Katarína Vojaček from the IT department probably doesn't need to be introduced as a runner. At work, she is dedicated to project management, but outside of it, she draws energy mainly from endurance running. She runs marathons, half marathons and ultra relay runs, which have taught her discipline and the ability not to give up even in difficult situations. Years ago, she started at smaller local running event. It was not easy, she couldn't handle it... But that's what pushed her forward. To better performance, better fitness, a healthier lifestyle. Today, running is her passion and an integral part of her life.

At this year's International Peace Marathon, she will present herself for the first time not as a racer, but in the role of a pacer (pace maker). You will see her at the half marathon, with a finish time of two hours. Her task will be to help the runners maintain the right pace and bring them to the finish line under the two-hour mark, which is an important personal milestone for many.

"Running has taught me that big goals can be achieved step by step. Whether it's a project at work or preparing for a race, success is based on systematic work, patience and determination. As a pacer, I look forward to supporting other runners on their way to their dream result," he says about the new experience.

There is usually a lot of interest in the role of pacer, getting into the selection is not a matter of course. For Katarína, it is both an honour and a challenge, training preparation requires a slightly different approach. A pacer must be able to run the target pace very accurately, without significant accelerations or decelerations. However, it means much more to her:

"I have already set the pace twice on the 10 km track of the women's Velvet Run. It was a good feeling when the girls, whom we pacers brought to the finish line and fulfilled their "personal record", came to us, thanked us... It is an experience at a higher level for me. I will not run for myself and my own goal, but I will help someone else meet the goal."

We will be able to encourage Katarína and all runners in the streets of Košice this weekend. On Saturday, there will be a mini-marathon and on Sunday, the disciplines of handbike, inline, marathon, half marathon and relays.