summary of activities 2016
runczech running league 2016
2. april Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon
5. – 27. april Junior Marathon
16. april O2 Prague Relay 4×5
8. may Volkswagen Prague Marathon
21. may Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon
4. june Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon
25. june Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon
10. september Birell Prague Grand Prix
17. september Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon
24. september Berlin Marathon guest race
summary of activities
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editorial Everyone knows how long a marathon is. Yes it’s precisely forty-two kilometres and one hundred and ninety five metres. Fewer people have any idea of the sheer number of people it pulls in, however. The RunCzech Running League consists of three Prague running events – the marathon, half marathon, and ten- and five-kilometre runs. Plus, four regional half marathons, hosted in Karlovy Vary, České Budějovice, Olomouc and Ústí nad Labem. Each year, the races of the RunCzech Running League draw more than eighty thousand runners, and many more spectators, either lining the courses or glued to TV screens. Altogether, millions watch the races. And, while not officially a part of RunCzech Running League, our fledgling run, the O2 Prague Relay 4×5 draws thousands more. Runners and their supporters, however, aren’t the only ones to succumb to the charms of running. It also appeals to people with a head for business. Interest in linking brands with
physical exercise is growing the world over. Not just because of the absolute number they’re able to reach. But because of how intensely people get involved in the sport. Another beautiful aspect of running has become a manifestation of modern living a lifestyle which sees people investing in themselves, their bodies and their overall health, increasing their overall satisfaction with life in general. What’s more, there is a natural correlation between people who lead active lives and those who active companies seek to recruit. It’s not that people working in business sit in their offices thinking about running as they write business plans. These people often actively take part in races themselves. The names of a whole host of top managers, lawyers and investors all appear at the starting lines of RunCzech races. On top of this you’d be hard pressed to find another
sport whose league tables regularly feature some of the wealthiest people in the country. Another beautiful aspect of running is that it is a highly democratic sport. Both on and around the course you’re guaranteed to come into contact with people who you’d otherwise never meet. Everyone is there for the same reason – pleasure. Pleasure derived from exercising, coming together to do so and pushing yourself and your own limits. And that’s why the one common denominator you notice among the vast majority of runners is a beaming smile. This magazine is dedicated to all those who along with RunCzech share in distributing running smiles. If you’re interested in getting in on the action, why not try it yourselves? » Carlo Capalbo President of the RunCzech organising committee; Chairman of IAAF Road Running Commission
4 – 5 / RunCzech Sport Achievements in 2016 6 / Runczech Racing 7 / Huge win for Czech running diplomacy 8 – 11 / runczech running league 2016 chart 12 – 13 / Run with us year-round and become a RunCzech Star 14 – 15 / daily contact with runners 16 – 17 / runczech special projects 18 – 19 / We run for others, and so could you 20 – 21 / RunCzech in foreign countries 22 – 23 / runczech team and volunteers 24 – 25 / Czech Republic: a runner’s paradise 26 – 27 / Sport as an economic giant 28 – 33 / what does it take to run a marathon?
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summary of activities
The fastest woman in the Birell Prague Grand Prix 10km, Violah Jepchumba (30:24), missed the World Record (held by Paula Radcliffe) by only 3 seconds; with this result she becomes the second fastest woman in history. She set the World Lead time of the year in 2016, the African record and Kenyan record. Also, Jepchumba posted the second fastest time of the year in 2016 in the 10k (the world leading time at that date) as a split time in the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon. Worknesh Degefa, with 30:34 in the 10k, holds the third fastest time of the year for 2016, shown as a split time during the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon as well.
Violah Jepchumba of Kenya produced the World Lead time of 1:05:51
RunCzech Sport Achievements in 2016
in the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon. She’s become the third fastest woman in history.
Worknesh Degefa with a result of 1:06:14, shown in Prague,
holds the 4th fastest half marathon time in the world this year, which is also the 8th fastest time in history.
Five male athletes led by Daniel Wanjiru (59:20) broke the one hour barrier in one of the greatest mass finishes in RunCzech history at the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon.
RunCzech Racing Team member, Abraham Kipyatich, won the Birell Prague Grand Prix with a time of 27:40. It was the World Lead time at that date; Mathew Kimeli set the World Junior Lead time of 27:53.
Barselius Kipyego (59:15) became the 4th fastest half marathon performer of the year by winning the race in the city of Ústí nad Labem. Peres Jepchirchir, the World Champion, added another victory in
the Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon to her almost perfect season, posting her fourth sub 1:08 performance to date.
In total, 10 RunCzech event records were broken (5 overall best times and 5 in the Czech elite runners category).
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The biggest surprise among Czech athletes, Eva Vrabcová , professional cross country skier and participant in two Winter Olympics, stunned everyone with her switch to professional running. In 2016, she immediately delivered some astonishing results. Namely, she broke 3 RunCzech events records, at the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon (1:11:06), at the Volkswagen Prague Marathon (2:30:10), and at the Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon (1:15:16). These results took her to the European Championship and to the Olympic Games in Rio, where she showed stable and fine results.
All 4 Czech men competing at the Volkswagen Prague
Marathon were supported by international pacemakers, which enabled them to fulfill the criteria of the Czech Athletic Federation and to qualify for the European Championships.
Milan Kocourek set a new Event Record at the Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon (1:06:51). Jiří Homoláč set a new Event Record at the Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon (1:05:41).
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summary of activities
5 victories in world leading events – 3 IAAF Gold Label Road Races, One Silver Label Road Race, 1 World Dominant Road Race
12 second place positions in track and road races
8 third place positions in track and road races
Three impressive international debuts: Joyciline Jepkosgei won the Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon with a personal record and race record; Mathew Kimeli finished fifth in the Birell Prague Grand Prix with the World Junior Lead time in 10k; Edwin Kiptoo (junior) won the Kalakaua Merrie Mile against established senior elite field.
impressive marathon debut: Festus Talam won the Eindhoven Marathon
as a pacemaker with a time of 2:06:26, becoming the fastest pacemaker ever to finish a marathon in his debut.
2 event records: both produced by Joyciline Jepkosgei, 1:09:07, in
runczech racing RunCzech Racing, inspired by Czech running legend, Emil Zatopek, brings together elite athletes from all over the world. Based in Prague, and consisting of some of the world’s most promising runners, they wear RunCzech Racing gear, and represent the organization in running events all across the globe. They also routinely meet with amateur runners at the Running Mall, offering advice and sharing personal experiences.
summary of activities
the Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon, and 1:07:02 in the Marseille Cassis 20K
Eighth fastest time of 2016 over 10k (Joyciline Jepkosgei, 31:08, Prague)
7 Top 30 performances of the year 2016
one senior World Lead time: set by Abraham Kipyatich in 10k (27:40, World Lead time at that date) in the Birell Prague Grand Prix
two World Junior Lead times: Edwin Kiptoo produced a World Junior Lead time of 3:39.0 in an early season 1500m race in Kenya; Mathew Kimeli posted a World Junior Lead time of 27:53 in the 10k at the Birell Prague Grand Prix
Runczech racing provided visibility of the RunCzech brand while
competing in 12 countries, including France, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, Japan, USA. It was broadcasted live on TV and online worldwide for a total of over 25 hours 55 minutes, excluding replays, reportages and highlights.
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Huge win for Czech running diplomacy Few, if any, can be left in doubt regarding RunCzech’s status as a leader in organising international running events. But now we have further proof in the domain of sporting diplomacy. Another big international award to add to the seven International Association of Athletics Federations Gold Labels. Director of the RunCzech races, Václav Skřivánek has been
elected as a member of the board at the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, otherwise known as AIMS. This places him shoulder to shoulder with Carlo Capalbo who has held down the position of IAAF committee chair of road running
since March of last year. This makes RunCzech and the Czech Republic the only organisation and country in the world to boast representatives in both of its largest athletics organisations! » RunCzech
Very impressive, Carlo. Congratulations to you and your team Paul Hardy, IAAF Competition and Events Director
Fantastic efforts and some amazing results for 2016
Brett Larner, Japan Running News Director
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Congratulations on your series’ achievements this year.
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Peter Ciaccia, Race Director, TCS NYC Marathon
Amazing! congratulations on an excellent year. Well done! Jakob Larsen, Director of Danish Athletic Federation
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Thank you very much for sharing the fantastic results within 2016 RunCzech running achievements. Not only those make us and myself too, feeling proud of being your partner! Karel Ledvinka, Director of adidas Czech Republic
Terrific results! Thomas Grilk, Chief Executive Officer, Boston Marathon
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summary of activities
runczech running league 2016 chart runczech participants over time
82 840
82 840 70 000 60 000 50 000
ENROLLED RUNCZECH RUNNERS in 2016
40 000 30 000 20 000 10 000 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Runners demographics – Competitive races only Gender Representation 33 170 men – 17 856 women
Local vs. Foreign 41 104 Czech runners vs 9 922 foreign runners
65% 80,5%
35% education
19,5% age
Above 65
56 – 65 elementary
53%
46 – 55
35%
38%
13% 3%
9% secondary
summary of activities
47% 1%
university
36 – 45
18 – 35
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runczech in numbers
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68
IAAF Road Race Gold Labels for 7 races
Professions of our runners
151 Countries that broadcast live RunCzech events
116 327 133 Participated countries
Elite runners invited
Music bands on the course
17.7mil. 2.21mil. TV viewers and online viewers in CZ only (live or delayed)
119 401 59 082
10 New event records
6 545
Total visits on runczech.com and runningmall.cz
Volunteers
15 810
5 703
Registered newsletter subscribers
Fans that follow RunCzech on Social Media
Junior Marathon participants
people employed during and around event day
144 846
4 790
5 287
370 000 €
Expo visitors
Business guests at B2B events
Charity runners
From fundraising
data: october, 2016 9
summary of activities
running market and potential reach
82 840
year 2016
ENROLLED RUNCZECH RUNNERS
we talk to runners >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> they talk to friends and families With 22 years of experience, RunCzech is among market leaders in the world in organizing long distance running events
336 391
1 076 457
involved in RUNCZECH EVENTS
ENGAGED WITH RUNNERS
2,08 mil
RUNNING POTENTIAL IN CZ
Attending Expos and visitors on the race day
Families, friends, colleagues, social groups
Actively running people
Running events include large commercial Expos, B2B guests and accompanied visitors (Source – Expo and B2B: PIM; visitors: Czech Tourism mult.fact. × 2.27)
Running events involve people close to the running participants (Source – CSI mult. fact. × 3.2)
Frequency of running: 30 % of the czech population between 18 and 65 years old run at least once per week for any purpose (Source: GfK, 2016)
who are runczech participants? Frequency of doing any sport
frequency of running
Active sport
Active runners non-runners
63%
28%
31%
42%
Occasional sport
6% No sport
Total population (18-65)
summary of activities
30%
Occasional runners
Active sport / runners: at least once per week
Occasional sport / runners: 1-3 times per month
Source:
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runczech participants 2016 sportisimo prague half marathon 2 april 2016
volkswagen prague marathon 8 MAY 2016
mattoni karlovy vary half marathon 21 MAY 2016
mattoni ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE half marathon 4 june 2016
MATTONI OLOMOUC HALF marathon 25 june 2016
BIRELL PRAGUE GRAND PRIX 10 SEPTEMBER 2016
MATTONI ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM HALF marathon 17 SEPTEMBER 2016 11
11 507
competitive runners
15 792 runners
10 613 competitive 5 179 NONrunnerscompetitive runners
5 810 runners
3 786 competitive runners 2 024 NONrunnerscompetitive
5 852 runners
2 511 NONrunnerscompetitive 3 341 competitive runners
9 623 runners
6 321 competitive runners 3 302 NONrunnerscompetitive
8 785 runners
10 km women’s 6 777 birell 2 008 adidas race race 5 km
6 085 runners
3 577 competitive 2 508 NONrunnerscompetitive runners summary of activities
Run with us year-round and become a RunCzech Star
summary of activities
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Already have plans for this year? Feel like it’s too soon? Believe us, it isn’t. At least not where runners are concerned anyway! RunCzech has already begun registering runners for next year. That’s right. You can now sign up for all of our 2017 RunCzech Running League races – a marathon, five half marathons and a 10K or 5K. Participants who run all of them in a single year are dubbed RunCzech Stars. Last year, the title was won by 197 runners. Could you be among them this year? Absolutely. Just plan ahead. Register early. And start training. Start numbers for the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon and Volkswagen Prague Marathon are now only available through
country as many others have seen it. On foot. win your own race
It’s not only elite athletes who win with RunCzech. Now everyone can make it to the top. Take a closer look at the RunCzech Running League and you’ll discover that it is indeed true! The unique ranking system is put together based on gender, age groups and professions. Runners’ points are collected for each race completed and correspond to the number and difficulty of runs undertaken. You can become the
You can become the fastest architect, brewer, vet or even accountant. participating charitable organizations. But there are still registrations available for the half marathons in Karlovy Vary, České Budějovice, Olomouc and Ústí nad Labem. Also for the Prague 10K and 5K this autumn. Run with us in the Czech Republic and discover the beauty of this great
fastest architect, brewer, vet or even accountant. To be included in the RunCzech Running League ranking system, you need to compete in three of our races plus enter the details of your profession when signing up. » RunCzech
runczech running league 2017 sportisimo
prague
half marathon april 1 volkswagen
prague
marathon may 7 mattoni
karlovy vary half marathon may 20 mattoni
české budějovice half marathon june 3 mattoni
olomouc
half marathon june 24 birell
prague
grand prix september 9 mattoni
ústí nad labem half marathon september 16 fundrasing event
prague relay 4×5 june 14 – 15 13
summary of activities
daily contact with runners summary of activities
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RunCzech is not just about races. It’s about staying in touch with runners. Meeting. Training. Socializing. It’s a spirit of friendship and a shared purpose that brings us together almost every day. This is RunCzech. Running Mall
This is the place to improve your running style, prepare for your dream race or meet a training partner with the same passions as yours. The RunCzech Running Mall is situated in Holešovice, where you can train, learn and relax together with other runners You will find us between two parks – Stromovka and Letná – the perfect place for runners. Let’s enjoy the kilometers! Running Mall Františka Křížka 11 Praha 7 – Holešovice www.runningmall.cz
mattoni FreeRun
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could run anywhere, at any time on an official certified course? Well, you can. Thanks to what we call the Mattoni FreeRun. Working with Mattoni, we have mapped out more than 80 precisely measured courses across the Czech Republic. Forty of which even offer coaching. Best of all, it’s all free. Just lace up. Choose a course. And run. www.runczech.com/freerun run for a good case
Want to help others while you run? Thanks to our “Run For a Good Cause” project, you can. Just choose one of the charitable organizations we affiliate with, and buy a registration number for any race in the RunCzech Running League through them. RunCzech cooperates with 46 different charitable organizations. And last year, 5,287 runners generated 7,279,675 CZK for the people and the causes they serve. www.runczech.com
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summary of activities
runczech special projects
Junior marathon The Junior Marathon is the biggest non-commercial, nonprofit sports project for students in the Czech Republic. It is a team race in which high school students run the marathon courses in every region of the Czech Republic. The marathon course (42,195 km) is divided into 10 segments with ten team members each running a segment.
summary of activities
dm family run This is a run the whole family can enjoy. Adults and children running together along the easy 3 kilometre course. But while the course is not very challenging, the race is still run according to our professional standards. It’s designed to be fun for children, but also to stimulate an interest in maintaining an active lifestyle. This is a non-competitive race. But every participant receives a medal at the end.
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the czech marathon club All Czech citizens who run at least one event with us per year can become a member of our loyalty program – the Czech Marathon Club. Joining the club doesn’t cost a penny and doesn’t bind the runner in any way. In fact you can only benefit. In addition to discounts on start fees to all RunCzech events, you will also be rewarded by discounts from the race’s partners.
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Running Expos Running Expos are places to pick up your running bib, meet elite athletes, work out, see what’s new in the way of sports equipment offered by dozens of exhibitors, enjoy a variety of fitness and wellness programs, or just browse. The Expos go by different names at different events—the Running Expo at the Prague Half Marathon; The Sport Expo at the Volkswagen Prague Marathon; The Moravia Sports Expo at the Olomouc Half Marathon. But while the names may change, the mission is the same. To have fun.
summary of activities
Běháme pro ostatní, přidejte Wese runi vy! for others, and so could you This article is about pure joy. Derived from running and helping others simultaneously. An ever-growing number of runners engage in the sport not just for themselves but also to make a difference to others. This year hundreds of such stories happened in front of our eyes. I’d like to take this opportunity to look back on a handful of them here.
summary of activities
To start off, here is a few statistics. This year 5 287 runners ran for a good cause. They purchased start numbers for RunCzech races from 45 collaborating non-profits contributing as such to charitable causes. On top of this, almost fifty runners took on board personal challenges, each organising a running collection to support a particular project. In total these good cause runners raised more than 11 000 €!
Prague Half Marathon and the Volkswagen Prague Marathon, visitors got to try out our new feature – a digitally worked Prague marathon set up on a treadmill. UnicreditBank turned each clocked up kilometre into money raising a grand total of 4 333 € to purchase a brand new wheelchair for little Elenka from South Moravia who has had reduced mobility requiring day-to-day care since birth.
You can also help by running on a treadmill
Running with those who can’t
Non-road runners have also been offering a helping hand. As a part of sporting festivals organised via the Sportisimo
A number of boys and girls have also received new wheelchairs thanks to the Running With Those That Can´t project. At the back of the start lanes, dozens of
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45
collaborating non-profits
370 000 € 5 287
runners has run for a good cause runners set off on the course with children from the Jedlička Institute taking it in turn to push their wheelchairs. Thanks to companies such as Benecykl, FG Forrest, the Pardubice-based Sanoplasma and the Vyšehradská jóga association five children have received new wheelchairs. Selfie with the running stars, prisoners on the course
Thanks to our non-profits and partners, kids from children’s homes had the chance to chat with Czech as well as international athletes, jump into their arms or take a joint selfie. New to feature this year was the Yellow Ribbon Run organised in conjunction with
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for charities
the Czech Prison Service, Business Leaders Forum and the nonprofit organisation the Rubikon Center. By wearing yellow ribbons we drew attention to the issue of finding gainful employment with a criminal record while participation of imprisoned girls and boys in our marathon relay helped break down the stereotype that prisoners only belong in prisons. Have a go yourselves
The examples above offer a tiny glimpse into the ever-expanding sea of charitable activities we are involved in. And we suspect plenty more stories of love and altruism take place at our races than even
we’re aware of. Let us know if you know about any such story. And what about you? Would you like to help out by running? Go to the RunCzech website to find the Charities link. And don’t forget to check out our new O2 Prague Relay race. Runners joining this race contribute to good causes just by taking part. So what are you waiting for? Head (sorry run) along to this running picnic next June! Thanks everyone for treading charitable love. You’re all fantastic!
» Pavel Kaidl charity@runczech.com www.runczech.com/charity
summary of activities
RunCzech in foreign countries International relations has become an essential part of RunCzech’s communication. Through our collaboration with international race organisers, media, institutions and associations, we promote the RunCzech brand and the beauty of the Czech Republic. Every year the RunCzech Running League attracts more and more runners and tourists from all over the world. The number of foreign participants from 116 countries in 2016 increased to an all time high of 10,022 runners.
summary of activities
RunCzech has built a strategic alliances with over 28 international races in 13 countries.
In 2016 we took part in 24 Sport Expos abroad and hosted 33 international races during RunCzech events.
RunCzech’s events were broadcasted live in 151 countries throughout Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa and the Middle East.
Lagardere, a leading sports and entertainment agency, helped broadcast to 19 TV stations in 49 countries, reaching as many as 719 million homes.
In all 7 races, a total of 81 journalists and influencers from 15 countries, traveled to the Czech Republic to report about RunCzech.
We added to the official website, registration for all races available in 11 languages: Czech, English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Chinese and Hungarian.
Over 23% of visitors to our website were foreign, totaling up 1.6 million international views.
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Newsletters are sent out to over 40,000 foreign subscribers, and are made available in each of their languages.
The audience of RunCzech on social media has risen to 59,082 followers. 21% of our Facebook friends are foreign.
Over 440 online articles were published in over 15 languages all over the world.
We partner with 37 travel agencies in 21 countries to help attract runners from all around the world.
Working together with our strategic partner, Czech Tourism offices around the world have helped with promoting the Czech Republic as a popular running and tourist destination for visitors.
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In the past two years, the number of Asian runners coming to the Czech Republic to race has increased dramatically, giving a significant boost to tourism throughout the country.
summary of activities
runczech team and volunteers runczech team The RunCzech team consists of roughly 40 core people who manage the organization and strive to make our races a truly unforgettable experience. During running season, the team will add a dozen additional staff members and hundreds of volunteers. All of whom do their very best to make race participants feel completely pampered.
summary of activities
volunteers At refreshment stands, at the finish, along the course and backstage, they’re simply everywhere. Altogether, there are a grand total of 6,545 of them. And it would be impossible to organize our races without their help. A huge thank to all of them! Not just for their actual help but also their high spirits and smiles which they bring to their work. So altogether now: Hip Hip Hooray for our volunteers!
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number of volunteers Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon................... 1 210 Volkswagen Prague Marathon.......................... 1 540 O2 Prague Relay 4×5............................................ 275 Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon................ 645
Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon.......... 660 Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon....................... 825 Birell Prague Grand Prix..................................... 715 Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon............ 675
6 545 volunteers in total – Thank you!
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summary of activities
Czech Republic: a runner’s paradise Twenty years ago when Carlo Capalbo first uttered his thoughts about creating a marathon in Prague, never in his wildest dreams could he have known that his brainchild would change running in the Czech Republic forever.
summary of activities
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“Let’s create a marathon in Prague just like in New York,” the two Italian friends – Capalbo and Olympic winner Bordin declared sitting in one of Prague’s smoky watering holes. They decided to give Emil Zátopek a call. Could you possibly pick a better guy to head up the first few Prague marathons other than this international long distance running legend? But they needed more than “Emil”, as the star’s wife Dana affectionately referred to the athlete, to make it work. In a small office on Záhořanského Street close to the National Theatre, Capalbo’s team faced an uncertain winter ahead. There was competition from another start-up planning a marathon too, problems appealing to partners. Plus, nobody had any idea how many people would make it to the start line. In the first years following the Velvet Revolution, finding sufficient numbers prepared to run the 42 195 kilometre course was no easy feat. And back then the running boom was nowhere in sight. In the end, they managed to appeal to a mere 958 brave souls to take on the very first Prague International Marathon… and just over a half of these – 519 to be precise! - made it across the finish line “I dreamt of running a marathon but didn’t know anything about it. I didn’t train and had to run the whole course without socks because it was so hot,” recalls Flavio Serughetti, a real estate developer and subsequent PIM investor. He completed the first race in 5 hours and 45 minutes while the winner Ethiopian Tumma Turba managed an impressive 2:12:44. Fast forward to 2016. For ten years now the race has dropped its Prague International Marathon title and is known to all of us as the Volkswagen Prague Marathon. On the second Sunday in May this year a total of 10 613 runners from 93 countries took part competing in several categories. And Carlo Capalbo and his team are no longer based in a small office tucked away in the side streets by the Vltava but in a new Running Mall in Letná. RunCzech, the name of the entire business outfit these days, organises a running league throughout the Czech Republic – including races in Olomouc, České Budějovice, Karlovy Vary and Ústí nad Labem, not to mention Prague. All seven races have been awarded Gold Label status by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) which is the highest-ranking possible for a road race to achieve. No organiser or country around the world boasts any more than this. Each year over eighty thousand runners take part in RunCzech races with several thousand more participating in projects all over the country, our relay race or via charities. If he were here today, Emil Zátopek would probably be pretty impressed about what has become of one small marathon.
» Tadeáš Mahel
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event records Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon Róbert Štefko Eva Vrabcová
CZE 2005 CZE 2016
1:03:34 1:11:06
Atsedu Tsegay Violah Jepchumba
ETH 2012 KEN 2016
0:58:47 1:05:51
Volkswagen Prague Marathon Róbert Štefko Eva Vrabcová
CZE 2004 CZE 2016
2:12:35 2:30:10
Eliud Kiptanui Lydia Cheromei
KEN 2010 KEN 2011
2:05:39 2:22:34
Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon Milan Kocourek Ivana Sekyrová
CZE 2016 CZE 2013
1:06:51 1:17:31
Elijah Serem Joyciline Jepkosgei
KEN 2015 KEN 2016
1:01:01 1:09:07
Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon Jan Kreisinger Ivana Sekyrová
CZE 2014 CZE 2012
1:08:52 1:17:57
Daniel Chebii Ashete Bekere
KEN 2012 ETH 2016
0:59:49 1:10:40
Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon Jan Kreisinger Eva Vrabcová
CZE 2015 CZE 2016
1:05:50 1:15:16
Geoffrey Ronoh Mary Keitany
KEN 2014 KEN 2015
1:00:17 1:06:38
Birell 10 km Race Pavel Faschingbauer CZE 1999 Eva Vrabcová CZE 2015
0:29:26 0:33:07
Geoffrey Ronoh Violah Jepchumba
0:27:28 0:30:24
KEN 2014 KEN 2016
Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon Jiří Homoláč Eva Vrabcová
CZE 2016 CZE 2015
1:05:41 1:12:11
Barselius Kipyego Peres Jepchirchir
KEN 2016 KEN 2015
0:59:15 1:07:17
summary of activities
Sport as an economic giant Sport is a key part of many people’s lives in this country. Various scientific studies have proved the positive impact physical activity has on our health while also reducing the risk of developing a whole host of chronic illnesses. However sport is not only good for our health but also acts as a powerful boost to the economy. Thus since sport doesn’t assume a separate economic category on its own, its importance is impossible to measure directly, and can only be gauged in a roundabout fashion. Experts from Eurostat have had a go at doing this using data collected from 2005. Their results demonstrate summary of activities
1,2% 1,76%
that when sport is defined in the broader sense of the term, as described above it contributed 1.76% to the EU economy. At the same time sport offered employment to almost 4.5 million Europeans achieving an overall employment rate of 2.12%. On comparing the output and employment ratios, one
sport contribution to Czech economy
sport contribution to EU economy
outputs among the individual countries? With exceptions which attest to the rule, it can be said that the richer the country, the greater the role sport plays for its economy. With an economic output of 4% and 5.4% of the working population employed in sport, Austria ranks as the absolute European champion.
A growth in sporting activities thus effectively equates to a growth in employment rates important characteristic of sport can be observed: the economic activities it involves are labour intensive. A growth in sporting activities thus effectively equates to a growth in employment rates. The statistics shared so far have related to the European Union as a whole. But how big are the differences in sporting economic
So how does the Czech Republic fare in terms of the economic impact of sport? With a ratio of 1.2% in economic output and 1.9% employment, we rank below average within the EU. Within Central and Eastern Europe we lag behind Slovenia, Estonia and Poland. If you were hoping for a better result, we need to factor in two important 26
1,9%
4,5 millions
Czech people working in sport
2,12%
million people in EU working in sport
people in EU working in sport
the participation of sport in add gross value (%)
Lithuania
Sweden
Hungary
Slovakia
Latvia
Romania
Belgium
1
Bulgaria
Czech Republic
Portugal
Italy
Netherlands
Spain
0,5
Austria
1
France
1,5
Greece
1,5
Poland
2
Estonia
2
Ireland
2,5
EU-28
2,5
Finland
3
Slovenia
3
Denmark
3,5
Malta
3,5
Germany
4
United Kingdom
4
Cyprus
4,5
Luxembourg
4,5
0
0,5 0
Source: Eurostat
pieces of information which will certainly go some way to assuaging your disappointment. First of all, during the past ten years since the described study was published, we have made visible progress in 27
developing sporting activities, and were the study to be repeated on future statistics we would definitely emerge with better results. Secondly, the Czech Republic is a nation of recreational cyclists, a discipline
which didn’t fit with the statisticians‘ definition of sport. For them the common bicycle was “merely” a mode of transport.
» Pavel Sobíšek Chief economist at UniCredit Bank summary of activities
what does it take to run a marathon? If you ask runners, they’ll tell you it takes months of training and mental preparation. Blisters, sore muscles, and constantly fighting the urge to quit. But if you ask us, we’d tell you that it also takes the support of people—corporate partners—who care enough about runners to give them this gift. Here’s what our partners have given to make running in the Czech Republic such an extraordinary experience. title partners
VOLKSWAGEN + PRAGUE INTERNATIONAL MARATHON: A LEGENDARY ALLIANCE The Volkswagen Prague Marathon. The title of a race that attracts thousands of runners each year on the second Sunday of May. A race where registrations were sold out in just 69 days this year. A race which stands shoulder to shoulder with leading marathons around the world. A race that would be utterly impossible without Volkswagen’s unflagging support. They are the marathon’s exclusive automotive partner, supplying vehicles responsible for keeping precise times for our elite runners. For transporting staff members across town and across the country. (Sometimes in a big hurry!) And simply entertaining everyone at the marathon by showcasing some of their most beautiful and innovative models. www.volkswagen.cz
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Shoes in national colours, T-shirts and ladies race We’ve long gotten used to the idea of various city races making their own participant T-shirts. And these days it’s pretty much standard practice at large races. But to have your own shoes? That’s a whole different kettle of fish. But that too is something on the rise. The first ones flew onto the shelves a while back. And of course the Prague Marathon was among the first to get on the bandwagon. The Volkswagen Prague Marathon has boasted its own event shoes for the second year running. Last year a total of 300 pairs of exclusive shoes were made in the Czech national colours featuring the emblem of the Prague race. They could only be purchased from Prague’s Running Mall. www.adidas.cz
Discover the Czech Republic thanks to the Mattoni FreeRun RunCzech and Mattoni have joined forces to pursue their goal of getting people out running while at the same time motivating and entertaining them. So far the project includes eighty courses across the entire country with more than forty of these featuring initial guidance from an experienced coach. We have christened this opportunity the Mattoni FreeRun. In addition, Mattoni has been the official water of RunCzech Running League, refreshing runners all along our many courses for a full 23 years. www.mattoni.cz
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summary of activities
PRAGUE HALF MARATHON. FEATURING A STAR-STUDDED INTERNATIONAL FIELD. AND THE SPORTISIMO STARS. In addition to the elite athletes, the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon appeals to thousands of recreational runners. 11,507 in 2016 to be precise. Included among them are a special group known as the Sportisimo Stars, fourteen amateur runners just like you who have been chosen from among Sportisimo’s customers to train together under the expert guidance of Tomas Ondracek for their big race. To find out how they were selected, and to follow their progress, visit www.sportisimo.cz/hvezdy. www.sportisimo.cz
The Unstoppables running with Birell Several participants in our races have been struck down by some terrible disease or serious accident - dealt a rough hand by fate. However, they didn’t give up. And despite their disability, they still want to engage in sports. They are the Unstoppables. And they are being helped by people from all over the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Not just through donations but through exercise, pushed along the course by volunteer runners. In support of this effort, an inflatable Birell archway has been travelling around the country. And each time someone runs or walks through, Birell donates 5 Czech Crowns toward the purchase of essential equipment for these individuals. So far more than 50 thousand people have contributed to the project, raising more than a quarter of a million Czech Crowns. www.birell.cz summary of activities
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run with us O2 Prague relay 4 × 5 Last April, RunCzech introduced a completely new race. The O2 Prague Relay 4×5. We welcomed almost one thousand four-member teams to our inaugural running party in Stromovka Park. Inspired by the success of that run, RunCzech has come up with an enhanced and expanded version of the relay race: The O2 Prague Relay 4×5 will now be completed over a two-day period. To make the race an even more pleasant experience, it was moved from April to June. Apart from the first few weeks, it will only be possible to sign up for the race via charity organisations. Runner registrations are already open! www.o2.cz
patrons
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summary of activities
official partners
Our Fun Runs in each city create an opportunity for children and families to be part of the running festival. www.dm.cz
As the “Official House of the Marathon,” Hilton provides runner-centric services for both elite and amateur runners. www.hilton.cz
Helps us to process your online registration with all those customised services you might need. www.unicredit.cz
Connects Prague and our regional races with special railway offers for runners. www.ceskedrahy.cz
Gives you an option of cancellation and injury insurance for your full comfort and safety. www.csobpoj.cz
Welcomes you with a hospitality and help desk immediately upon your landing in Prague. www.prg.aero
Offers convenient flight connections from and to the Czech Republic. You only have to choose your favorite marathon destination. www.csa.cz
Ensures that all t-shirts, medals, fruit and everything else runners might need at the race are where they are meant to be. www.dhl.cz
partners
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official media partners
Czech television and its sports channel, ČT Sport, put together a live broadcast for all those not able to join runners on the course. www.ceskatelevize.cz
The largest Czech search engine and web, Seznam.cz, provides runners and spectators with all the necessary information at the Seznam Info Point. www.seznam.cz
Radiožurnál broadcasts reports, news and highlights from the running scene, including a live broadcasting of the Volkswagen Prague Marathon. www.rozhlas.cz/radiozurnal
Before each race Hospodářské noviny brings to all participants and the public our official Event Guide. www.ihned.cz
Forbes magazine includes a RunCzech Brochure with a full year-round running calendar. www.forbes.cz
On race day Deník produces a multiple page attachment with highlights from the running scene. www.denik.cz
Reportér offers runners a chance to run for a good cause thanks to their Reporter Foundation. www.reportermagazin.cz
media partners
partners
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summary of activities
dear readers, After spending two years improving on our existing races, we introduced a new event – the O2 Prague Relay 4×5. The debut race was tremendously successful, with participants ranging from experienced athletes to tiny tots in our Bambini run. Seeing the earto-ear smiles and hearing the highpitched screams of the children brought joy to us all. And who knows? It may have inspired the next running legend to come from the Czech Republic. Thanks to all the runners for confronting your running challenges head on, for taking part, continuing to exercise and being passionate about what you do. Special thanks to all of our RunCzech Stars, runners who have not missed a single race. And to our PIM Kings and Queens, runners who have completed six marathons or more since 1997.
summary of activities
Thanks also go out to everyone who helps put our races together. To our volunteers who work in the storage area, on city squares, start lines, refreshment and freshening up stands. And to those who work the finish line and backstage facilities. We salute the suppliers who are so critical to our infrastructure. Suppliers who ensure that everything is delivered on time, safely, and with a level of professionalism that is unmatched anywhere in the world. Thank you to the members of our organizing team who plan, draw, coordinate and think day and night about how to deliver a better running experience. Whose passion brings them in on weekends, holidays and other times when the rest of the world is sleeping in. We’d also like to say thank you to all of the rescue and security
services involved, for their vigilance and dedication to keeping us safe and sound. And to the beautiful cities across the country who turn their streets over to us, and to the thousands of runners who participate in our regional races. Who will leave their towns with memories that will last a lifetime. And finally, a special thanks to our partners, not only for the prizes, gifts, and activities they supply. But for lending us the power of their brands. You have been the best friends any organization could hope to have. The highly-successful RunCzech Running League 2016 season is behind us. And we’re looking forward to another personal best in 2017. Thanks to you. » Václav Skřivánek
Race Director
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Prague International Marathon, spol. s r.o. Tempo Team Prague s.r.o. Juniorský maratonský klub, z.s. Františka Křížka 461/11, 170 00 Praha 7 Email: info@runczech.com tel. +420 224 919 209 www.runczech.com
if you want to run, run a mile. if you want experience a different life, run a Marathon. – EMIL zátopek 35
summary of activities
all runners are beautiful