Ultrabalaton 2026

Our report about the event

Onespire at Ultrabalaton: when teamwork leads to true achievement

Ultrabalaton is not just a running competition – it is much more of a complex team challenge, where individual performance only translates into results when backed by a well-functioning community.

This year, the Onespire team took to the starting line once again – some were doing it for the first time, while others were tackling the course around Lake Balaton for the fourth time.

More than just running: a real-life project

Throughout this challenge spanning more than 200 kilometers, the team members had to constantly adapt—not only physically but also mentally—to:

extreme heat
nighttime and early morning runs
climbs and varied terrain
complex logistical arrangements

Nándor Papp described the experience in this way: “It’s like a short-term project where coordinated work between the organizers and team members is essential.”

This perspective perfectly reflects how Onespire operates on a day-to-day basis.

The personal aspect of the challenge

The race was a different experience for every participant.

For Erika Benkő-Balázs, it was an emotional roller coaster: “At the start, I felt like a hero, and by the end, I was smiling in euphoria, as if I didn’t even remember the previous kilometers.”

For Bence Smid, the finish line was the highlight: “It was a great experience to cross the finish line in the crowd and celebrate together with the team.”

Anna Werner highlighted the special moments: “The sunrise was beautiful, and the route was atmospheric and inspiring.”

Onespire’s culture in action

One of Onespire’s core values was particularly evident during the competition: support is provided regardless of seniority.

Orsolya Németh, who participated as a driver, saw the team this way: “We supported each other without being asked—it’s part of our company culture.”

During the time spent travelling and waiting together:

new contacts were established,
colleagues from different departments grew closer,
a deeper understanding of the organization developed,
and organic connections were formed between the teams.

When the challenge provides the experience

This year’s race presented particularly tough challenges.

Álmos Kozma, a repeat participant, put it this way: “This was by far the toughest, but that’s exactly what made it such a powerful experience.”

Szilvia Vadnai pushed her personal limits: “Despite the circumstances, I managed to see it through—that was a particularly great experience.”

It wasn’t about the time—it was about the team

The participants unanimously emphasized that team building was more important than individual performance

Orsolya Németh summed it up this way: “Everyone praised each other, regardless of how far they ran.”

For Bence Ondrék, the community was the key: “The supportive, helpful community is what made the experience truly special.”

A shared story

The runners weren’t the only ones who contributed to the team’s success.

The drivers and support staff working behind the scenes—including Orsolya Németh, Viki Schneider, Frani Barthó, and the bicycle support crew—played a key role in the team’s achievement.

Trust and a sense of responsibility were naturally evident within the team.

Our participants

Runners:

Álmos Kozma, Erika Benkő-Balázs, Timea Cserhegyi, Réka Szekeres,
Nándor Papp, Csaba Majoros, Bence Ondrék, Bence Smid,
Anna Werner, Dóra Bujdos, Szilvia Vadnai, Szonja Nagy, Ormai Martin

Drivers:

Orsolya Németh, Viki Schneider, Frani Barthó

Cycling escorts:

Dave, Dani Benyó, Dorottya Barthó, Dénes Fosztó