 minutes/km)
Day 2 – Bay Half Marathon
No time limit
Day 3 5 hours 34 minutes
1. to the relay exchange zone (pace 7:10 minutes/km)
2. to the relay exchange zone (pace 7:40 minutes/km)
to the finish of day 3 (pace 8:10 minutes/km)
Day 3, MarathonFüred 5 hours 54 minutes
1. to the relay exchange zone (pace 7:50 minutes/km)
2. to the relay exchange zone (pace 8:20 minutes/km)
to the finish (pace 8:50 minutes/km)
Day 4, time limit 7 hours 4 minutes
1. to the relay exchange zone (tempo 7:30 minutes/km)
2. to the relay exchange zone (tempo 8:10 minutes/km)
to the finish of day 4 (tempo 9:10 minutes/km)
V/b. Results of the participants giving up a partial distance/the entire race and the results of those exceeding the time limit will be featured on the result list (without place) by taking into consideration their last time when crossing a touchpoint and the distance accomplished until that time.
V/c. Participants who give up the race permanently must remove their bibs and report their decision to the closest organizer (at the refreshment stations, relay exchange zones or the sweep cyclist). The timing chip shall be returned at the daily finish.
VI/a. Participants not properly prepared for the race may be disqualified at any time from the competition. Participants must follow the instructions of the official doctors of the race. Participants instructed by the doctors should immediately give up racing. Runners may continue the race the next day with the doctor’s approval. The doctor’s approval can be obtained 30 minutes before the start at the aid station situated on the territory of the start area.
VI/b. Organizers reserve the right to disqualify any participant not abiding by the rules or not accomplishing the entire race at any time.
Those not abiding by the rules may be subject to penalties given by the race jury in the following ways:
VII/a. Violation of traffic rules:
– crossing the railway despite the red light or despite the judge prohibiting crossing: immediate disqualification from the race
– accompanying vehicle entering a prohibited zone or trespassing despite the ban from the race judge: 15 minutes time penalty each time
– stopping of the accompanying vehicle in an irregular way at the relay exchange zone or, its irregular crossing among the runners: 10 minutes time penalty each time
– parking of the accompanying vehicle by the road in an irregular way: 3 minutes time penalty each time
– accompanying bicycle obstructing another runner: 10 minutes time penalty each time
– wearing the bib in an irregular way: 10 minutes penalty each time.
– participant not following the designated route: 3 minutes time penalty each time
VII/b. Violation of race rules:
– in order to obtain unlawful advantage, the runner is being transported by any kind of vehicle: immediate disqualification from the race
– providing refreshment from a moving vehicle: 15 minutes penalty each time
– accompanying vehicle accompanies and refreshes without a valid course permit: 15 minutes time penalty each time
– a runner is being accompanied or refreshed not according to the rules stated in section III/a: 15 minutes time penalty each time
VII/c. The penalty of those violating the rules is primarily based on the perception of the organizers. Other participants of the race may lodge a complaint but it has to be proven, without a doubt. We evaluate all reports and complaints before making a final decision. The decision of the race judges is unappealable.
VII/d. A complaint can be lodged with reference to each day’s race at the race office at the finish within half an hour after the closing time of the race. Individual runners may lodge a complaint personally, in case of a relay team or pair the manager of the team may do the same. The fee of the complaint is 60 EUR, as in twenty thousand forints. The decision regarding the complaint will be disclosed to those in question in writing at most 30 minutes prior to the next day’s race.
VII/e. The organizing committee has the right to make decisions in all cases in all questions regarding the rules of the race and in any other issues regarding the race.
VII/f. Members of the organizing committee are: Árpád Kocsis, István Máth, Krisztián Tamás, Csaba Korfanti
VIII/a. In the relay race, the mixed teams are being evaluated among men. Relay teams are being evaluated together regardless of the number of runners in the team. The pairs are being evaluated in the male, female and mixed categories.
VIII/b. The relay must be done at the designated relay point within the relay exchange zone by handing over the timing chip/plug.
In all cases, this timing chip/plug should be plugged in the touchpoint box first in order to record the team member’s time.
The relay can happen only after this. The timing chip must be handed over to the next runner.
VIII/c. For every team, only in case of an injury, there is the option to relay before the relay points (the team relays its previous member before the next official relay point). In this case, the next team member must get to the required relay point individually and without disturbing other participants. The relayed member of the team must leave the relay point without disturbing other participants. Every relay outside the ordinary must be reported to the leader of the relay exchange zone.
VIII/d. Individual runners can only be a member of one team. A member of a team cannot also be a member of another team.
IX /a. About Wearing the Bib and the Distinguishing Sign of Companions
Those who are running their first ever half marathon at the Bay Half Marathon are eligible to get a bib showing „my first half marathon”, whereas those participating at the MaratHonFüred for the first time are entitled to a bib showing “my first marathon”. This „special bib number” must be worn at the back, and you can get it at the race center upon picking up your start package.
IX /b. Dressing Rooms
Day 1 start: Siófok, Hotel Magistern, finish: Fonyód: in tents
Day 2 start: Fonyód: in tents, finish: Szigliget: in tents
Bay Half Marathon start: Keszthely, in tents, finish: Szigliget: in tents
Day 3 start: Badacsony: in tents, finish: Balatonfüred: in tents
MaratHonFüred: start: Badacsonytomaj: in tents, finish: Balatonfüred: in tents
Day 4 start: Balatonfüred: in tents, finish: Siófok, Hotel Magistern
Each day at the relay exchange zones in tents set up at the location.
IX /c. Cloakroom
The baggage of the individual runners dropped off at the start will be transported to the finish. Teams must manage the transport of their baggage individually.
– The cloakroom tag is attached to the bottom of the individual bib numbers.
– The runner must separate this tag from the bib beforehand and pin it to the baggage with the help of the safety pin (can be found in the start package) in a secure way so that it will not come off.
– The baggage must be dropped off onto the truck parking near the race center.
– Baggage can be picked up after crossing the finish line, according to the bib number.
– We do not deliver luggage.
Clothes left at the refreshment stations or at the relay exchange zones may be picked up at the race center during opening hours.
IX /d. Massage
Individual runners accomplishing the whole daily distance will have a chance to take advantage of an approximately 15-minute massage after crossing the finish line. Complimentary massage is available for runners by presenting their bib numbers. Runners may get their massage at the daily finish area or at the official hotels of the race. Runners traveling by a transfer bus may request the massage at the hotel.
IX /e. Finisher Medal Pick-up
Individual runners will receive their medal upon finishing, and a photo will also be taken of them at the finish in Siófok.
Teams can pick up their medal at Hotel Magistern (first floor, conference room) after finishing, where a team photo will also be taken. We kindly ask that at least one team member have the bib number on them in order for the photos to be identified easily later on. In case no one has one bib with them the photo cannot be taken.
IX /f. Help, Information
Help will also be provided over the phone by accredited doctors and the members of the organizing committee during the whole period of the race. Telephone numbers are also shown at the back of the bib numbers.
We ask all participants to take their mobile phones with them, if possible while running the daily course!
Doctor: +36/70/442-7000
BSI: +36/20/965-1966
In spite of its physiological benefits, long-distance running–although in a very few cases–may be dangerous. It is imperative to consult your doctor before any strenuous exercise!
Only participate in a race or in any exhaustive training well-prepared!
Do not enter a race or training while being ill or injured, when having a fever or, after vomiting or having diarrhea!
If you experience any unusual symptoms on yourself during the race or training, slow down or stop completely and, ask for help if needed!
All the conditions mentioned above do not depend on the length of the sports activity–different things mean a serious strain for every individual. Be responsible for yourself, exercise smart!
In order to be able to resolve quickly and efficiently any health problems during the race, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT EVERBODY FILL OUT THE MEDICAL FORM ON THE BACK OF THE BIB NUMBER!