On 24 March, Kraków’s Main Market Square once again became the venue of an exceptional event, combining sport, history and national remembrance. On the occasion of the 48th Tadeusz Kościuszko Street Relay Race along the Trail of Monuments of Remembrance, the Polish Aviation Museum will present one of its most extraordinary exhibits to a wide audience — the historic “Kościuszko” balloon.
The Cameron N-90 type balloon was purchased in 1984 for the Aeroclub of Poland by American ballooning enthusiast Harvey Hubbell IV. The inspiration for this extraordinary gift was the figure of Tadeusz Kościuszko — a hero of both Poland and the United States.
The balloon envelope is a true work of art: a white-and-red chequerboard pattern, a monumental — six-metre — image of Kościuszko, as well as Polish and American symbols underscoring the shared historical heritage of both nations. The graphic design was prepared by Hubbell himself, and its execution was entrusted to an artist of Polish origin.
Before the balloon reached Poland, it undertook an extraordinary journey across the United States, launching from places associated with Kościuszko’s activities — including Saratoga, West Point and Monticello.
In subsequent years, the balloon took part in numerous international events and ballooning competitions, visiting countries such as Canada, India, Italy and Belgium. In Poland, it launched from places such as Kraków, Racławice, Wrocław and Warsaw, becoming a symbol of remembrance of shared values and history.
After nearly two decades of operation, in 2003 the balloon was donated to the collection of the Polish Aviation Museum, where to this day it remains one of the most recognisable exhibits related to ballooning.
The Kościuszko Run is one of the oldest and most recognisable sporting events in Kraków’s academic community. Its aim is not only to promote physical activity but also to cultivate tradition and to commemorate the figure of the event’s patron.
This year’s 48th edition will bring together students, university staff, school pupils, people with disabilities and city residents. As a result, the event represents an exceptional example of social and intergenerational integration.
The new format of the race envisages all events being held around the Main Market Square. The programme includes six relay races and three individual races. The ceremonies will also be accompanied by a symbolic flower-laying at the site of Kościuszko’s oath of 1794.
The central feature of the event’s setting is the display of the “Kościuszko” balloon — a unique opportunity to see up close an object that combines the history of aviation, art and remembrance of a national hero.
