Otužilci Frýdek≈Místek logoOtužilci Frýdek≈MístekIt is easier than it looks.
A filmstrip of group photos from running sessions on the Válcovenské steps
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Otužilci Frýdek≈Místek logoOtužilci Frýdek≈MístekIt is easier than it looks.
A filmstrip of group photos from running sessions on the Válcovenské steps

Running the Válcovenské steps — and more

Practical information•2 min read
The steps

Running the Válcovenské steps

Everyone at their own pace, together from start to finish.

During the cold-water swimming season at U Žida, we run the steps every Sunday from 9am for half an hour. From April, once the swimming season ends, until late September, we meet on Saturdays at 9am and Wednesdays at 5pm: thirty minutes on Wednesdays and forty on Saturdays. Afterwards, we go for a dip at U Žida, our usual winter swimming spot.

There are 229 steps in total, leading through woodland, so we can run in rain, sunshine, winter cold or summer heat. Just like our winter swims, these sessions always happen: you will never turn up and find yourself alone.

Some run, some walk and some do a bit of both, depending on how they feel.

Our regulars include children from around four years old and adults over seventy.

You can join even if we have not met yet. Friendly people are always welcome.

Unlike other running sessions, where faster runners slow down or slower ones struggle to keep up, here everyone chooses their own pace to suit their energy and mood.

A woman and a man training on the Válcovenské steps A runner descending the Válcovenské steps A man descending metal steps in the woods A runner and other participants on the Válcovenské steps
Smiling runners coming down the steps A smiling runner giving two thumbs up on the steps A runner with a group on the woodland steps Adults and a child after running the Válcovenské steps
Participants at the top of the Válcovenské steps A runner coming down the Válcovenské steps A runner on wet steps in the rain Runners after a rainy session at the Válcovenské steps

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More than steps

Running after a cold-water swim

We warm up with a run after swimming. Twenty minutes at an easy pace helps us shake off the cold. Anyone wanting to get moving or return to running after a long break is welcome. The route is easy: one kilometre upstream from U Žida, a short stop, then back. We set off at around 4.15pm on Mondays and Wednesdays and 9.15am on Saturdays.

Runners on a winter path beside the Ostravice Runners warming up on a woodland path after a cold-water swim A group of runners on an easy route through greenery Runners on an autumn woodland path covered in leaves
Runners on a path beside the Ostravice River Runners on an autumn riverside path Runners moving together through woodland beside the river
A group photo of runners in an autumn wood Runners on a snowy woodland path Five runners pausing in snowy woodland at sunset

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Races

We enter races too

After working hard on our fitness, we occasionally enter a race for fun. We organise events too, especially our annual duathlon with the Beskydský ledoborec group. Petr Čepelka’s ‘Devítka’ race is also becoming increasingly popular.

A competitor crossing the finish line at the Cold-Water Duathlon Two runners wearing race numbers on the course Five runners before a race in Frýdek-Místek’s town square
Children with medals after the Cold-Water Duathlon Runners setting off on the Cold-Water Duathlon course A running race awards ceremony in Dobrá
Seven runners with their medals after a race Two runners finishing on a grass course Four Adrenalin Challenge participants wearing race numbers

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Volunteer clean-ups

We love this place, so we help keep it clean

Including picking up after others. We hold regular clean-ups around the steps and the river.

Volunteers with bags of litter collected by the Válcovenské steps Volunteers cleaning the area around the Válcovenské steps Clean-up volunteers with bags of collected litter

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Latest photos from the steps