Kilometers that push boundaries

Running, endurance, and the strength to overcome oneself – these were the topics of a talk with Ivana Butoracová, which took place on August 17, 2026 at ÚVTOS Košice-Šaca. Ivana, a professor, runner, and ultra-runner, came to talk to the inmates about her passion for running and to motivate them to exercise and work on themselves.

Ivana Butoracová is the holder of Slovak records in 6, 12, and 24-hour runs. At the 2025 24-hour World Championships in Albi, she achieved a distance of 231.955 kilometers, for which she won a bronze medal for 3rd place. During the talk, she introduced her journey to ultra-running, described the challenges of 24-hour races, and spoke about what a runner must handle both physically and mentally. She also touched upon training, recovery, nutrition, and how even a complete beginner can start running.

Throughout the meeting, Ivana appeared cheerful, smiling, positive, and motivating. Her experience showed that endurance, discipline, and the ability not to give up are significant not only in sports but also in everyday life. Her next big challenge will be the September Spartathlon, one of the most demanding ultra-running races, which will test her endurance and mental resilience.

The talk at ÚVTOS Košice-Šaca provided not only interesting information from the world of ultra-running but also a message that setting a goal, perseverance, and gradually overcoming one's own limits can be an important part of personal development.