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The charity event was held for the second time in Szeged, with Dóm Square as the central venue. Saturday’s Ágota Run was a great success, raising 50 million forints, 10 million of which came from BYD, the electric car manufacturer and title sponsor of the 3-kilometer race. All proceeds will go to the Ágota Foundation, which supports children living under child protection care.

Dóm Square was packed on Saturday with people wearing bib numbers, ready to run. They were welcomed by three BYD cars, a health screening bus, military and University of Szeged (SZTE) booths, and a bouncy castle for younger participants, all set in one of the most beautiful squares of the city—and indeed the country. For the second time, the charity Ágota Run mobilized people, encouraging them to “Run for them in Szeged!”—”them” meaning the children cared for under the child protection system and the Ágota Community.

The run was organized again this year by the Csongrád-Csanád County Government Office, the University of Szeged (SZTE), and Gál Ferenc University, supporting the Ágota Foundation. Speeches highlighted the importance of social responsibility. László Dux, Rector of Gál Ferenc University, also mentioned: “Pope Francis, whose funeral is today, loved the Hungarian people—let us also remember him on this beautiful spring day.” It was noted that the event offered a chance to rejoice amidst the noise and to pray in the silence. At the start of the funeral service, at 10 a.m., the bells tolled for several minutes in farewell to Pope Francis.

Last year, 1,600 people participated in the Ágota Run, raising 12 million forints. This year, 2,500 people registered, with an additional 240 supporters who contributed by purchasing support tickets without running. Nearly 50 million forints were raised, with 10 million contributed by BYD, title sponsor of the 3-kilometer race, which had nearly 1,200 participants.
János Kothencz, leader of the Ágota Community, told our newspaper that the funds would be used to build a children’s library and a special education development center in Ágotafalva, covering approximately 100 square meters.

“I would like to thank the organizers and supporters for making it possible to hold this event again, which was even more successful and popular this year than during its debut,” he added.
While warming up for the 3-kilometer race under the direction of Attila Katus, a participant named Feri said he felt it was his duty to support the children, even with his registration fee. “If we asked everyone why they participated, we could write a whole book,” he said.
We also met our sports desk colleague, Pál Vajgely, who, unfortunately, could not participate due to a fever the day before.

“I joined the race because last year I saw how great it was and I liked it. I’ll definitely participate again next year,” shared 12-year-old János Balog, who lives with foster parents. He completed the 800-meter race by circling the Dóm twice.