Volkswagen Prague Marathon

volkswagen Prague Marathon May 5, 2019 ALL RUNNERS ARE BEAUTIFUL

content 1–9 Introduction

10–31 25th Volksawagen Prague Marathon

32–40 RunCzech projects

all runners are beautiful “All Runners Are Beautiful” is our way of welcoming everyone —and we do mean everyone— to the wonderful world of running. To a world of fitness and fun and friendship. This is an homage to everyone who cares enough about themselves to lace up a pair of running shoes and commit to making themselves a little bit better. That’s what victory is, in our minds. Not winning, necessarily. But doing. And enjoying. “All Runners Are Beautiful” is also a testament to how we feel about running. About the sport itself.

It is pure. It is life-restoring. It can be social or meditative. It can be a personal challenge or a slow jog through the woods on an autumn morning. Running is a joy. That’s the message here. And everyone who’s willing to participate in this perfect, beautiful sport —young, old, big, slim, fast, or slow— is welcomed. Is loved. Is beautiful.

welcome address Dear Volkswagen Prague Marathon participants, dear runners, on behalf of the capital city, a warm and sincere welcome to Prague – the city is waiting for thousands of runners to descend on its streets ready to soak up the atmosphere and put their training efforts to the test.

I wish all the best to marathon participants. Above all, may you all celebrate your own efforts, be blessed with fine weather and spared any injuries, of course. I’d like also to take this opportunity to wish the Volkswagen Prague Marathon a further twenty-five successful years ahead and to thank the organizers for representing our city at home and internationally so remarkably.

Enjoy the race and the city’s atmosphere.

Zdeněk Hřib Prague City Mayor

My dear runners and friends, I love looking back on the time my close friend Gelindo Bordin and I sat down for a beer which led us to the idea of holding a marathon in Prague. The legendary Czech marathon runner Emil Zátopek was also keen on getting involved.

Today I’m delighted to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of this race. The Volkswagen Prague Marathon really showcases the efforts of the RunCzech team. It is all down to the work of dozens of amazing individuals and it’s fair to say that the biggest reward for this comes on witnessing thousands of amateur runners gathered at the start line.

The Volkswagen Marathon weekend is also open to families with children and even dogs.

May you enjoy it to the full and really savour every moment of this jubilee event.

Carlo Capalbo President of the RunCzech Organizing Committee – Chairman of the IAAF Road Running Commission

volkswagen Prague Marathon 2019 | 4

Hello all Praguers and visitors to the city!

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all runners a wonderful race experience. You will be running against the unique backdrop of our wonderful historical city centre as well as through other Prague districts which I expect will only enhance your sporting experience.

I’m delighted to see Prague 1 host such a varied event. Sharing the space with us today we will find athletes, culture aficionados, families with children as well as conference delegates −and they are all welcome. Simply put, Prague accommodates everyone and that’s the way it should be.

I’d also like to extend my thanks to all the local residents for their helpfulness and understanding without which we wouldn’t be able to hold such events.

Happy (sporting) Sunday everyone!

Pavel Čižinský Mayor of Prague 1

Dear fans of sport and running, on behalf of the entire team at Volkswagen, it is a great honour for me to welcome you to the start line of the 25th Volkswagen Prague Marathon. Over the past quarter of a century, the organizers have turned this race into one of the biggest running events in the Czech Republic, the success of which has spread well beyond our national borders.

Volkswagen has been supporting the Prague Marathon as title partner for over 15 years, also conveying our passion for longdistance running with our special discounted Marathon Edition models. From start to finish, all runners will be accompanied by our flagship, luxury Volkswagen SUV Touareg which you also have the opportunity to check out in person at our Expo stand.

I hope you thoroughly enjoy this special 2019 jubilee Volkswagen Prague Marathon weekend!

Jiří Štoček Volkswagen Passenger Cars Head of Division At Porsche Česká republika

Emil Zátopek The Czech legend.

One of the greatest, most extraordinary runners and Olympic heroes of all time. On the track, his running made him a legend; off it, his charisma and humanity made him a hero. No runner has generated myth like Emil Zatopek. He set 18 world records. He won five Olympic medals, three of them during the Helsinki Olympic Games 1952. For 5,000 m, 10,000 m and the marathon. No runner managed to do it!

He redefined the boundaries of endurance, training in Army boots, in snow, in sand, in darkness. But his toughness was also matched by a strong spirit of friendship that cost him a heavy price sometimes…

Emil Zátopek helped found the Prague marathon 25 years ago, being a great supporter of the race until his last days.

Thank you for everything, Emil!

“If you want to win something, run a mile.

If you want to experience a new life, run a marathon.” – Emil Zátopek

5 | volkswagen prague marathon 2019

history

1995 The first marathon runs through streets of Prague. 958 runners line up at the starting gate. 15 000 come to cheer them on, and stay for the accompanying events!

1996 A new race is added to the marathon – the Gold 10 km for elite runners.

1998 The course moves from Zbraslav to the city center. And for the first time, the Volkswagen Prague Marathon crosses the Charles Bridge.

2000 A year after breaking a world record in 2:06:05, Brazilian elite marathon runner Ronaldo Da Costa heads to Prague where he is outrun by Kenyan Simon Chemoiywo.

2002 The first in-line skate race takes place the evening before the marathon and is attended by 530 skaters.

2004 Róbert Štefko’s third place win in the Prague Marathon in 2:12:33 secures him a nomination to the Olympic games in Athens.

1997 The Junior Marathon students‘ relay kicks off for the first time, with the support of the European Commission. The Gold 10 km is renamed, Grand Prix. The number of marathon participants doubles to 1 848 runners.

1999 A half marathon is added to the marathon and Grand Prix. The debut of the Marathon Music Festival sets the atmosphere for the race day.

2001 The running legend Haile Gebrselassie wins the Birell Prague Grand Prix. The new women’s marathon record is set by Maura Viceconte from Italy (2:26:33).

2003 The Volkswagen Prague Marathon is started by Václav Klaus, the president of the Czech Republic. The Birell Prague Grand Prix is now open to the public.

2006 The number of participants in the Volkswagen Prague Marathon is exceeded by the number of Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon runners for the first time.

2007 The Marathon Sport Expo with over 30 000 visitors becomes the largest sports fair in the country.

institutional Partner

title partner

volkswagen prague marathon 2019 | 6

main partners

2005 The biggest star of the Birell Prague Grand Prix is Stefano Baldini, the champion of the Athens Olympics.

2008 The Men’s 10K Race, as a part of the Birell Prague Grand Prix, is awarded the IAAF Road Race Silver Label.

2010 We host our first race outside of Prague – the Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon. The Volkswagen Prague Marathon is awarded the IAAF Road Race Gold Label.

2009 The Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon is the first of our races to receive the IAAF Road Race Gold Label.

2011 After Olomouc, Ústí nad Labem is added as a second half marathon outside of Prague. The first Gold PIM Kings, who ran all 15 editions of Volkswagen Prague Marathon, are announced.

2012 With a time of 58:47 at the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon, Atsedu Tsegay becomes the fourth fastest man ever. With the introduction of another half marathon, this time in České Budějovice, a new brand is created called RunCzech comprising all the races in the Czech Republic. Jan Kreisinger, with a time of 2:16:25, secured a nomination for the London Olympics.

2013 A brand new RunCzech headquarters called the Running Mall is opened in Prague’s Letná district. RunCzech Running League expands to include Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon.

2015 The half marathons in Olomouc and Ústí nad Labem are awarded the IAAF Road Race Gold Label.

2014 The Volkswagen Prague Marathon celebrates its 20 year anniversary; the race is at full capacity by the beginning of the year. Prague completes its collection of Gold Labels as the Birell Prague Grand Prix is also awarded the IAAF Road Race Gold Label.

2016 Eva Vrabcová finished the Volkswagen Prague Marathon in 2:30:10 and beat the Czech record previously held by Alena Peterková since 2000 by 58 seconds. Her performance secured Vrabcová a spot for the Rio Olympics. The RunCzech team starts to work on two races in Italy – Napoli City Half Marathon and Sorrento Positano.

2017 Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei, a member of the RunCzech Racing team, broke the world half marathon record as well as the 10km, 15km and 20km marks at the Volkswagen Prague Half Marathon on the way to winning the race in 1:04:52. Jepkosgei continued Prague stellar performance in September at the Prague Grand Prix where she bettered her 10 km world record to 29:43. A total of 9 event records and 4 Czech records were broken at RunCzech events in 2017.

2019 We are celebrating the 25th Volkswagen Prague Marathon! Each participant will get an adidas running jacket and in the Marathon Expo will be launched the brand new All runners are beautiful clothing collection.

2018 Eva Vrabcová Nývltová won the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon among Czech women.

With the time 1:11:01 she broke the record that had endured for 24-years. RunCzech kicked off EuroHeroes project, designed to support European Athletics and search for new local heroes like Zátopek. Also, Liberec Nature Run had its first edition.

7 | volkswagen prague marathon 2019

42 reasons why to run A marathon Everyone has a reason to run a marathon. We have asked our runners why they want to run 42,195 km.

Run over the Charles Bridge

Amazing atmosphere at the start

Three and half hours offline

Because it's the 25th anniversary.

I want to finally experience the feeling in the finish.

It will be lots of fun

To have a better taste for beer

It's a challenge

To prove that I can

Official partners

volkswagen prague marathon 2019 | 8

Overcome myself

Amazing race atmosfere

I want experience the feeling of being not able to walk the next day

Few hours without children!

To experience something new

Reason to travel to Prague from Canada

Is it a reason to train

Nice finish medal

Overcome myself

That beautiful jacket

I will be 42 years old

I promised myself to complete a marathon within three years since I started running.

I run for prize money

Just because...

Because it's a “wet t-shirts party”

Someone told me I am too old for a marathon

I want to be a RunCzech star

My wife got a medal from her grandpa, so I'll bring one for my son

Because there is no better race

Because I have it for free

I love running in Prague

Because all runners are beautiful

When I recall the previous ones, I want to run again

To run together with elite runners

I missed the halfmarathon

To chat with other runners Get tanned

I want to break my personal best

To meet the same crazy runners as I am

To make my daughter feel proud of me

It was a gift for my 50th birthday

Because I didn't miss any marathon in Prague since 2003

Because the RunCzech volunteers are the best.

9 | volkswagen prague marathon 2019

Race information

R

Volkswagen Prague Marathon May 5 – Start 9 am Start & Finish: Old Town Square

25th

Title partner Volkswagen

edition

IAAF label: GOLD (IAAF Road Race Gold Label)

Length:

42,195 km

Capacity

Time limit

10 600

7 hours

runners

8:50 am – 11:20 am Live at ČT Sport See the list of TVs broadcasting abroad at www.runczech.com

Event records Eliud Kiptanui Valary Aiyabei

Marathon world records KEN 2:05:39 2010 KEN 2:21:52 2017

Eliud Kipchoge Paula Radcliffe

KEN 2:01:39 Berlin UK 2:15:25 London

Czech event records

Czech national records

Róbert Štefko 2:12:35 2004 Eva Vrabcová Nývltová 2:30:10 2016

Karel David 2:11:57 Hamburg 1997 Eva Vrabcová Nývltová 2:26:31 Berlin 2018

2018 2003

Race day program 7:30 Opening of technical area 9:00 Start of the race 11:05 – 11:08 Expected finish of the first man

11:23 – 11:26 Expected finish of the first woman 11:25 – 12:10 Award ceremony

12:20 After-race press conference 16:00 End of the race

Klárov ná bře ží E dv ard aB en eše

Hybernská

h ý tr ocn Ov

ě op Přík Na

stí mě ná

Smetanovo nábře ží

é vsk cla Vá

14

Jungmannovo náměstí

é vsk cla Vá

dní Náro

stí mě ná

most Legií

Zborovská

osvěžovací stanice sponges point

seřadiště line-up

Marathon Expo první pomoc first aid

toalety toilets

významné památky important monuments

Start/Cíl | Start/Finish: Staroměstské náměstí / Old Town Square Technické zázemí | Technical area: Václavské náměstí / Wenceslas Square Seřadiště | Line-Up: Celetná

26

Trasa závodu | List of streets Staroměstské náměstí » Pařížská » Čechův most » Nábřeží Edvarda Beneše (1 km) » Klárov » Valdštejnská » Tomášská (2 km) » Malostranské náměstí » Mostecká » Karlův most » Křižovnické náměstí » Křižovnická (3 km) » Náměstí Jana Palacha » Mánesův most » Kosárkovo nábřeží » U Plovárny » Nábřeží Edvarda Beneše (4 km) » podběh Štefánikova mostu » (5 km) Nábř. kapitána Jaroše » (6 km) Bubenské nábřeží » Komunardů » Jateční (7 km) » Jankovcova » Libeňský most (8 km) » Štorchova » Voctářova (9 km) » Rohanské nábř. (10 km) » Těšnovský tunel (11 km) » Nábř. Ludvíka Svobody » Dvořákovo nábřeží (12 km) » náměstí Curieových » Pařížská » Staroměstské náměstí » Celetná (13 km) » Prašná brána » Na Příkopě » Můstek » 28. října (14 km) » Národní » Masarykovo nábřeží (15 km) » Jiráskovo nám. » Jiráskův most » Dienzenhoferovy sady » Zborovská » Lidická (16 km) » Palackého most » Palackého náměstí » Rašínovo nábř. (17 km) » Svobodova » Na Slupi » Sekaninova (18 km) » Jaromírova

25 30 17

ova Svobod

pi Slu Na

nábřeží Rašínovo

Hořejší nábřeží

technické zázemí technical area

Birell Music Point

t Palackého mos

20

Sekaninova

Ostrčilovo náměstí

18

Jaromírova

Strakonická

19

24 29

Podolsk é nábře ží

21

28

km

Modřa nská

Podo lské ná břeží

23

RunCzech App 22

Jerem enkova

(19 km) » Na Slupi » Svobodova » Rašínovo nábřeží (20 km) » Vyšehradský tunel » Podolské nábř. (21 km, 21,0975 km, (22 km) » otočka / turn point » Podolské nábř. (23 km, 24 km) » Vyšehradský tunel » Rašínovo náb. (25 km) » Palackého most » Lidická » Svornosti (26 km) » Strakonická (27 km, 28 km) » otočka / turn point » Strakonická (29 km) » Hořejší nábř. (30 km) » Nábřežní » Janáčkovo nábř. (31 km) » Most legií » Smetanovo nábř. (32 km) » Křižovnická » náměstí Jana Palacha » Mánesův most » Kosárkovo nábřeží (33 km) » náb. Edvarda Beneše » podběh Čechova mostu » náb.

Edvarda Beneše (34 km) » podběh Štefánikova mostu » Nábř. kapitána Jaroše (35 km) » Bubenské nábřeží » Komunardů (36 km) » Jateční » Jankovcova » Libeňský most (37 km) » Štorchova » Voctářova (38 km) » Rohanské nábř. (39 km, 40 km) » Těšnovský tunel » Nábř.

Ludvíka Svobody » Dvořákovo nábřeží (41 km) » náměstí Curieových » Pařížská (42 km) » Staroměstské náměstí.

21.0975

Strakonická

Svornosti

občerstvovací stanice refreshment point

METRO (A - B - C)

16

Svornosti

start / cíl start / finish

km vzdálenost km distance

15

t Jiráskův mos

27

trasa závodu a směr závodu race course and race direction

předávací místo 2Run 2run exchange

ží Masarykovo nábře

31

Voct ářova

10

13 Celetná

Že lez ná

32

Janáčkovo nábřeží

l Těšnovský tune

11

Staroměstské náměstí

Křižovnické náměstí

Vítězná

40

42

Křižovn ická

Karlův mo st

9

39 í nábřež nské Roha

12

Kap rova

3

Mostecká

38 í řež náb ké ans Roh

35

še Jaro itána ží Kap nábře

y nábřeží Ludvíka Svobod

36

Bubenské nábřeží

ská Paříž

17. listo padu

Tomášská

náměstí Jana Palacha

6

Strossmayerovo náměstí

Hlávkův most

Mánes ův mos t

34 41

Dvořákovo nábřeží

í řež áb on kov ořá Dv

33

Malostranské náměstí

2

ost ův m Čech

Valdštejnské náměstí

ny ovár U pl

ká jns šte Vald

neše varda Be nábřeží Ed

t Štefánikův mos

4

Jankovcova

5

Dukelských hrdinů

Milady Horákov é

Letenské sady

1

7

Štorc hov a

37

Jateční

Komunardů

Letenské náměstí

8

Libeňský most

Jankovcova

ní Veletrž

Františka Křížka

Race map

Průmyslový palác Holešovice

Stromovka

Předpokládaný čas prvního a posledního běžce (časový limit) Estimated time of the first and the last runner (cutoff time)

1

09:03 / 09:17

12

09:36 / 11:04

23

10:08 / 12:52

34

10:41 / 14:40

2

09:06 / 09:27

13

09:39 / 11:14

24

10:11 / 13:02

35

10:44 / 14:50

3

09:09 / 09:36

14

09:42 / 11:24

25

10:14 / 13:12

36

10:47 / 14:59

4

09:12 / 09:46

15

09:45 / 11:34

26

10:17 / 13:21

37

10:50 / 15:09

5

09:15 / 09:56

16

09:48 / 11:44

27

10:20 / 13:31

38

10:53 / 15:19

6

09:18 / 10:06

17

09:51 / 11:53

28

10:23 / 13:41

39

10:56 / 15:29

7

09:21 / 10:16

18

09:54 / 12:03

29

10:26 / 13:51

40

10:59 / 15:39

8

09:24 / 10:25

19

09:57 / 12:13

30

10:29 / 14:01

41

11:02 / 15:48

9

09:27 / 10:35

20

09:59 / 12:23

31

10:32 / 14:10

42

11:05 / 15:58

10

09:30 / 10:45

21

10:03 / 12:33

32

10:35 / 14:20

11

09:33 / 10:55

22

10:05 / 12:42

33

10:38 / 14:30

11 | volkswagen Prague Marathon 2019

Along the course of the Volkswagen Prague Marathon with the Pacemakers Three, two, one. The start gun is sounded sending more than ten thousand runners off on the marathon course in the City of a Hundred Spires – Prague. The long and never-ending snake of runners gradually picks up pace moving from Old Town Square to Charles Bridge which is exceptionally reserved for the exclusive use of runners for the day. Runners deserve a few privileges every now and again too, you know!

The long series of one embankment to the other takes us all the way to Libeň Bridge which has become a symbol for the Prague races and which runners get to enjoy two times in total. The first one tends to be pretty easy-going, in the same way as we smile running through Pařížská Street. Before giving it over to the enthusiastic crowd of cheering onlookers, we pass by another Czech gem – the National Theatre. There’s a clear road ahead leading towards the Vršovice district. We breathe a sigh of relief as we pass under Nuselský Bridge – we’re almost half way in. Ready to take on the second half at Podolí, we’re greeted by a presenter who somehow manages to wish every runner the best of luck. In no time we’re

steaming through Strakonická. We look on impatiently, willing on the volte-face ahead which is to bring us back to the centre. It seems to take forever, but at last we’re turning around. Hoorah!

At Smetana Embankment we pass a large white sign telling us we’re at the 32 km mark. “Only ten kilometres left” we whisper to ourselves. With wobbly legs and panting like a dog, we know that our belief and determination will take us to the finish now. Over Libeň Bridge we go once again, our smile a little forced by this point, but still we know only five more to go. We can quite literally see the light at the end of the tunnel as we head into Těšnov Tunnel. From a distance we hear the presenter talking at the finish line, before we know it our legs will be crossing that blue carpet too. 195 seemingly endless metres and we’re there. We did it again. You’ve successfully completed the marathon. And you have a beautiful medal to prove it. The second of a total of eight to collect. What an effort, but as always well worth it. Roll on next year.

Jirka, chief Pacemaker

pacemakers for volkswagen prague marathon: 3:15

3:30

Corridor C Vojtěch Knespl Mirek Touška

4:00

3:45

Corridor E Jan Mareček Jiří Fix

4:15

Corridor H Karel Kodr Libor Ondrůšek Adéla Blahovcová 5:00

4:30

Corridor J Anna Nosilová Pavla Kratochvílová Helena McAlorum ALTERNATES

Corridor L Jiří Mašek Jitka Faronová

volkswagen prague marathon 2019 | 12

Corridor G František Míček Jekatěrina Zanozina

Petr Macek Linda Rechtoríková

Corridor K Pavel Čvančara Tereza Mašková

Anniversary medals?

From Charles Bridge to the Vltava 1995 – 1ST edition

We’ve made it into the world! It’s the first race year and what an amazing experience to cross the finish line. The medal depicts a shiny panoramic view of Charles Bridge. A memory to last a lifetime for the 958 runners taking part.

1999 – 5th anniversary

A playful trophy to mark the first small marathon anniversary featuring the typical backdrop and music is introduced for the first time to help all the avid amateur runners keep going.

2004 – 10th anniversary

2009 – 15th anniversary

Runners are awarded with square-shaped medals for the first time in the race’s history. Róbert Štefko, who has just qualified to the Athens Olympics, is sure to look back on this with great fondness one day…. and it also bears an uncanny resemblance to the 2004 Olympic medal.

A glittering, modern look which sees Prague Castle take over from Charles Bridge. Race winner Patrick Ivuti makes this an extra special medal by breaking the course record, while the race organisers delight at acquiring IAAF Gold Label for the race.

2019 – 25th Anniversary 2014 – 20 anniversary th

That year’s medal was done in a form of a water drop. Simple but at the same time massive, proving the efforts that runners perform to reach the finish.

Can you hear the symphonic poem Vltava?

Smetana’s renowned gem has always accompanied runners at the starts of RunCzech races and this year it will also be reflected on the medal. Because this year’s race will also be a gem.

PARtNERS

13 | volkswagen Prague Marathon 2019

service for runners

dm family run Don’t miss out on the chance to run the dm family run being held at Výstaviště on Saturday, plus stop their stand – they print out all the photos for you there with the hashtag #dmfamilyrun. Why not also get on the treadmill and contribute to providing schools with sports equipment?

Volkswagen tent On race day Volkswagen will be serving homemade lemonade, coffee and tea. Also if you’re looking for a discount on a new vehicle, make sure to stop by!

Waving camera Check out our camera on the course which will be broadcasting live recordings onto the RunCzech website. So make sure to tell your nearest and dearest and give them all a wave back home!

pace wristbands and tape Owing to this year’s special celebrations, Sportisimo will be giving all participants pace armbands and also tape up any painful areas in the technical area. adidas jackets as a gift All runners taking part in the Volkswagen Prague Marathon will receive an adidas running jacket as a gift.

patrons

volkswagen Prague Marathon 2019 | 14

adidas event collection adidas has created an event collection, this time in collaboration with Eliška Podzimková and her project Plešouni (Baldies). The t-shirts will be on sale at the Marathon Expo as well as on the square on race day.

Free transport All runners will be able to access public transport free of charge on race day. All you need to do is present your start number.

Watch discounts and O2 TV While at the Marathon Expo and on race day, make sure to stop by the O2 Guru tent and pick

up a 20% discount on all running accessories such as sports Bluetooth headphones and armbands for your phone. You can also snatch a 30% discount on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active and the Samsung Galaxy Watch. All runners can also collect a voucher to watch O2 TV free of charge for one month.

Lost & found Lost something in the start area or on the course? Try checking if it’s been dropped off at GEFCO Lost & Found - special vans located on Old Town square which will be collecting all lost property.

Komwag Stop by Komwag cars in front of the Marathon Expo to update your knowledge on the themes of ecology and the environment.

Post performance shower You can look forward to a nice post-race shower in the Hansgrohe truck in the technical area. Just don’t forget to take a towel.

Refreshments on the course Mattoni is putting together product tastings for visitors to the Marathon Expo. Runners also have the chance to pick up Mattoni water at all the refreshment and refreshening up stands on the race course.

Diploma delivered to your home address Our partner DoDo will deliver your diploma to any address in Prague. a sweet treat Participants and fans alike can look forward to sampling ice-cream at the UniCredit bank stand situated close to the start.

Beer at the finish line Every runner knows that beer tastes best at the finish. And this year you can sample a refreshing non-alcoholic version from the Birell brand as you cross the finish. All fans of healthy and active lifestyle will appreciate that it is brewed exclusively using natural ingredients without preservatives and artificial colourings. Also on the course runners can look forward to taking a Birell shower!

Fruit from Kaufland Sample Kaufland’s fresh fruit blended into delicious smoothies at the Marathon Expo.

On the course runners will have the chance to stock up on much needed energy with fresh bananas and oranges. At the Kaufland stand on the square you can also rest your legs by having a go on a handbike (all for

a good cause) as well as making your own apple juice at our special juice factory.

Generali children’s world tent If you’re planning on bringing your kids to the square, then make sure to stop by the Generali tent and their children’s world.

Bina natural sports care Every sports performance incurs strain on the body. But with proper care injuries can be prevented and you can even improve your performance. High quality regeneration means you can return to action faster – so why not come and try it out in front of Bina natural sports care in the technical area.

Flight to Istanbul Head to the Turkish Airlines stand and you might just win a flight to Istanbul.

INSTAGRAF Stop by the RunCzech stand in the middle hall in the Marathon Expo – Instagraf will print all the photos shared under the official hashtag #PragueMarathon. You can also have your photo taken here and the hostesses will print the photos out for you even if you don’t have Instagram.

Info for runners Do you need help? Did you get lost? You will get all your answers at the Info Point run by Seznam.cz at the Old Town Square.

Barilla pasta party Come for lunch at the Marathon Expo on Saturday – and be part of the Barilla pasta party at 12:30 pm You’ll be able to purchase tickets at the venue.

Up-to-date information Tune into to Radiožurnál and get the most up-to-date information from the Volkswagen Prague Marathon! On Saturday you can listen to a special broadcast on Radio Junior, while Sunday will feature a live broadcast from the heart of the action on Old Town Square. finish photos Order your photos online. They will be Available approx. three days after the race at www.marathon-photos.com.

15 | volkswagen Prague Marathon 2019

Marathon expo Opening hours

Průmyslový palác Holešovice

Stromovka

thursday, May 2, 12:00 - 20:00 friday, may 3, 10:00 - 20:00 saturday, may 4, 10:00 - 20:00

žní Veletr

Františka Křížka

Letenské náměstí

Klárov ná bře ží E dv ard aB en eše

náměstí Jana Palacha

Malostranské náměstí

ká Pařížs

Mánes ův mos t

Kap rova

Mosteck á

Staroměstské náměstí

Celetná

Křižov nická

Karlův mo st

Hybernská

Že lez ná h ý tr ocn Ov

Křižovnické náměstí

stí mě ná

Jungmannovo náměstí

é vsk cla Vá

Smetanovo nábř eží

ě op Přík Na

é vsk cla Vá

dní Náro

ží Masarykovo nábře

Janáčkovo nábřeží

stí mě ná

most Legií

Vítězná

dy nábřeží Ludvíka Svobo

í řež áb on kov ořá Dv

17. listo padu

Tomášská

Dvořákovo nábřeží

Zborovská

st Jiráskův mo

nábřeží Rašínovo

Svornosti

Hořejší nábřeží

Sekaninova

Ostrčilovo náměstí

ká Strakonic

42K · 10K

ova Svobod

pi Slu Na

27 OCTOBER 2019

Svornosti

st Palackého mo

nábřež í

#RunningVenice huaweivenicemarathon.it

Jaromírova

l Těšnovský tune

Bubenské nábřeží

Hlávkův most

st Štefánikův mo

Valdštejnské náměstí

ost ův m Čech

complete program and more at www.runczech.com

neše varda Be nábřeží Ed

ká jns šte Vald

Strossmayerovo náměstí

še a Jaro pitán ží Ka nábře

Letenské sady

ny ovár U pl

• barilla pasta party saturday 12:30 • get a signature card from elite athletes • pre-race run with mattoni freerun • course presentation • runczech pacemakers • running mall coaches

Dukelských hrdinů

Milady Horáko vé

accompanying program

Naučte se běhat pohybově správně, přirozeně a zdravě

www.sportisimo.cz

www.facebook.com/sportisimorun

Kompletně se vybavte v našich 101 prodejnách a na eshopu.

Prodejny s rozšířeným běžeckým sortimentem: České Budějovice – OC Géčko | Praha – OC Eden | Plzeň – OC Berounka Třinec – OC Tesco | Liberec – OC Géčko

www.sportisimo.cz/behame SPORTISIMO je hrdý partner seriálu běžeckých závodů RunCzech.

music festival

You can leave your headphones at home. There will be lots of music along the course to cheer you up!

List of bands:

- PBJ - Cukr - Backdoorman - Silent Scream (VONDY) - Pale Blue Something - Frekvence Praha - Doors Tribute Bandem - Falcone - Five Sins - Harmonikรกล Libor - Roman Roland - Rehab - Hamm Jazz - 13PM - Kris Kros

F LY

ALONG ITS STREETS And Valencia will give you one of the best marathons in the world World’s top 10 marathons

Women’s and men’s records on Spanish course

Spain’s fastest marathon

01-Dec Register in maratonvalencia.com

M_2019_adaptación_210x140mm+5mm_ENG.indd 1

10/4/19 18:56

Visit a výstava like a Czech The DOX center of arts and culture is a bottomless source of inspiration (and coffee). Don’t miss the opportunity to visit a výstava (exhibition) of contemporary arts by Czech and international artists in the trendy Prague district of Holešovice.

Enjoy the Czech Republic like a Czech.

VYCHUTNEJTE SI NEBE NA ZEMI visitczechrepublic.com #visitczechrepublic

Prague DOX – Centre for Contemporary Art

JEDINEČNÝ VÝHLED NA PRAHU • STŘEŠNÍ TERASY PULZUJÍCÍ ATMOSFÉRA • ORIGINÁLNÍ KOKTEJLY • TRENDY POKRMY HILTON PRAGUE • POBŘEŽNÍ 1, 186 00 PRAGUE 8 • T 224 842 999 INFO@CLOUD9.CZ • CLOUD9.CZ

dm family day Výstaviště Holešovice, May 4, 2019 To compete in the Volkswagen Prague Marathon demands a certain level of training. But there is another way to pick up a medal if you’ve not quite managed to fit it in. The dm family run is open to all the family – from kids in pushchairs to active senior citizens. You can also easily walk the threekilometre distance within the hour limit. Or try the Walk with dogs and invite your four-legged friends along.

1 pm – Walk with dogs As part of your start fee, you will get a race t-shirt and start number, while dogs can loo k forward to dog tags and refreshments on the course.

er, bag rt numb edals, ly run a i t s m , t a f ir dm ce t-sh ntion m 3 pm – get a ra ers, not to me nd and music l il w s r e ha tn All runn from our par rm-up before s a t if w g a , d an nts reshme m. plus ref nce at 3:45 p a perform

volkswagen Prague Marathon 2019 | 20

French Riviera

Marathon NICE-CANNES

Junior marathon championship The Junior Marathon Championship, organized by RunCzech

This relay-style competition welcomes thousands of students

since 1997, continues to be the biggest event for high school

every year, with each team comprised of 10 members. Each

students and their teachers.

member running 4.2 km. It’s an event that we hope will instill a lifelong love of running in young people. A desire to live a healthy lifestyle. For that reason, participation in the event is

Liberec Ústí nad Labem 12. 4.

16. 4.

Karlovy Vary 11. 4.

Plzeň 9. 4.

Praha Středočeský kraj 15. 4.

free. Finale is held as a part of the Volkswagen Prague Marathon where the students start next to the elite runners – this year we Hradec Králové 17. 4.

will welcome 35 teams.

Pardubice 1. 4.

Olomouc

Jihlava 10. 4.

České Budějovice 2. 4.

volkswagen Prague Marathon 2019 | 22

25. 4.

Brno 23. 4.

Ostrava 26. 4.

Zlín 24. 4.

where to cheer up the runners along the course?

Old Town square This is where the magic happens. The start and finish area – the best place to watch how the runners begin their journey and to see the flood of emotions after they make it. Also, here you will find the partners’ stands and their offers – refreshment, sportswear and competitions for big and small ones.

Behind the Svatopluk Čech Bridge Under the Letná gardens you will be able to see the runners three times. You can enjoy their high fives and also dance to the rhythm of Marathon Music Festival.

Strakonická street The marathon runners say that this is the most difficult part. No sightseeing, less fans. What about making a funny sign and come here to support and cheer them up?

Do you want to know when your beloved one will be nearby?

Download the RunCzech App and follow him or her on the course – live tracking will be available on the race day. You can download the app for free on Google Play or in App Store.

10•13•19 On Sunday, October 13, we invite you to discover Chicago. There are a limited number of entries still available through the International Tour Group Program.

Learn more at chicagomarathon.com

List of winners

Volkswagen Prague Marathon (1995 – 2018)

MEN 1995 Tummo Turbo 1996 William Musyoki 1997 John Kagwe 1998 Elijah Lagat 1999 Eliud Keiring 2000 Simon Chemoiywo 2001 Andrew Sambu 2002 Henry Tarus 2003 Willy Cheruiyot 2004 Barnabas Koech 2005 Steven Cheptot 2006 Mubarak Hassan Shami 2007 Ornelas Helder 2008 Kenneth M. Mungara 2009 Patrick Ivuti 2010 Eliud Kiptanui 2011 Benson K.Barus 2012 Deressa Chimsa 2013 Nicholas Kemboi 2014 Patrick Kipyegon 2015 Felix Kipchirchir Kandie 2016 Lawrence Cherono 2017 Gebretsadik Abraha 2018 Galen Rupp

volkswagen Prague Marathon 2019 | 24

women (ETH) (KEN) (KEN) (KEN) (KEN) (KEN) (TAN) (KEN) (KEN) (KEN) (KEN) (QAT) (POR) (KEN) (KEN) (KEN) (KEN) (ETH) (QAT) (KEN) (KEN) (KEN) (ETH) (USA)

2:12:44 2:12:21 2:09:07 2:08:52 2:11:19 2:10:35 2:10:14 2:11:41 2:11:56 2:12:15 2:10:42 2:11:11 2:11:49 2:11:06 2:07:48 2:05:39 2:07:07 2:06:25 2:08:51 2:08:07 2:08:32 2:07:24 2:08:47 2:06:07

1995 Svetlana Tkach (UKR) 2:39:33 1996 Elena Vinickaya (BLR) 2:37:33 1997 Elena Vinickaya (BLR) 2:32:58 1998 Elena Vinickaya (BLR) 2:34:25 1999 Franca Fiacconi (ITA) 2:28:33 2000 Alina Ivanova (RUS) 2:27:42 2001 Maura Viceconte (ITA) 2:26:33 2002 Alventina Ivanova (RUS) 2:32:24 2003 Anne Jelagat Kibor (KEN) 2:31:10 2004 Leila Aman (ETH) 2:31:49 2005 Salina Jebet Kosgei (KEN) 2:28:42 2006 Alina Ivanova (RUS) 2:29:20 2007 Nailya Yulamanova (RUS) 2:33:10 2008 Nailya Yulamanova (RUS) 2:31:43 2009 Olga Glok (RUS) 2:28:27 2010 Helena Kirop (KEN) 2:25:29 2011 Lydia Cheromei (KEN) 2:22:34 2012 Agnes Kiprop (KEN) 2:25:41 2013 Caroline Rotich (KEN) 2:27:00 2014 Dado Firehiwot (ETH) 2:23:34 2015 Yebrgual Melese (ETH) 2:23:49 2016 Lucy Karimi (KEN) 2:24:46 2017 Valary Jemeli Aiyabei (KEN) 2:21:57 2018 Bornes Jepkirui Kitur (KEN) 2:24:19

RunCzech looks forward to a battle at its 25th anniversary of the Volkswagen Prague Marathon

Get ready to extend a warm welcome to a whole host of top international runners, plus the crème de la crème of European and local talent. On 5th of May they will, of course, also be joined on the course by ten thousand other recreational and performance runners all looking for a slice of the action.

Among top men will be a former junior African champion in the 5 and 10 kilometre distance, Moroccan runner El Mahjoub Dazz who recorded an impressive time of 2:05:26 in Valencia back in December.

Other top runners to watch out for include Amos Kipruto. He ran his last marathon in Berlin in 2:06:23, though has managed to push his absolute best down to 2 hours and 6 minutes.

twenty-ninth place position from last year’s Prague race. Running his Prague race premiere, meanwhile will be Spanish runner Hamid Ben Dauod who until now has mostly competed in his home country as well as Morocco and Turkey.

There is a strong start field among the women too. Kenyan runner Bornes Jepkirui Kitur has fond memories of Prague, having run her best professional performance (2:24:19), and she continues to rank among the favourites.

Further Kenyans also delivered impressive performances at the start of the year. Yego Solomon Kirwa, another hot race favourite and former winner of the Macau marathon and Paris marathon, Peter Kimeli Some that has scored times under 2:06, and Paul Maina with his personal best of 2:08:49 from Marrakech.

The top three women marathon runners are all at a similar level.

Naturalised Israeli runner Lonah Chemtai Salpeter, European Champion for 10,000 m, currently holds the title of sports woman of the year in her homeland and also is two seconds ahead of Kitur in terms of personal best times. American runner Kellyn Taylor Johnson will be bringing a similarly impressive result on record (from Duluth) – fingers crossed she’ll be able to shave even more off that time and keep up with the wonderfully prepared African runners.

Other top runners include the Kenyan athlete Bernard Kiprop Kipyego and the young Ethiopian runner Aychew Bantie. The 2012 London Olympics athlete will also be returning to Prague to enhance his

The true veteran in Prague however will be 41-year old Serbian runner Olivera Jevtić who has represented her country at five Olympic Games in a row, the last of which was in Rio de Janeiro.

partners

25 | volkswagen Prague Marathon 2019

start list – Elite athletes – men no.

Nationality

Name

Bib Name

Birth date

Personal best

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

BRN KEN KEN KEN ETH KEN ETH UKR ESP KEN ETH ERI ERI KEN KEN BDI ISR SVK LTH CZE CZE CZE USA CZE GRE SVK

Almahjoub Dazza Amos Kipruto Solomon Kirwa Yego Paul Muchemi Maina Dejene Debele Benard Kiprop Kipyego Aychew Bantie Oleksandr Sitkovskyy Hamid Ben Daoud Stephen Chebogut Dawit Wolde Yohannes Ghebregergis Goitom Kifle Edwin Kimutai Kiplagat Nicodemus Kipkurui Kimutai Onesphore Nzikwinkunda Girmaw Amare Tibor Sahajda Remigius Kancys Jiří Homoláč Vít Pavlišta David Vaš Thomas Rivers Puzey Petr Pechek Christoforos Merousis Boris Csiba

ALMAHJOUB AMOS SOLOMON PAUL DEJENE BENARD AYCHEW OLEKSANDR HAMID STEPHEN DAWIT YOHANES GOITOM EDWIN NICODEMUS ONESPHORE GIRMAW TIBOR REMIGIUS JIRKA VÍT DAVID THOMAS PETR CHRISTOFOROS BORIS

03.03.1991 16.09.1992 10.05.1987 26.08.1982 09.01.1995 01.06.1986 12.09.1995 09.06.1978 19.02.1996 09.01.1985 19.05.1991 01.01.1989 03.12.1993 19.02.1993 04.04.1994 08.07.1997 26.10.1987 18.12.1990 17.07.1987 25.02.1990 22.03.1985 16.10.1990 22.08.1984 11.04.1983 23.03.1982 17.08.1980

2:05:26 2:05:43 2:06:24 2:08:49 2:07:10 2:06:19 2:08:15 2:09:11 2:10:21 2:05:52 2:10:04 2:08:46

41 42 43 44 45 46

KEN KEN KEN KEN KEN KEN

Philip Kibungei Tarbei Shadrack Kiplagat William Waweru Wanjiku Benard Kiprotich Kosgei Bethwel Kipkemboi Rutto Stephen Kiplagat Busienei

PACE M 1 PACE M2 PACE M 3 PACE M 4 PACE M 5 PACE M 6

13.02.1994 12.12.1990 07.05.1995 01.09.1991 06.04.1993 02.11.1978

2:05:30 2:08:00 2:05:30 2:08:00 2:08:00

2:12:11 2:12:37 2:15:59 2::13:12 2:16:55 2:17:51 debut 2:18:20 2:18:28 2:19:00 2:26:57

Almahjoub Dazza

Amos Kipruto

Solomon Kirwa Yego

• He ran an outstanding time of 2:05:26 last year in Valencia and ranks among the fastest men to compete in Prague, at least on paper • He completed his first two marathons, in Daegu which wasn’t a huge success, and then in Valencia where he shaved three minutes off his time • He didn’t shine as brightly as other Moroccans during his junior years, yet at the 2009 Cross Country Youth Championship, he competed alongside current top athletic stars Sajf Sajd Shaheen and Moses Kibet

• He lives by the motto: Stay focused, stay strong and good things will come your way • He regularly keeps fans updated on his training regimen through his Twitter feed • He premiered on marathon courses in 2016, winning at his very first race in Rome • He ranks as last year’s second best runner of the season with a personal best time of 2:05:43 from Amsterdam

• So far he’s predominantly focused on half marathon courses where he boasts an outstanding personal best of 58:44, making him the third fastest half marathon runner in history • He ran his first marathon in 2011 in Italy, though Prague was his first big race back in 2016 • Accolades include winning the Roma-Ostia half marathon as well as the half marathon in Udine • He missed most of the 2013 season, but took part in the African Cross Country Championships one year later, picking up a team gold for Kenya

SPONSOR: adidas | Nationality: BAHRAIN

SPONSOR: adidas | Nationality: Kenya

SPONSOR: adidas | Nationality: Kenya

Oleksandr Sitkovskyy

Paul MAINA

Hamid BEN Daoud

• He finished second at Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon 2018 (1:05:37) being a part of the EuroHeroes project • He finished Turin Marathon in 2:10:17 thus managed to qualify for Olympic Games in Beijing 2020 • He participated in al RunCzech half marathons 2018

• His current best time of 2:11:22 hails from Münster in Germany back in 2017 • Some may be interested to learn that this runner ran a marathon in the Peruvian capital Lima five years ago • He ranks among veteran runners, having not competed in these seasons: 2013, 2015 and 2018

• He has proved his capacity to finish a marathon in 2:10:21, having achieved this feat at his home race in Valencia in 2018 • In preparation for the Volkswagen Prague Marathon, he took part in a 10 km race in the Moroccan city of Taroudant back in March, finishing fourth with a time of 28:07

SPONSOR: NIKE | Nationality: Ukraine

Nationality: Kenya

SPONSOR: NIKE | Nationality: SPAIN

Benard Kiprop Kipyego

Jiří Homoláč

Vít Pavlišta

• At just twenty one, he picked up a bronze medal at the World Cross Country Championships in the Kenyan city of Mombasa (2007) • He went on to take silver at the World Half Marathon Championships two years later • The thirty-two year old athlete’s personal best time currently stands at an impressive 2:06:19 recorded at a race in Amsterdam in 2015 • He previously ran half marathons too where he boasts a fantastic personal best of 59:10

• Currently the fastest Czech runner • He will continue to train alternately between Kenya and Europe, also having trained with Kenyan long-distance runners ahead of the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon • He comes with experience running all courses from the 1500 metre distance all the way to the marathon • Two-times Czech Republic champion in road distance runs • He sticks to the motto – believe in your dreams and run after them

• He lives and trains in Liberec • He’s quite a phenomenon among runners, capable of chasing elite athletes all while managing to hold down a regular job and train twice a day • Wearing a headband, he goes for a run at five-thirty in the morning and gets to the office at seven • Sometimes after work, he goes out running in Hrádek nad Nisou close to the Polish and German borders. He often jokes that he manages to be in three countries during one training session

SPONSOR: adidas | Nationality: Kenya

SPONSOR: adidas | Nationality: czech

Nationality: czech

start list – Elite athletes – women no.

Nationality

Name

Bib Name

Birth date

Personal best

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

KEN ISR USA BRN ETH ITA KEN USA KEN KEN KEN CAN SER LAT ITA BEL CZE CZE CZE USA IRL CZE

Bornes Jepkirui Kitur Lonah Chemtai Salpeter Kellyn Taylor Johnson Shitaye Eshete Genet Yalew Catherine Bertone Flomena Chepchirchir Chumba Diane Nukuri Diana Chemtai Kipyokei Lucy Cheruiyot Hellen Jepkurgat Leslie Sexton Olivera Jevtic Ilona Marhele Elisa Stefani Hanna Vandenbussche Petra Pastorová Ivana Sekýrova Tereza Ďurdiaková April Lund Dylan Hasset Eva Filipiová

BORNES LONAH KELLYN SHITAYE GENET CATHERINE FLOMENA DIANE DIANA LUCY HELLEN LESLIE OLIVERA ILONA ELISA HANNA PETRA IVANA TEREZA APRIL DYLAN EVA

23.11.1986 12.12.1988 22.07.1986 21.05.1990 31.12.1992 06.05.1972 01.12.1981 01.12.1984 05.05.1994 04.01.1997 21.02.1989 17.05.1987 24.07.1977 05.04.1986 04.05.1986 03.07.1987 06.01.1977 13.10.1971 20.02.1991 12.07.1982 19.05.1993 26.05.1986

2:24:19 2:24:17 2:24:29 2:24:51 2:27:46 2:28:34 2:23:00 2:27:50 debut debut 2:31:12 2:33:23 2:25:23 2:37:40 2:37:54 2:37:59 2:36:44 2:34:21 2:48:53 2:49:55 2:57:46 2:51:22

47 48 49 50 51

NED KEN SER ITA FRA

Emmanuel Kipkoech Biwott Pius Kipchirchir Barmao Kristian Stošič Gabriele Beltrami Jeremy Pignard

PACE W1 PACE W2 PACE W3 PACE W4 PACE W 5

25.1284 10.04.1992 24.05.1982 07.06.1974 09.08.1985

2:21:30 2:24:00

2:34:00

Bornes Jepkirui Kitur

• During her career to date she has already managed to bring home over 78 thousand dollars in prize money, mostly picked up over the past three years • She has won 7 races already • She has run a marathon this year in Osaka, where she finished in 2:26:01 • Her personal best of 2:24:19 was recorded at last year’s Volkswagen Prague Marathon, a race in which she also reigned supreme

SPONSOR: Nike | Nationality: Kenya

Shitaye Eshete

Lonah Chemtai Salpeter • Versatile athlete originally from Kenya who has accepted Israeli citizenship and already smashed some national records • She entered the history books in August 2018 as the first Israeli to pick up the European Champion title in the 10 000 metres track race during the European Championships • At the same event in the 5 km race, the runner made a tragic error, miscalculating the number of laps left and stopping one early thinking she had won. This made way for Dutch runner Sifan Hassan to snatch gold, leaving Salpeter devastated • Her personal best time of 2:24:17 hails from the Italian city of Florence (2018)

• She won the Pan American Cross Country Cup in 2015 with the US women’s team, while picking up silver in the individual race • The thirty-two year old athlete has won 118 thousand dollars for her efforts so far • She has 18 career wins under her belt at races of varying distances from the 5 kilometres to the marathon • Her best marathon performance on record is 2:24:29 from the US city, Duluth (2018)

Nationality: ISRAEL

SPONSOR: Nike | Nationality: USA

Genet Yalew

• Native Ethiopian runner currently racing for Bahrain • She picked up a bronze medal in the 10 km race at the 2010 Asian Games held in the Chinese city of Guangzhou • In 2011 she picked up bronze in the 5 km and silver in the 10 km at the Pan American Games • She ran her marathon best last year in Hamburg (2:24:51)

• She is Ethiopia’s national champion She holds one silver from the World Cross Country Championships • Her fastest marathon in 2018 was in Dubai (2:27:46) • In 2011 she began competing on the adult circuit, later moving onto the Diamond League in athletics

SPONSOR: adidas | Nationality: BAHRAIN

Nationality: ETHIOPIa

Olivera Jevtić

• She has appeared at 5 Olympic Games in a row In 1996 she was declared best young female athlete • She ran her best marathon in 2003 in Rotterdam (2:25:23) • She has represented three different countries - Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro Nationality: Serbia

Kellyn Taylor Johnson

Petra pastorová

Diane Nukuri • She hails from Burundi, and as of 2017 also holds a US passport • Following on from the Francophone Games in 2001, she flew to Toronto where she sought asylum from the civil war in Burundi, during which her father died • She has competed at three Olympic Games – in Sydney 2000 as a fifteen year old, in London 2012 as well as Rio 2016 She enhanced her own national record at the New York half marathon in 2013 • Her best time on the marathon course is 2:27:50 recorded in London back in 2015 SPONSOR: Asics | NATIONALITY: usa

• Last year’s national champion and fastest Czech woman of Volkswagen Prague Marathon 2018 • She reached her best results coached

by Alena Peterková • Her personal best for the marathon is 2:36:44 • She is running now mainly for fun

Nationality: czech

29 | volkswagen Prague Marathon 2019

Volkswagen celebrates 25 years of marathon in Prague A quarter of a century of marathon races in Prague – that is a long time! The race has the highest level, as shown by the prestigious IAAF Gold Label, which confirms firstclass facilities and great service for runners and spectators. The Volkswagen brand is also involved. Importer No. 1 on the Czech market supports not only the traditional Volkswagen Prague Marathon in May, but also the entire RunCzech running series as the title partner and the Prague International Marathon organization since 2003.

Volkswagen is associated with endurance runs of common value. Just remember the legendary Beetle with the famous advertising slogan "Er läuft und läuft und läuft…" (laufen = German run, work, ride). From the Beetle, the modern concept models - Golf, Passat, and Polo - took over the baton in the 1970s, and soon after their arrival on the market, they became, like their famous predecessor, the world's best sellers. Currently, they have been joined by other models in the popular MPV and SUV segments - especially Tiguan, Touareg and Touran. But even the new compact T-Roc has already attracted great customer feedback. And this year, Volkswagen will launch a new era of electric mobility with the first model of a large family of electric cars ID. with long range and affordable prices.

Just as Volkswagen is a "folk car", running is a "folk sport" without any special equipment. Just put on your shoes and you can run out. And after a long and thorough training, everyone can take the start of a marathon, such as the Volkswagen Prague Marathon, which will attract this year 10,600 runners - professional athletes and enthusiastic amateurs.

This year, the runners will lead the Volkswagen flagship - the luxury Touareg SUV - from start to finish. With this remarkable car, which combines extraordinary comfort and safety with exceptional versatility and robustness, you can also meet yourself personally at the Marathon Expo in the Volkswagen stand, where you are cordially invited throughout the Volkswagen Marathon Weekend. Special Maraton Edition models should not be missed, and you can show your passion for endurance running around. Even for all heirs of the legacy of the legendary Beetle, it is true that perseverance is in their blood.

volkswagen Prague Marathon 2019 | 30

31 | volkswagen Prague Marathon 2019

train with us in running mall running training sessions water bar and catering functional training and yoga first place to pay by plastic bottles Adidas running - Prague Marathon Store sport lounge FITNESS center workshops and seminars emil and dana zátopek's conference room massages special offers for companies

Energy at work. No time to visit us? No problem.

Our RunCzech coach can plan and organize running training for you and your employees in your area.

Active meeting. Organize the conference in our Running Mall and we will arrange everything from catering to a proffesional coach.

Františka Křížka 11, Praha 7 | TRAM stop Kamenická

JÍZDNÍ KOLO VÁM NA NAŠICH LETECH PŘEPRAVÍME ZDARMA

Na vybraných destinacích s odletem a příletem do Prahy přepravíme 1 jízdní kolo zdarma. Více informací naleznete na našich stránkách www.turkishairlines.com

turkishairlines.com

RunCzech running perspective EuroHeroes is a RunCzech initiative that was created for three reasons: To make European athletes even more competitive on the world stage. To celebrate the greatness that exists among us. And to generate a fan base for local and regional runners with the hope of inspiring a new generation to follow in their footsteps. To fulfill our dream, we have designated four of

our half marathons as EuroHero events. Karlovy Vary, České Budějovice, Ústi nad Labem and Olomouc. A cluster of races that feature only European elite athletes. With local fans following every step in their quest. Europe had its running heroes once.

Emil Zátopek. Paavo Nurmi. Paula Radcliff. Stefano Baldini.

And it will again. With EuroHeroes.

mattoni karlovy vary half marathon

mattoni české budějovice half marathon

mattoni olomouc half marathon

mattoni ústí nad labem half marathon

18 may

1 june

15 june

21 september

volkswagen prague marathon 2019 | 34

gefco.cz

OTEVŘI SI CESTU K ZÁŽITKŮM

JUNE CELEBRATION For one day for ten years now, the city of Olomouc has belonged to runners! This year’s Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon marks the 10th anniversary. If you want your own slice of the action, get registering on www.runczech.com or at least head along to either Horní náměstí or along the course on 15th June to help cheer on the runners and enjoy the accompanying programme.

The passing of time ...

2010 RunCzech hosts its first ever half marathon outside of the capital city. The first event year attracts 1 788 runners.

2015 Mary Keitany reigns supreme at the Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon securing an extraleague world time of 1:06:38. The Kenyan runner enhances her race record by more than two minutes and delivers her fourth best performance of the year. This was the first race year with the IAAF Gold Label.

2011 Interest in the race soars leading to the doubling of capacity.

2012 The half marathon picks up the IAAF Silver Label.

2013 The half marathon race capacity of 35 00 is reached three months in advance. The family run and main race reaches a record 5 000 participants.

2014 Yet another sensation. Geoffrey Ronoh – pacemaker to the elite runners – becomes an elite runner himself scooping up first place.

The runner manages to keep other Kenyan long-distance stars at his tail including the phenomenal Wilson Kipsang – winner of the famous marathons in Berlin, London and New York plus Dennis Kimetto, who later goes on to break a new marathon world record. And as if that weren’t enough, the sensational half marathon winner manages to break the Olomouc race record – finishing in 1:00:17. Spectators are able to watch the live streaming of the race for the first time.

10th Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon June 15, Start: 7 pm dm family run Olomouc June 15, Start: 5 pm

volkswagen prague marathon 2019 | 36

2016 It was an extremely hot day in Olomouc. Nevertheless there were thousands of participants of half marathon and family run together with countless spectators along the course in the streets of Olomouc.

2017 Moravia Sport Expo is held for the first time and fans are able to watch the event live on ČT Sport.

2018 Finally a cooler climate, the race witnesses a new and likely longstanding record among the elite men, plus there’s a new Czech event record by Eva Vrabcová Nývltová.

2019 The race’s tenth anniversary enters the history books.

The EuroHeroes project gets under way here for the first time in an effort to place local heroes in the limelight. Be there, registrations are still open!

Moravia Sport Expo June 14, 10 am – 7 pm June 15, 9 am – 5 pm Flora Olomouc Exhibition grounds

A run exclusively for women Birell Prague Grand Prix adidas Women’s race 5 km At a time when we see more women rising through the corporate ranks; more women becoming entrepreneurs; more women becoming politically active, we also note that women are embracing the sport of running at a phenomenal rate, as evidenced by their growing participation in our dm Family Runs, our 12 km Liberec Nature Run, and our exclusive adidas Women’s Race 5 km.

Coincidence? Hard to say. But it’s absolutely true that running is as good for your mental health as your physical health. Next edition of adidas Women’s Race 5 km is held on September 7, 2019 during the Birell Prague Grand Prix.

Register at www.runczech.com

37 | volkswagen prague marathon 2019

napoli running Enjoy the RunCzech races in Italy Sorrento Positano December 1, 2019

A wonderful setting for two wonderful races!

Two different routes (Ultramarathon 54 km & Panoramic 27 km) that allow all runners to enjoy a unique experience of running in one of the most picturesque landscapes. Sorrento, Sant’Agnello, Massa Lubrense, Sant’Agata sui due Golfi and Positano: you will be immersed in the atmosphere that only these places can give.

napoli City Half Marathon February 23, 2020

One of the most important races in Italy, the Napoli City Half Marathon attracts runners from all over the world to offer a course with the most breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. It takes through the most beautiful and historical parts of the city: from the waterfront to the Castel dell’Ovo, from the Teatro San Carlo to the Piazza del Plebiscito till the Mostra d’Oltremare. The race is fast, perfect to test your limits and beat personal records, but also enjoyable thanks to the wonderful scenery of the track and the mild temperature. Napoli is easily reachable from any part of Europe, thanks to its well-connected airport, railways and highways.

all runners are beautiful

38 | volkswagen prague marathon 2019

OCTOBER 27th 2019

Flying with passion ...

runczech races 2019

Napoli City half marathon

sportisimo prague half marathon

volkswagen prague marathon

24 February

6 april

5 may

mattoni karlovy vary half marathon

mattoni české budějovice half marathon

mattoni olomouc half marathon

18 may

1 june

15 june

prague relay

birell prague grand prix 5 & 10 km

mattoni ústí nad labem half marathon

25/26/27 june

7 september

21 september

liberec nature run

sorrento positano 27 & 54 km

5 october

1 December

all runners are Beautiful