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How to best celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences by young researchers? The Hungarian Young Academy has planned numerous events throughout the bicentennial year, but why not turn one of them into a youthful community challenge? This was the idea that incited HYA to organize the MTA200 Relay Run, where current and alumni HYA members ran a total of 200 kilometres.

The two-day relay race began at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, 13 June 2026, from the parking lot of the Pál-völgyi Cave in Budapest, which served as the event’s base camp. Meticulous preparations were made to ensure the smooth running of the event: T-shirts, wristbands, medals, and certificates bearing the event’s logo were ordered, and the organizers marked out and prepared the running courses with tape. Participants could choose from four tracks: two shorter 2-km tracks and two longer 5-km tracks were available for the runners. HYA athletes could test their limits on both forest trails and pavement; the forest trails, uphill and downhill sections, and varied itineraries offered challenges for everyone.

The goal was simple: to complete 200 km in a joint effort in honour of MTA’s 200th anniversary. However, implementation required real teamwork. Among the 23 participants, some contributed a few kilometres to the collective effort, while others ran several dozens; the longest individual distance was as many as 30 kilometres. The relay lasted day and night, and the participants battled not only the summer heat and nocturnal challenges but also the altitudes and slopes of the Buda hills.

Beyond the collection of mileage, however, perhaps even more important was the sense of community that permeated the event. HYA members constantly rooted for one another, celebrated individual and collective achievements together, and enjoyed a great atmosphere even during the breaks between relay legs. Reaching the finish line thus marked not only the completion of a sporting feat but also a true fiesta.

Finally, we were successful in completing the 200-km distance: the last runner crossed the finish line around 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, 14 June 2026.

Here are the participants of the community memorial relay: András Abonyi, Esztella Balla, Szabolcs Béni, Gyöngyi Csongrádi, Dezső Csupor, Kata Dévai, Georgina Fröhlich, Bálint Hartmann, Dávid Havasi, Zsuzsa Kaló, Gábor Kecskés, Júlia Koltai, Karolina Kovács, Bernadette Kun, Ákos Lencsés, Réka Lukács, Bernadett Modrián-Horváth, Endre Orbán, Péter Pál Pach, Tamás Ruppert, Boldizsár Szentgáli-Tóth, Gergely Török and Imola Wilhelm.

We owe special thanks to the organizers: Georgina Fröhlich, Péter Pál Pach, Bernadett Modrián-Horváth and Judit Pethő-Szirmai, who made this event possible through their enthusiastic and professional work.

We are proud to have celebrated MTA’s 200th anniversary not only with scientific programmes, but also with such a special community event. Completing the 200 kilometres embodies the perseverance, cooperation, and community spirit that is so characteristic of the Hungarian Young Academy.