Prague International Marathon

A course with a challenge for 42K. The transitions from paved road to cobblestone and train tracks, it's constant. The course is a little bit repetitive passing thru the same zones 2 sometimes 3 times. But overall a very nice race in a very nice city.

This organisation is simply just for profit making, they do not even bother about running. I registered for the 2020 Prague marathon which apparently was cancelled for Covid-19. They refused a refund despite multiple emails, only options were to run next year (?) or get a voucher to transfer to someone else! Guess what? Second year cancellation (valid reasons for covid) and still they refuse any chance for a refund despite 2 years of cancellations. Apparently someone needs to run their race when it happens, sometimes in the future, even whenever. They have the nerve even to advertise for digital (virtual) runs! It is all about money for them apparently! Just avoid this profit making company not respecting runners and their efforts and spread this information to your fellows runners..

Prague Marathon is an IAAF Gold Road Race & one of the most enjoyable in Europe. Held on the first Sunday of May, it is well-organised & has a generous cut-off time of 7hrs. The Marathon Expo is the biggest sports fair in the Czech Republic & spread across two exhibition halls. My race pack collection was smooth but the Sports Expo was at the other side of the Vltava River at Promyslový palác, Holeaovice. The Start and Finish of the Marathon were at the historic Old Town Square in Staromestra. The First Aid Station HQ was in front of the Astronomical Clock, and the Baggage Deposit was right above the underground Mustek Metro Station. Temperature at the start was 9°C & reached 19°C at noon. The flag-off was punctual at 9am. The course was mostly flat, along the Vltava River, offering a scenic tour of the main sights of picturesque Prague. Runners were given a sightseeing view of many monuments & places of interests, like Laterna Magika Praha, National Theatre, Dancing House, Vyaehrad. There were 10 river crossings. Three Bridges were crossed twice namely, LibeHský most, Mánesov most & Palackého most. And Four Bridges were crossed once, of which the most beautiful was Karlov most, or the Charles Bridge, with a view of the Prague Castle. The Jirásek most, Most Legií & echov Bridge were crossed once. A third of the race took place on quaint cobbled streets & beside tram tracks. Distance markers were regularly placed & refreshments were ample with oranges, bananas & sponges. Some stations had salt & sugar cubes. Portable toilets, first aid stations & Birell music tents appeared every 5km. Spectator support was friendly & mostly on the side of the Old Town Square, less on the opposite side of the Vltava, but volunteers were helpful & enthusiastic. It was a most memorable marathon that showcased the beauty of Prague. Public transport was free for runners on the marathon weekend & thankfully the weather was perfect this year.