To mark the World Day of Organ Donation and Transplantation (October 11), the Hungarian Transplant Recipients’ Association (MSZSZ) will celebrate life through movement: at the 40th SPAR Budapest Marathon Festival, transplant recipients, their treating physicians and grateful family members will line up together at the start. The runners and walkers in red shirts will be the most compelling proof that organ transplantation saves lives and offers the chance of a full, active life.
Harnessing the power of sport and community—and the joy of moving—the Hungarian Transplant Recipients’ Association (MSZSZ) is drawing attention to the importance of organ donation at the 40th SPAR Budapest Marathon Festival. This is the fifth time the Association takes part in Hungary’s largest mass participation sports event. This year, 73 people form the teams, including 29 transplant recipients (kidney, liver, heart and bone marrow), as well as living donors, doctors, nurses, medical students and more than 20 grateful relatives. Their shared message is printed on their red shirts: “Organ transplantation saves lives!”
Life stories behind the relay teams
In Saturday’s 4×2 km relay, each of the 13 teams tells a special story of solidarity. Healers and the healed run side by side, showcasing a shared victory over adversity. Nephrologist Dr. Adrienn Marton, for example, will start with two kidney transplant recipients and a patient awaiting another transplant. Hepatologist Dr. Attila Patonai will accompany three young liver transplant recipients—among them world champion swimmers—representing the promise of the future. Sporting excellence is embodied by the relay led by living donor coordinator Anikó Maléth, joined by three young athletes who, following living-donor transplants, won world titles this year at the World Transplant Games. Gratitude and the strength of family come to life in a team made up of two sets of parents: the mothers were donors to their children, while the supportive fathers run alongside them. The next generation of physicians is represented by two full relays of dedicated medical students.
United in the walk as well
Twenty-one participants will take part in the 2.3 km Gondosóra walk, proving that every step counts in celebrating life. Among them will be a heart-transplanted mother of seven and a 20-year-old heart transplant recipient; parents, siblings and living donors will also express their togetherness through shared movement.
Another moving show of unity in healthcare
The festival will also feature another special act of solidarity: heart surgeon Dr. István Hartyánszky will take to the start line with his recovered patients. Their joint run will likewise embody the strength and trust forged between doctor and patient on the road to recovery.
Playful education at the Association’s tent
Beyond the running course, the Hungarian Transplant Recipients’ Association’s tent will serve as an educational hub, where visitors can receive reliable information about organ donation in a playful, interactive format. The Tüdő-Ér Association will highlight the importance of the lungs through breathing games, while members of the Budapest Medical Students’ Association will guide visitors through interactive tasks that explain the donation process and the life-saving significance of transplantation.
About the 40th SPAR Budapest Marathon Festival
Taking place on October 11–12, the 40th SPAR Budapest Marathon Festival is set to be the largest mass participation sports event in Hungarian history. Organised by BSI, this jubilee edition will not only set a new national participation record, but—judging by the number of individual marathoners—will also elevate Budapest among Europe’s foremost marathon capitals.
