Several teams of different clinics and departments at Semmelweis University have accomplished the 220 km length of the 11th Ultrabalaton running and biking race including the Heart and Vascular Centre, the 1st Department of Paediatrics, the 2nd Department of Paediatrics as well as the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The race start was in Balatonaliga. Individuals and teams all had altogether 32 hours to run or bike around Lake Balaton.
The team of the Heart and Vascular Centre, which consisted of 12 employees, participated in Ultrabalaton for the very first time. They were accompanied by a member who was riding the bicycle.
“The aim of the Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group (CIRG), including cardiologists and radiologists, is to call people’s attention to the importance of the prevention related to cardiovascular diseases. Some of the team members were trained enough, but during the preparatory time we managed to persuade the rest of team as well that running is good. This was already a great feeling of success, and we are proud of the results achieved during the race.”, said Dr. Júlia Karády, PhD student at the Heart and Vascular Centre.
“Out of the 12 members of the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology’s team, some people already participated in Ultrabalaton as individuals, but this was the first time when we took part in the race as a clinical team. Physicians, midwives, physiotherapists and operating room assistants all accomplished longer and shorter distances. Due to the good feelings around the initiative and the race itself, next year the department will probably enter the competition with two groups. It is not necessarily result that counts the most, but rather team spirit and the time spent in each other’s company.”, expressed Dr. Nándor Ács, Director of the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
According to previous traditions, the 1st Department of Paediatrics participated in this race for the third time, their group was called ‘UBókay’. As Dr. Péter Krivácsy, Chief Physician and Head of Department emphasized, there were 10 members in their group, some of them as bike riders, and despite the cloudy weather, Ultrabalaton was a great experience for all of them.
The 2nd Department of Paediatrics participated in Ultrabalaton for the first time. The 12 members of the running team were accompanied and helped by four attendants. According to Dr. Anna Mohás, Resident Doctor, many employees are running fans in the department, and they entered the competition based on the idea of one of their colleagues. The race provided a great opportunity for team building as well, and they returned with a lot of great experiences. They are planning to take part next year, too.
The list of participants can be read here. Please find more details about the results by clicking here.
Orsolya Homonnay-Bukovenszki
Photo: Dr. Júlia Karády, Dr. Csaba Demendi, UBókay Facebook page, Dr. Anna Mohás
Translation: Katalin Romhányi
