Créé par Emilie, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
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Maybe running a marathon isn't the kind of project you'd like to do at least once in your life. It requires good physical condition and above all not being afraid of effort. But you deserve to know that some of these major races go beyond calorie burning and the desire to prove to yourself that you can push your limits. At least that's what the Volkswagen Prague Marathon guarantees!
Increasingly popular with runners, this Czech race is an excellent meeting ground between discovering a tourist destination and practicing physical activity. The experience of a unique route, off the beaten path, without leaving the city.
On your mark! Ready... Set... Go for the Prague Marathon!
The Prague Marathon, an unmissable race
With its thousand-year but turbulent history, its troubled but surprising secrets, and its heterogeneous but constantly fascinating heritage, there's no doubt that Prague is a European city of profound cultural richness. But did you know that once a year the Czech capital puts aside its characteristic gentle way of life to switch to 'running' mode?
Indeed, every year in May, there's a day when the pace accelerates drastically in the city and every passing minute has its importance. In other words, the new edition of the Prague Marathon has begun!
Founded in 1995, the Volkswagen Prague Marathon, its real name, is ranked among the ten best marathons in the world. Due to this keen popularity, runners of all levels and origins (2/3 of participants come from 40 to 50 foreign countries) are increasingly numerous (averaging 10,000/year) to come and compete with each other during this unmissable event in the sports world.
All the historical and natural beauty of Prague is highlighted during an exceptional 42 km route. So much so that the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) has awarded the gold label to the Prague Marathon. A guarantee of excellence and quality, this prestigious distinction, valid for 1 year, categorizes the best elite races on the globe.
How did the adventure begin?
In this 2023 edition, the Prague Marathon will blow out its 28 candles. Already... That's a lot of kilometers covered, race bibs distributed, and running enthusiasts who have come to wear out the soles of their sneakers on the cobblestones of the Czech capital. However, for this emblematic race of the world circuit to remain the challenge of a lifetime for those who want it, it first had to be invented.
As crazy as it may seem, the idea of organizing the Prague Marathon was born over a pint of beer between two friends. Incredible, but true!
Sitting at a bar, Carlo Capalbo and Gelindo Bordin (winner of the Seoul Olympics marathon in 1988) imagine and draw on a napkin the route of a race in Prague. Convinced of the potential of this route, together they call upon Emil Zatopek (triple gold medalist at the Helsinki Summer Olympics) to bring their project to life. The sponsorship is signed, the idea is launched, and success comes year after year. Frankly, who would have believed that from a freehand sketch on a napkin, we would get one of the most international races?
The type of route to expect
Since its creation, the Prague Marathon route has evolved with its time and the new expectations of its participants. In 2004, the race organizers redesigned the 42 km by making a larger loop in the city center. This way, the race continues to fulfill its sporting objective while showcasing the treasures of Prague. From a tourist perspective, it's clever. As for spectators, they've never been so close to their stars.
From start to finish
To make things easier, the location of the Prague Marathon finish line is exactly the same as the starting line. Runners begin and end their race in the Old Town Square, near the astronomical clock.
It's at 9 AM sharp that all participants, more motivated than ever, begin their journey. On both sides of the Vltava River, they run through the different neighborhoods of the capital and appreciate a range of historical, natural, artistic, and cultural landscapes. However, escape and reverie must not take over, as time passes quickly and the challenge must be met within a time limit of 7 hours.
To go the distance, refreshment stations have been spaced every 2.5 km.
Do I have the level?
You'd like to try the experience, but you're afraid you don't have the level? There's no serious concern to have.
Obviously, the more endurance you have, the easier the 42 km marathon bar will be to reach. However, the route is described as rather flat and fast. The only major terrain difficulties to consider are the stride on the old town cobblestones and crossing the tram rails. Balance can be compromised.
After that, it's good to keep in mind that everyone has their own level. You won't be asked to beat the record of Kenyan Eliu Kiptanui who finished the course in 2h05min39sec during his participation in 2010.
Other highlights of the day
In addition to this mythical 42 km race, the Volkswagen Prague Marathon includes other parallel activities. There's notably the Marathon Music Festival to run to the rhythm of local and international groups. Or the Sport Expo show to learn all about the latest trendy sports facilities and equipment. Not forgetting the family Minimarathon, which with its 4.2 km suits the greatest number.
And if sport really isn't the area where you shine the most, know that runners will always be delighted to be accompanied by your encouragement and smiles during the effort.
The next edition is for me!
The decision is made, the Volkswagen Prague Marathon will be your next sporting challenge to come! Whether you're used to this kind of participation or the approach is on the contrary completely new for you, the information to know in advance of the experience is the same for everyone. So, here's a quick overview!
Registration this way
To participate in the marathon, there's only one way to proceed. You must go online to the RunCzech website. After that, you'll quickly receive an email containing a unique username and password. These two pieces of data will serve to log into your account to access orders and payments.
It's important to know that the registration price increases according to the number of registrations already recorded in real time for the race. Here are the average displayed rates:
- From 1st to 3200th registrant: €64.03
- From 3201st to 6400th registrant: €100.31
- From 6401st registrant onwards: €121.60
This sum includes several services such as a race bib with timing chip, free access to public transport on race day, a finisher's medal, a runner's bag, an online diploma...
All people registered for the marathon will receive their starting number by email, at the latest 3 weeks before the race.
Being ready for D-day
Running a marathon is really not an easy thing! It's a performance that requires work, investment, and preparation before, during, and even after the effort. To ensure you have a good time and put all the chances on your side, certain behaviors and reflexes, obvious or not, are to be had. Here are the ones we've retained (for this marathon or any other):
- Having given yourself a good night's sleep
- Trying to familiarize yourself with the route before the starting signal
- Establishing a refreshment plan throughout the route and making sure to stick to it
- Avoiding new shoes that will make you suffer doubly on the cobblestones
- Making sure not to be too covered up, as the sun can quickly show its face
- Not giving all your energy from the start of the race. 42 km is longer than you imagine.
- Moving at your own pace
- Thinking positive when the difficulty is felt
- And especially fully enjoying the present moment
To all those who will (re)take the plunge, we wish you good luck!!!