XIII Run 4 a Smile 2026 – a record-breaking edition full of kindness, sport and smiles

On 30–31 May 2026, the XIII edition of the International Charity Run Run 4 a Smile – Run for a Smile took place, organized by the academic community of Wyższa Szkoła Biznesu – National Louis University in Nowy Sącz. Once again, the event brought together people who want to help through activity, joint action and engagement in an important social cause.

This year’s edition had a special character. Around 900 people participated in Run 4 a Smile 2026, and a total of 500 runners took part in the races – both on-site and online. Among them were children, young people, adults, students, representatives of companies, institutions and residents of the region.

A record fundraising result!

The most important outcome of this year’s event is the record amount raised for children in need. Thanks to the joint mobilization of participants, donors and the entire Run 4 a Smile community, as much as PLN 104,400 was collected.

All funds were allocated to support Milena Ząber and Maciej Bogoń – beneficiaries of the Sursum Corda Association.

Milena is a 6-year-old resident of Cieniawa who is struggling with the rare neurodegenerative disease CLN2, also known as childhood dementia. The disease gradually takes away motor skills, speech and cognitive functions, which is why specialist treatment, rehabilitation and daily care are of great importance to her.

Maciej is a 13-year-old resident of Gorlice who is fighting a brain tumor and is undergoing intensive oncological treatment. After surgeries, he is also facing neurological complications and hearing disorders. The collected funds will help with further treatment, rehabilitation and improving his daily functioning.

Sport, emotions and shared energy

The main part of the event took place in the area of the Galician Town, the Sądecki Ethnographic Park and the MOSiR “Jedność” stadium. Participants competed in various categories, including races for children, preschoolers, pupils, adults and the main race.

There was no shortage of sporting emotions, cheering and joy from crossing the finish line. Every participant – regardless of age and result – became part of an initiative aimed at providing real help.

A special element of the event was also the energetic warm-up before the start, which perfectly introduced the runners to the atmosphere of activity, integration and good fun.

An event full of attractions

Run 4 a Smile is not only a run. This year’s edition was also an opportunity to spend family time in a space full of attractions, animations and shows. The participants could enjoy thematic zones, activities for children, artistic performances, demonstrations by services and organizations, as well as educational and recreational areas.

The youngest participants could enjoy animations, games, activities, inflatables, face painting and meetings with alpacas. The WSB-NLU new technologies zone was also very popular, where visitors could see, among others, VR and AR solutions, 3D printing and the university robo-dog.

The program also included musical and dance performances, which gave the event an even more family-oriented and integrational character. Thanks to this, Run 4 a Smile became a meeting place for different generations, communities and people united by the common idea of helping.

Charity chess tournament

On the second day of the event, 31 May 2026, a charity chess tournament was also held at the WSB-NLU headquarters at 17 Grunwaldzka Street. The games were played using the Swiss system, in a 7-round format, with a time control of 10 minutes + 2 seconds per move.

The tournament combined sporting strategy, concentration and competition with a charitable goal, fitting into the idea of the entire initiative.

Patronages, Sponsors, Partners and Co-organizers

The XIII edition of Run 4 a Smile could not have taken place without the involvement of many people and institutions – organizers, volunteers, partners, sponsors and donors. It was this joint work and openness to helping that made it possible to create an event that combined the local community, sporting emotions, education, culture and the idea of charitable support.

Honorary Patronage

We extend special words of gratitude to the Honorary Patrons of this year’s edition:

• Łukasz Smółka – Marshal of the Małopolska Region
• Tadeusz Zaremba – Starosta of Nowy Sącz County
• Rafał Kukla – Mayor of the City of Gorlice
• Ludomir Handzel – Mayor of the City of Nowy Sącz

General Patronage

We sincerely thank the General Patrons of the XIII edition of Run 4 a Smile 2026, whose support was of particular importance for the organization of the event.

• Koral,
• Tukano Software House,
• BOVAJO,
• Firma Budowlano-Remontowa Tadeusz Pióro.

Media Patronages

We sincerely thank the Media Patrons, whose support was of particular importance for the organization of the event.

• Festiwal Biegowy
• NTV,
• Starosądeckie.info,
• Sądeczanin,
• miastoNS,
• DTS,
• Radio ESKA,
• HaloGorlice,
• Gazeta Krakowska.

Strategic Sponsors and Donors

We sincerely thank the Media Patrons for their involvement, promotional support and co-creation of the reach of the XIII edition of Run 4 a Smile.

• Rachunkowość i Konsulting ABAK,
• Betasi - Oprogramowanie dla hoteli,
• FAKRO,  Naturalna Woda Mineralna Piwniczanka,
• Team Solution,  
• Bank Spółdzielczy w Podegrodziu,  
• Tradycja Fabryka Okien,  
• BMW M-Cars Nowy Sącz,  
• STUCCO.

Sponsors and Donors

We also express our gratitude to all Sponsors and Donors who supported this year’s edition of Run 4 a Smile:

Skin Concept Nowy Sącz, Flügger Farby, OW Barbara, Drukarnia Netrium, Zakątek Natura Domki z sauną w górach – Beskid Wyspowy Laskowa, Gold Drop, Kwiaciarnia Loftowa by Łukasz Wieczorek, Novo.sądecka, Florencja Resto & Bankiet, Restauracja NOVO.Chill, Dolce Florek – Sądeckie Lody, Słotwiny Arena Ski & Bike Park, Yari, Krown Polska – zabezpieczenia antykorozyjne, Projekt Zdrowie Nowy Sącz, Wiśniowski, Centrum Szkoleniowo-Doradcze Agramon, Gabinet Podologiczny BOSSO, Domek na Przełęczy Knurowskiej, Norlys Polska, Sushi World Tarnów, MOBRUK, ZET Transport, Yayoi Ramen, Underground Kręgielnia, Beauty Shine by Gabi, Savari Thai & Chinese Resto Bar,  Estee Deri Medycyna Estetyczna oraz Sushi Zone & Ramen Nowy Sącz.

Co-organizers and Partners

We thank all Co-organizers and Partners who supported the preparation of the event, its promotion, service and numerous attractions for participants:

Stowarzyszeniu Sursum Corda, Muzeum Ziemi Sądeckiej, Stowarzyszeniu Visegrad Maraton Rytro, Polskiemu Towarzystwu Tatrzańskiemu, Komendzie Miejskiej Państwowej Straży  Pożarnej w Nowym Sączu, Fundacji Młodzież-Edukacja-Przyszłość, MOSiR Nowy Sącz, Powiatowemu Młodzieżowemu Domowi Kultury w Starym Sączu, Fundacji Pomyśl o Przyszłości, El-  Salvador Hodowli Alpak, Komendzie Miejskiej Policji w Nowym Sączu, Radzie Uczelnianej Samorządu Studenckiego WSB-NLU, Instytutowi Badań i Komercjalizacji, Centrum Badań i  Programowania, Instytutowi Diagnostyki, Opiniodawstwa i Pomocy Psychologicznej, Dziecięcemu Uniwersytetowi I Wieku, Informatycznemu Kołu Naukowemu Cybersecurity, Centrum    Rekreacji OLIMP, Boulder Zone, Hurricane Crew, Fanatic Gym, OSP GRS, Sklepowi Wędkarskiemu, Cosinus Nowy Sącz, Monice Zając – Regeneracja włosów, UFOland, Sylviee hair&style,  Rugby Club Biało-Czarni Nowy Sącz, Gminnemu Ośrodkowi Kultury w Podegrodziu, MKS Sandecja Nowy Sącz, Natura Med, Symfonii Piękna, Xtreme Fitness, Prosponie, ALGOS INK Tattoo &   Piercing, TAI CHI ChiCenter w Starym Sączu, Vestus, Niepublicznemu Przedszkolu Integracyjnemu KESON oraz Wing Tsun Kung Fu Nowy Sącz.

Together we can do more

Run 4 a Smile is an initiative that has been connecting people around the idea of helping for years. Each edition shows that sport, involvement and solidarity can translate into real support for children in need of treatment, rehabilitation and specialist care.

Since the beginning of the project, the WSB-NLU academic community, together with partners and donors, has already raised over half a million zlotys, approaching a total result of PLN 600,000. This year’s record-breaking edition is further proof that joint mobilization can bring concrete and much-needed help.

Thank you to everyone who was part of the XIII edition of Run 4 a Smile 2026. It is thanks to you that sport, solidarity and kindness once again came together for a special purpose.

Together we run, help and give smiles.