Title photo: Olga Gałecka (Okiem Obiektywu Airsoft & Military Photographer)
It's May 2016, in forests near Bełk (Silesian Voivodeship), an small scale game is starting, which will last continuously for 24 hours. Several dozen players divided into two teams, Green and Blue, will be searching for twenty control points hidden in the game area, at the same time fighting to hold three additional locations proudly called "mines". They are represented by sheets of paper, pencils and lightsticks.
Photos: Warlens
A little over 8 years later, on July 19-21, 2024, the 48-hour long MARSH 5 took place. This is an annual event, which, although governed by different rules, is the result of expectations and experience gathered during the ten editions of the above-mentioned Fedrunki, events from the ZIMA, Go Fish, Checkpoint, Ghost, Drugo Zmiana series and many other initiatives. Their common denominator is their originator and one of the main organizers - KrauzakfromHammer ASG Team Śląsk.
Photos: Alicja (MARSH Airsoft Events)
Now, however, while working on MARSH 5, Krauzak had a strong team of people with him (Timon and Vest, as well as Ketsok from RQS Team), who, like him, decided to devote their free time and prepare an unforgettable adventure for airsoft players from all over Poland and abroad within a year. The aforementioned four main organizers had an army of helpers from different teams under their command, and thanks to the special involvement of Brzez, also strong support from many sponsors and partners.
Photos: Maciej "Red" Mazurkiewicz
That's all because MARSH 5 was nothing like the old events. The game, held for the third time on the military range in Lipa (Podkarpackie Province), attracted over 900 participants this year (a full set of 999 tickets were sold) divided into three sides of the conflict (STORM, RATS, NOMAD), whose actions in the field were supported by 36 in-game vehicles. The appropriate plan of action, which was to lead a factions to victory, was the responsibility of the staffs composed of experienced and recognizable players in the airsoft community. During 48 hours of uninterrupted game, the leaders had to properly calculate and allocate their human resources to best cope with 60 diverse tasks prepared by the organizers. The execution of the assigned missions included interaction with NPCs, operation of electronic systems, and contact with high-quality props. Naturally, with an event of such scale, the quality, honesty, and safety of the fun was constantly monitored by the organizers, medics, and game referees (with Matthew and members of Airsoft Team Poland at the forefront).
Photos: Olga Gałecka (Okiem Obiektywu Airsoft & Military Photographer)
This year's edition brought a few changes compared to the previous MARSH Revolution 2023. From the player's perspective, the biggest of these was the partial shift of the game area to the west. A characteristic feature of the previous two games in the MARSH series was that some of the key locations were very far away from the bases of the parties engaged in the game. In a straight line, it could reach up to four kilometers, which required efficient vehicle management in order to transport infantry and maintain the possibility of its quick relocation. In the new configuration proposed by the organizers of MARSH 5, the headquarters together with the offgame zone were in the central part of the battlefield, bringing all the POIs closer together. At the same time, the western part of the game area covered more of the attractive forest located there, significantly different from the more open landscape reminiscent of the savannah, known from the eastern part of the training ground. These changes balanced out the imbalances and shifted more of the burden of fighting to participants without road transport, which turned out to be a very good decision.
Photos: Warlens
The offgame area, although it was located in the same place as in previous years, underwent a major modernization and optimization as was announced. There was a larger number of toilets located in different parts of the zone, and access to the headquarters and machine park of each side was significantly batter. After a hot day, the field showers proved to be a salvation (although there were complaints that there was not enough water in them to last until the end of the game), and spending free time in the offzone was made more pleasant by a field kitchen and stands and shops of the event sponsors. You could buy the most needed airsoft items, see interesting equipment, and at the right time also take part in competitions prepared by ASG Arena Kraków and Smart Target.
Photos: Alicja (MARSH Airsoft Events)
The layout and size of the offgame zone meant that despite over 900 people present, it did not feel crowded. However, queues to the replica measuring point were noticeable. Its staff approached their duties very conscientiously, but this resulted in limited capacity of this place (especially on Friday morning). Despite these and other minor inconveniences, the briefing for players (held shortly before the start of the game) started with only a small, several-minute delay and ended early enough to give players time for final preparations before setting off for the game.
Photos: Maciej "Red" Mazurkiewicz
The course of the game itself cannot be assessed objectively. The fun at an event of this scale can vary dramatically depending on participation in a specific side of the conflict, established structures, or specific teams. The vast majority of people met during the competition or after it ended seemed enchanted by the level of MARSH 5. However, it was also impossible not to hear smaller or larger complaints about the actions of this year's STORM staff, which certainly had its reflection in the moods of some players fighting for this faction. The most balanced opinion can be formed by oneself by following the reviews, posts and comments constantly posted on the MARSH Airsoft Events social media channels - we encourage you to visit them regularly.
Photos: Olga Gałecka (Okiem Obiektywu Airsoft & Military Photographer)
Ultimately, in the competition during MARSH 5, the RATS side triumphed, returning to the highest place on the podium after a short break. It is worth noting, however, that this year's game was conducted with an expanded line-up - Ethella (SGR MAPA Team) was joined by Rico (Kraken Group).
Photo: Alicja (MARSH Airsoft Events)
Although the competition at the Lipa training ground has ended, there is still something to fight for! Until August 10, the annual competitions are underway, in which you can win attractive prizes funded by the event's numerous sponsors. If you are filled with inspiration to write something, took extraordinary photos, recorded enough material for a full-length action film, or have an idea that simply must be included in next year's edition of MARSH, this is the moment when you should step out in front of the line. More details can be found in the post dedicated to the competitions on MARSH social media.
Photo: Alicja (MARSH Airsoft Events)
Although August has only just begun, MARSH 5 is and will undoubtedly be the largest Polish airsoft event of this year. Is it the best one? Everyone will answer this question for themselves, based on their experiences and memories from the edition that has already ended. All we can do is be happy that we have the opportunity to follow the development of this initiative from the very beginning and we are big fans of its organizers. Whether consciously or not, thanks to their hard work and the understanding of their families, they have a huge influence on the shape of airsoft in Poland and the integration of various environments. They do it the best they can and every year they show that they haven't reached the ceiling yet. It is also worth remembering this when the next international plebiscite Airsoft Players' Choice Awards begins!
Photos: Warlens
MARSH 5 was supported by:
Militaria.pl
Morowo.com.pl
MAPA Tactical
Perun Airsoft
Invadergear
Smart Target
4war.pl - ekspozycyjne panele ścienne w systemie molle
Tacticat Wear
Sklepasg.pl
Airsoft Armory
Janyst.eu Robimy Reklamy
Asg Kraków Arena
miSecure
World of Paintball Jastrzębie-Zdrój
Bullet Brothers
Kuchnia wojskowa
Nadleśnictwo Gościeradów, Lasy Państwowe
virus_airsoft
Lesnyy Kaśka Elf
Miami Uszata
Ulat - Airsoft Player
SGR MAPA Team
Kraken Group
Śnieżna Pantera
Lone Wolves Team
Michał Górny
Scrap Division airsoft & shooting team
Company of Brothers Żory
Górska Grupa Zwiadowczo Szturmowa
16AAB Bielsko-Biała
RQS Team
P.R.O "Polscy Rycerze Ortalionu" ASG Team
Utopki
Airsoft Team Poland
And many others, including WMASG.com - media patron of MARSH 5.
Photo: Olga Gałecka (Okiem Obiektywu Airsoft & Military Photographer)
All photos published in the article courtesy of MARSH Airsoft Events. They were made by:
Warlens
Olga Gałecka (Okiem Obiektywu Airsoft & Military Photographer)
Alicja (MARSH Airsoft Events)
Maciej "Red" Mazurkiewicz
