Organising Committee President Marcin Nowak opened the 10-kilometres European Games Night Run, which took place in parallel with the marathon, with a display of the Flame.

A total of 3,401 people from 35 countries took part in the run through Kraków's Old Town.

"There are two months left until the Games, and today's event is the perfect opportunity to show the residents the Flame of Peace, which came to Małopolska on Friday - from Rome, through Warsaw, all the way to Kraków," said Nowak.

"We are meeting in a special place, the Main Square, where the finals in padel and teqball will be held during the Games.

"Kraków is the heart of the upcoming event, and we couldn't miss the Night Run, which has a long-standing tradition in Poland.

"Our presence here has been very warmly received.

"I hope that we'll witness same interest and crowds will fill arenas of the third European Games.

"You can buy your ticket now."

Nowak is aiming for initiatives such as the Night Run to rally support among the public for the Games and "infect everyone with the love of sports". 

The first to finish in the 10km event was Kenyan Albert Kipkorir Tonui, who had taken second place in the 16^th Mini Cracovia Marathon earlier in the day.

"The atmosphere at the race was fantastic," said Tonui.

"On each section of the route, you could feel the support of the fans and their positive energy.

"Kraków is a great city, and the residents are lucky that it is here that the upcoming Games will be held."

Kraków-Małopolska 2023 is due to take place from June 21 to July 2 this year and is set to be the third edition of the continental event following Baku 2015 and Minsk 2019.