Informations
For the improvement of the present, extremely bad state of public health in Hungary it is essential to form a way of thinking that recognizes health as value. With our program for life-style and culture of physical exercise affecting students whole study period but also having a long-term effect we would like to develop young intellectuals attitude to life through forming educational trends and a practice of sport events, respectively. That is why, by co-operating with the Hungarian University Sports Federation (HUSF) and Colleges, 8 higher educational institutions of long traditions, and also with the Athletic Association of Budapest which is 50 year old in 2001, we initiated the organization of a half marathon running competition that requires regular physical training on behalf of the participants. Past of higher educational, institutions training a considerable proportion of Hungarian intellectuals is located in Budapest in a well-confinable area.
The things of our competition
The way of knowledge is a route that links the buildings of Semmelweis University, the University of Economics and State Administration, the University of Technology and Economic Science, Zrínyi Miklós University of National Defence, Eötvös Loránd University of Arts, Law and Sciences, Gábor Dénes College and that of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
The aim of competition
Young people studying at the secondary and higher Educational institutions of the country and their teachers together with the selected running teams of the higher educational institutions of Continents of World and European countries can compete demonstrating for physical exercise and a healthy way of life for the title of EuropeOpen University Half- marathon Cup along the symbolic route of The way of Knowledge on the first Sunday of November. This event serves as an opening program for the series of programs of the Feast of Hungarian Science and the World Science Forum organized by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Teachers, students and scholars for whom half marathon is too long may run 6 km in the Academic Six. The invitation of secondary school students, apart from the continuity of higher educational studies, means the continuity in their athletic education as well. Furthermore it also inspires the process of permanent physical conditioning which promotes health, the importance of which is emphasized by the example set by teachers, professors and academics entering the race.
Weather and temperatures
At the beginning of November an average temperature of 10-18oC, slightly windy, mostly sunny weather might be expected.
ABOUT HUNGARY
Hungary, located in Central Europe and lies in the Carpathian Basin. More than half of the country comprises of plains: the Great Plain with the famous Hortobágy National Park occupies the entire eastern half of the country, and the Lesser Plain located along the north-western border. The two largest rivers of the country are the Danube (stretching 417 km in Hungary) and the Tisza (589 km) which traverse the country from north to south. The region lying between the two rivers is flat whereas the region west of the Danube, called Transdanubia, is hilly. The warmest and largest lake in Central Europe, Lake Balaton is located there.
A mountainous region spans the country diagonally: with peaks between 500 and 1000 m east of the Danube. The highest peak is Kékes (1014 m) which is situated in the Mátra Mountains. The country is exceptionally endowed with medicinal springs: hundreds of recognized medicinal (thermal) waters offer therapeutic treatments all over the country.
Hungary is famous for its arts, architecture, music traditions and its hospitality. People are inventive and adaptable, they have a subtle sense of humor to survive unpleasantness. They are informal and casual, but above all they are known for their hospitality.
Population
10,043,000. 61% of the population live, in urban centers - 2 million in Budapest alone.
Language
Official language: Hungarian. English, German and French are spoken and understood in the main tourist areas, especially by the younger generation.
Climate
As situated in the Carpathian Basin Hungary has a continental climate. Sunshine is a dominant feature except for some rain and snow from December through February. In July the mean temperature is 23-25°C, and in January it is 2-4 °C, but sometimes falls to -10 °C.
Healthcare regulations
No inoculations are necessary. First-aid care and emergency ambulance services are free of charge to foreign citizens, any other medical services are regulated by the agreements concluded with the individual countries.
Insurance Policy
All foreign students must be covered by medical insurance.
Passport and Visa: host country formalities
Nationals of most countries need only a valid passport to enter Hungary, while an ID card is acceptable for citizens of Europe but:
Visa and Immigration Information:
Accommodations
A variety of housing choices are available. If needed there is always an agency you can count on.
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz
Meal
In restaurants (2nd or 3rd class) for 1,500-3,000 HUF /person each time
In pizzerias: 600-1,500 HUF /piece
McDonald's: 1,500-2,000 HUF/person each time
ABOUT BUDAPEST
Budapest -the capital of Hungary. Budapest, a vibrant city of 2 100 000, is considered to be one of the liveliest and most beautiful cities of all Europe.
The River Danube is spanned by seven impressive bridges as it flows right through the heart of the city forming a natural division line between the two principal areas of the town: the residential and historic Buda on the hilly western bank, and Pest on the flat eastern bank with the view of Buda belonging to UNESCO 's World Heritage and where most cultural, entertaining and commercial buildings are located.
A third area is Óbuda, just north of Buda, also the site of the partially excavated ancient Roman town, Aquincum. City of Spas, Budapest has 135 hot water springs that were much relished by the Turks: 5 Turkish baths still function in their original form. Budapest is a cosmopolitan city with a centuries-old tradition of excellence in arts. The city has numerous treasure- laden museums of fine and applied arts with valuable collections of European and Hungarian artists as well as historic artifacts. Almost every night there are instrumental, symphony or choral concerts, ballet, classic opera, operettas, folk music, folk dancing, modern and Dixieland jazz performances.
Rock bands and folk groups from other countries often appear. International sports competitions are frequently held in the 70 000-seat stadium, and in the arena with a capacity of 12 000 seats. The Hungarians are also keen soccer fans.
All in all, Budapest is a city with remarkable scenic beauty, a varied cultural life and outstanding hospitality.
Travel information
Arrival
by car: Hungary -and Budapest -may be approached on the roads from all over Europe. Toll has been introduced on the newly built parts of the freeways.
by ship: the main river is the Danube, a voyage might be relaxing.
by air: Ferihegy Airport of Budapest is located 15 km East of the city center and has two terminals: Ferihegy 1 and Ferihegy 2.There are flights between all major cities of Europe and Budapest.
The most convenient transportation to and from the airport is provided by the Airport Minibus Service. To and from any location in Budapest the service charge is 2.500 HUF/person uniformly, or for the holders of a return ticket, 3.800 HUF/person.
by train: from Western Europe most trains arrive at Keleti Pályaudvar (Eastern Railway Station), which is located in an easily accessible -by underground -part of Budapest. The Rail Bus service provides a comfortable way to reach any location in Budapest (900 -1500 HUF/person), other railway stations in town (900 HUF/person) or the airport (1800 HUF/person). In case you would like to get to know other cities in Hungary, the InterCity service is a good means for traveling all across the country.
Public transport in the city: Budapest has a well-organized network of public transport. Buses, trolley buses, trams and 3 metro (Subway) lines one of them is the oldest on the continent) operate from 4.30 a.m. to 11 p.m. 15 bus and 2 tram lines may be usedat night as well. At the stops detailed maps of the city are posted. Tickets are to be purchased in advance at terminals or metro stations or at newspaper stands and tobacco shops, and have to be validated by machines posted on buses and trams or on entering the metro station. Information on the available types of tickets may be found at every cashier at the metro stations, even in foreign languages. Supervisors are authorized to check your ticket at any time, and they do not accept any excuse for not having one. (Fines are heavy!)
