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How many times can you run up to Vršatec in twelve hours? That is exactly what Daniel Pagáč, an officer of the Prison and Judicial Guard Corps from the Ilava institute, once wanted to find out. However, simple athletic curiosity eventually turned into something that far exceeded his original plan. The charity run '12 Hours Under Vršatec' has completed its fourth year, with more than 2,500 participants and a result that surprised even the organizer himself.
It all started with one run
Daniel is a passionate runner and knows Vršatec well. During his training, he would normally run up it two or three times. One day, he asked himself how many such runs he could manage in twelve hours. When he decided to try it, he got an idea right on the track that gave his challenge a completely different dimension.
“I still remember the exact spot where I said to myself: Why not help someone with this run? That was when I decided that I would do it the following year,” recalls Daniel.
At the first event, he expected at most two hundred participants. 401 arrived. This year, there were more than 2,500.
And what exactly does 12 Hours Under Vršatec mean? Participants start from the village of Pruské in the Ilava district towards Vršatec and, upon reaching the turn-around point at the Jason Hotel, they return back. One circuit is approximately 16.5 kilometers long with an elevation gain of 500 meters. During the twelve hours, everyone can complete as many kilometers as they can manage – by running or walking. The event works on the principle of one kilometer for one euro, with the amount of the financial contribution being voluntary. Even those who do not go on the track at all can help.
Every year, the event has its own specific story. In 2023, the participants helped Miško, a boy with muscular dystrophy, fulfill his dream of visiting London. A year later, the run was for Dominik, our former colleague, who needed expensive treatment and rehabilitation after a serious traffic accident. The third year belonged to six-year-old Adamko, and the most recent one to three-year-old Natálka, who was left in a wheelchair after a tragic car accident. It was for her therapies and rehabilitation that 45,358 euros were raised this year.
“I knew the amount raised would be higher than last year, but I personally didn’t expect this much. Once again, we proved that through sports, one can selflessly help where it is needed most,” says Daniel.
Twelve hours of running, months of preparation
For the participants, it is one day. But for Daniel, the preparations begin as early as January or February. Partners, meetings, organizational logistics, and a multitude of details that visitors do not even see.
When we asked him what is the most powerful part of the event for him, the answer was not about records or the number of participants. What means the most to him is the moment when he finds out the total number of kilometers run, and the moment when he can hand over the symbolic check to the family.
An athlete in civilian life and on duty
Sport is part of Daniel's everyday life. And not just his private one. At the Ilava Prison and Detention Institute, he works in the intervention group, where physical readiness is an important part of the service.
“Since I was a child, I had an affinity for organizations where good physical readiness is required. Basically, I am an athlete in both my civilian and professional life,” he explains.
Running helps him maintain his fitness, but also to switch off after a demanding day. And discipline, perseverance, or handling pressure? He uses those on the track and on duty.
He also has support among colleagues
Daniel's project also has support at the Ilava institute. Our officers, as well as colleagues from other institutes, regularly participate in the event. Some also help with its logistics. This year, the Ilava institute also helped with preparing refreshments for the participants.
Daniel is also pleased by the simple reactions of his colleagues. “It is quite a nice feeling when someone at work just tells you: Great event, hats off for what you organized. Or they offer that if I need help with anything, I should let them know.”
And what about the fifth year? Daniel is already thinking about it, but after months of preparations, he first wants to allow himself some time for his everyday life.
Over four years, a personal running challenge has become an event that can bring thousands of people together and provide concrete help. Our colleague Daniel Pagáč stands behind all of this. We know him in the Ilava institute as an officer of the intervention group, but his story also shows another side of the people who serve in the ZVJS. And that is definitely worth introducing because '12 Hours Under Vršatec' far exceeds the borders of the district with its size and number of people involved.
