Exotic Destination

Prague Marathon, Czech Republic

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All runners are beautiful” is the philosophy of Run Czech founding race director, Carlo Capalbo, who created the iaaf Gold Label Prague Marathon in 1995. Inspired by his friend Gelindo Bordin (the only athlete to ever win both Olympic gold and the Boston Marathon) and Czech idol Emil Zatopek, and driven by a dream to make the marathon much bigger than just a race, Capalbo set out to change society. “We want to help normal people,” he said. He seems to be succeeding. Each year, the Prague Marathon quickly sells out its 10,000 entry spots. It has to be one of the best running events on the planet, in one of the world’s most popular cities to visit. And, as Zatopek said, “If you want to run a race, run a mile. If you want to change your life, run a marathon.” Prague is a bucket-list city to visit, particularly in spring. Conveniently, the marathon is staged in early May. There are so many things to see and do, it will be tough to keep your visit low key in advance of your goal race. The architecture is spectacular, from the antiquity of Prague Castle to the modernity of the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers “Dancing House” building designed by Frank Gehry and Vladimir Milunic. The Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge should also be high up on your must-do list. And you can’t pass up a boat tour on the river. There are so many wonderful cafés to rest your marathon legs and enjoy an espresso or death by the area’s fabulous apple strudel. Like Canada, this is a nation that has hockey and beer coursing through its veins. The region is responsible for some of the best beer in the world (the pilsner was invented just up the road), and they know how to enjoy it in Prague. Prague is, at its core, a running city. Its parks host many daily runs. Petrin Gardens affords a marvellous view over the old city, and is worth the climb, even on tired, post-marathon legs. Stromovka and Letna parks are perfect for big workouts. You must also visit the marathon’s headquarters in the Holesevice neighbourhood – a unique concept dubbed the “Running Mall,” which operates like a running hub for locals and visitors to the city who want to go for a run. The expo is nearby, and you can then stroll through Letna to the magnificent Prague Castle. The Running Mall is something of a pilgrimage. It’s the innovative model that Adidas saw, and then copied for their Run Base in Boston; and which Marty Wittenberg duplicated with

the New York Road Runners Hub. It has change rooms and showers, a coffee bar and a conference room for corporate groups to meet for evening meetings and runs. It hosts regular run groups as well as personal coaching. Another cool perk is the Adidas concept store. And there’s a workout room, as well as the Run Czech staff offices, where the marathon is planned each year, connecting the organizers to the running community every day.

The Prague Marathon itself is exceptional. The race starts and finishes in the same location in Old Town Square, and it is unforgettable. You run across the Charles Bridge, and then along the banks of the Vltava River. Though it quickly sells out, they won’t expand it as that would require taking the event out of the historic old town centre, destroying its unique identity. To answer the demand for the experience, Run Czech have added six other races – half-marathons and a 10k, in Prague and in other, similar unesco Heritage cities around the country: Karlovy Vary (a magnificent spa town), Budejovice, Olomouc and Usti nad Labem. In total, they attract 90,000 runners a year. So, if May doesn’t work for you, you can still feast on the Run Czech experience from April to September. And like Prague Marathon, all events are for everyone – from world record-setters like Run Czech Racing Team member Joyciline Jepkosgei (who ran a world record 64:52 at the Prague Half last April) to Canada’s Blair Morgan last year and Trevor Hof bauer this year, to social and charity runners. “Fun,” said Capalbo, “is an important component. Through it the transmission of love and good feelings is beautiful.”

The attraction of racing Run Czechstyle, plus the majesty of Prague is indeed, irresistible. Take Zatopek ’s advice and buckle up for a lifechanging experience.