Women have been competing in Košice for 30 years

In 1980 when women ran KPM for the first time, the marathon history had already known several interesting stories about unbreakable female athletes successfully facing the difficulties of a 42 KM long course.

The first woman who attempted to conquer the marathon course was most likely a 26 year old mother of two children, the Greek Melpomene Iuanidu. In 1896 she wanted to take part in the Olympic marathon together with men. As a result of her rejection by organizers she decided to conquer the course in a solo run a day before the official marathon. Allegedly, she succeeded in four and a half an hour.

In 2010 we celebrate 30th anniversary of the first women's participation in KPM. In hope to see more women on the starting line, just like it is common elsewhere in the world, organizers has reduced women’s entry fees this year. Beside the invited top athletes we will also have the opportunity to see stars of women’s marathon history this year.