RunCzech Magazine ENG by RunCzech

RunCzech Magazine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 / 2018

all runners are beautiful sportisimo prague half marathon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7. 4. 2018

Přidejte se k nám a sledujte strasti i radosti s během spojené

www.sportisimo.cz/behame

www.facebook.com/sportisimorun

#sportisimohvezdy

www.sportisimo.cz

SPORTISIMO je hrdý partner seriálu běžeckých závodů RunCzech.

Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2018

Content Start 4

Welcome words

About the race 6–7 20 anniversary of the th

Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon

10–11 Running Expo 16–17 Service for Runners 18–19 RunCzech App 20–21 RunCzech Pacemakers 22–27 Elite Athletes RunCzech activities 28–31 Our Projects 32–33 Run with RunCzecz in 2018 34

RunCzech team

#praguehalf 3

Welcome Words

Dear Running Friends,

Dear runners and friends,

A warm welcome to this year’s Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon – the official launch of the running race series held in our capital city.

welcome at the the start of the next RunCzech running season and let me thank you to all 82 883 runners who participated in our races last year.

I hope your preparations for the day have gone according to plan, that you’re fit and running continues to bring you as much joy as it brings me. I also hope to see some new runners join the ranks of this amazing and health-enriching sporting discipline this year and that the possibilities of running the streets of our beautiful city on a regular basis spurs them on.

Back in 1999, when we organised the Prague Half Marathon for the first time, we believed that even a small race can become a top event. In that regard, last year far exceeded our expectations – 4 world records were broken on the course of the Prague Half Marathon making Prague the epicenter of athletics.

I hope you all have an amazing season culminating with a sense of satisfaction about all of your achievements.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Prague Half Marahon. We are looking forward to celebrating with you and will do everything in order for you to have an unforgettable running experience.

Adriana Krnáčová Prague City Mayor

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

Dear Runners and Fans of longdistance running! It’s time to get ready for an incredible running experience – the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon – kicking off the new running season. On 7th April a total of 11 500 athletes will head out against the unique backdrop of historical Prague which each year acts like a magnetic force pulling runners in from all over the world, from amateur enthusiasts to famous African long-distance stars. With its start and finish on Jan Palach Square in keeping with tradition, I know that this year’s jubilee will serve to motivate many of us – children, the young and not so young – to take up sport, exercise and other forms of healthy living. And that’s the most amazing result we can expect. Oldřich Lomecký Mayor for Prague 1

Dear Runners and Fans of running, On behalf of our company, it is an honour for me to welcome you to this year’s jubilee Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon for the fifth time in a row. In line with expansion of our stores, the number of runners is growing year on year and that’s a cause for celebration. As in previous years, for 2018 we’ve selected new faces to represent the Sportisimo Stars running project. Under the auspices of Josef Andrle, we’ve also put together running workshops and are constantly working on improving our offer of running shoes, clothing and accessories. Why not check it out for yourselves by paying a visit to our 97 Sportisimo stores, our e-shop, our Sportisimo stand, not to mention the Running Expo. In the area around the start line you can expect to see our usual Sportisimo tape zone, pace wristbands as well as a Smybox. Wherever you went to kit yourselves out for the race I hope you’re all in good shape and have a wonderful time. Martina Kudláčková Sportisimo Purchasing Director

Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2018 | 4

adidas_SS18_ULTRABOOST_ATL_RUN_WOMEN_inzerce_RunCzech_210x140.indd 1

09.03.18 10:23

n 13th March 1999 around a thousand running enthusiasts gathered at Prague’s Exhibition Grounds. The race was held during a traditional fun fair event, which besides the free admission for all those taking part and whoever was accompanying them, involved certain complications. “Setting the course up in advance was impossible as whenever we tried to put up railing, it was immediately pulled down for preventing customers from accessing the rides,” RunCzech Race Coordinator Tomáš Mirovský recalls.

20 years of the Prague half marathon: from carousels to world records Can you remember any key events of 1999? Some of you may recall it as the year the Czech Republic joined NATO or that Matrix premiered at the cinema. But twenty years ago was also the birth of the Prague Half Marathon. Let’s take a look back at this running race which has been appealing to elite and amateur runners from all over the world for two decades. Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2018 | 6

Scooping up victory in that first event year was Libyan runner Ali Ezayedi. And in the years that followed all the way to 2012, only Kenyan runners triumphed. Jana Klimešová was the first woman to cross the finish line. In its third year, the race was relocated to the centre of Prague – with runners setting off from Charles Bridge, turning around in Vršovice and finishing in Kampa. Aside from the amazing course, competing runners witnessed a number of changes including digital photos, text messaging to share their finish time and online diplomas. In the tenth event year it was decided for good that the Prague half marathon would both start

Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2018 beating records in the 10, 15 and 20 kilometre distances along the way. In just one race, the slightly built African star managed to smash four world records! From a race which began at a fairground to a host of multiple world records. This is how far the Prague half marathon has come in the past nineteen years. And we’re confident that the twentieth jubilee year will also be remembered in history for all the right reasons. ◄RC

and finish on Jan Palach Square, which coincided with the race earning IAAF Silver Label status as a gift to mark its tenth anniversary. It was awarded the most prestigious Gold Label in 2010. In 1993 Kenyan runner Moses Tanui became the first person in the world to complete the half marathon in under an hour. His compatriot Philemon Limo was the first to smash this magical limit at the Prague half marathon in 2011. The twenty-five year old long-distance runner took advantage of the ideal weather to secure an amazing finishing time of 59:30. To everyone’s surprise Limo’s statement at the finish was: “I’m not satisfied with my time, I wanted to run even faster.” Along with African stars, a record 11 thousand runners have taken part in the race including footballer Pavel Nedvěd. Rumours spreading about the extremely fast Prague course were confirmed the following year when Ethiopian runner Atsedu Tsegay completed the race in 58:47, the fifth fastest half marathon at that time. The Prague Half Marathon certainly left its mark in the athletics history books last year. Twenty-three year old Kenyan long-distance runner Joyciline Jepkosgei stormed her way through the course setting a new world record of 1:04:52, while

List of winners

of Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon (1999 – 2017) Men 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Ali Ezayedi Isaac Kiprono Athony Korir Willy Cheruiyot Fred Kiprop Joseph Ngeny Silas Kirui Stephen Kibiwott Patrick Ivuti Eliah Muturi Karanja Nicolas Kiprutto Koech Joerl Kemboi Kimurer Philemon Limo Atsedu Tsegay Zersenay Tadese Peter Kirui Daniel Wanjiru Daniel Wanjiru Tamirat Tola

LIB KEN KEN KEN KEN KEN KEN KEN KEN KEN KEN KEN KEN ETH ERI KEN KEN KEN ETH

1:04:48 1:03:28 1:02:09 1:02:15 1:02:47 1:01:46 1:01:07 1:01:15 1:01:00 1:02:08 1:00:07 1:00:09 0:59:30 0:58:47 1:00:10 0:59:22 0:59:51 0:59:20 0:59:37

Jana Klimešová Jana Klimešová Florence Barsosio Gloria Marconi Helena Javornik Catherine Kirui Susan Kirui Caroline Kwambai Liliya Shobukhova Asha Roba Gigi Rosa Kosgei Rosa Kosgei Lydia Cheromei Joyce Chepkirui Gladys Cherono Joyce Chepkirui Worknesh Degefa Violah Jepchumba Joyciline Jepkosgei

CZE CZE KEN ITA SLO KEN KEN KEN RUS ETH KEN KEN KEN KEN KEN KEN ETH KEN KEN

1:15:39 1:14:17 1:12:51 1:12:06 1:11:13 1:10:38 1:12:49 1:10:08 1:11:14 1:12:00 1:09:03 1:09:57 1:07:33 1:07:03 1:06:48 1:06:19 1:07:14 1:05:51 1:04:52

Women 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2018 | 8

Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2018

Sportsimo Prague Half Marathon Date: April 7, 2018 First held: March 13, 1999 Edition: 20th Title partner: Sportisimo IAAF Label: IAAF Road Race Gold Label

Start / Finish: Jan Palach Square

Categories: Individuals (21.0975 km) Teams (4x21.0975 km) Rescue and Security Forces Run (21.0975 km) Medical Run (21.0975 km)

Distance: 21.0975 km Time limit: 3 hours Capacity: 11,500 runners

Race Program

World records in half marathon: Men: 58:23 (2010), Zersenay Tadese (ETH) Women: 1:04:51 (2017), Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) Czech national records in half marathon: Men: 1:01:31 (1997), Jan Pešava Women: 1:11:02 (1994), Alena Peterková

SATURDAY, April 7, 2018

8 a.m.

Start of the program Jan Palach Square

11:50 a.m.

After-Race Press Conference Rudolfinum, Jan Palach Square

9 a.m.

Opening of The Guest Zone Jan Palach Square

1 p.m.

Official closure of the event Jan Palach Square

10 a.m.

Start of the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon Jan Palach Square

1:30 p.m.

Start of T-Roc After-Race Party Industrial Palace, Exhibition Ground Area

10:58 a.m. – 11:02 a.m. Anticipated arrival of the first man Jan Palach Square

3 p.m.

Award ceremony – categories Industrial Palace, Exhibition Ground Area

11:05 a.m. – 11:08 a.m. Anticipated arrival of the first woman Jan Palach Square

3:45 p.m.

Czech winners Industrial Palace, Exhibition Ground Area

11:10 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Award ceremony Jan Palach Square

5 p.m.

End of the T-Roc After Race Party Industrial Palace, Exhibition Ground Area

Patrons

Accompanying program: Running Expo Praha

Event Records: Men: 58:47 (2012), Atsedu Tsegay (ETH) Women: 1:04:52 (2017), Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) The fastest Czech – men: 1:03:23 (2017), Jiří Homoláč The fastest Czech – women: 1:11:06 (2016), Eva Vrabcová

Visit the Running Expo Pick your start number, meet the elite runners, equip yourself for the running season, and enjoy the accompanying program. You are all welcome to visit the Running Expo at the Exhibition grounds in Prague’s Holešovice district. Soak up the atmosphere of the Running Expo!

Opening hours Thursday 5. 4. 2018 12:00 – 20:00 Friday 6. 4. 2018 10:00 – 20:00 Saturday 7. 4. 2018 13:30 – 17:00 (pick up of start numbers only from 7 to 8 a.m.)

How to reach the Running Expo By Public Transport - tram number 5, 6, 8, 12, 17 to Výstaviště Holešovice expo shuttle bus - runs on Saturday from 7 to 8.15 a.m. and from 1.10 to 2.30 p.m. from náměstí Curieových to Výstaviště Holešovice By car - supervised and paid parking available by the ice hockey hall

Partners

ÉQUIVALENCE QUADRICHROMIE GEFCO GEF_17_11620_Logo_SignVertiBleu_Quad 16/10/2017 24, rue Salomon de Rothschild - 92288 Suresnes - FRANCE Tél. : +33 (0)1 57 32 87 00 / Fax : +33 (0)1 57 32 87 87 Web : www.carrenoir.com

Ce fichier est un document d’exécution créé sur Illustrator version CS6.

MAGENTA 20 % JAUNE 100 %

CYAN 100 % MAGENTA 70 % JAUNE 10 %

Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2018 | 10

Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2018

Accompanying program Thursday, April 5, 2018 16:00 boxer Lukáš Konečný - interview with a former World Light-Welterweight Champion and a pacemaker for blind runners 16:30 ondřej fejfar - the best Czech skyrunner 17:00 Umimbehat.cz - proper running technique 17:30 Shake out run to Stromovka led by coaches from Umimbehat.cz 18:00 Svět Běhu - what it takes to write a running magazine 18:30 BeBalanced - tips and tricks from a physiotherapist Dáša Lisá

Interesting Numbers The following is used during the race:

12 500

thermal insulation sheets

Friday, April 6, 2018 10:30 Children meet elite runners 14:20 václav skřivánek - introduction of the course 14:30 Tomáš Poláček - a reporter, writer and traveller runs from a midlife crisis 15:00 Pacemakers Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon introduction of pacemakers 15:20 Eva Vrabcová Nývltová - olympionist and the best Czech Runner 15:40 Jiří Homoláč - talks about training in Kenya 16:00 Sportisimo Stars - introduction of this unique project and this year’s running stars 16:40 Gatorade drinking regime - nutritional consultant Zuzana Šafářová 17:30 Shake out run to Stromovka led by coaches from Umimbehat.cz 18:30 Mattoni FreeRun - a talk about the most widespread running project in the Czech Republic 19:00 BeBalanced - tips and tricks from a physiotherapist Dáša Mostecká

11 500

Safety Pins

135 100 Cups

61 200

freshening up sponges

3 117

metres of fence

211

mobile toilets Eaten:

2 874 1 904 kg oranges 1 471 baguettes 19 kg salt 16

kg BANanas

Drunk:

28 926 6 345

litrES of MATTONI water litres of GATORADE drink

47 240

Medals

SATURDAY, April 7, 2018 13:30 T-Roc after race party begins 14:00 Replay of TV broadcast from the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 15:00 Award ceremony – categories 15:30 Czech winners 17:00 End of the T-Roc after race party and Running Expo

391

Traffic Signs

kg sugar

Following in the half marathon footsteps of a world record holder 1

10:02 / 10:20

10:05 / 10:28

10:08 / 10:36

10:11 / 10:44

10:14 / 10:52

10:17 / 11:00

10:19 / 11:08

10:22 / 11:16

10:25 / 11:24

10:28 / 11:32

e all gather at the Rudolfinum. This magical spot and home to the Czech Philharmonic never fails to charm – whether you’re a fan of classical music or a runner standing at the start line. And even though some of us will hear the start gun followed by Smetana’s Vltava for the twentieth time this year, it always opens those emotional floodgates. But before the tears have had chance to dry up, we find ourselves speeding along Smetana Embankment towards the Dancing House. It greets us with a warm welcome before swiftly sending us on our way along a straight course towards Vršovice turning back a few

Introducing the course of this year’s Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon – beautiful, entertaining and, above all, incredibly fast. Head out along the same route taken by Joyciline Jepkosgei who smashed a total of four world records last year and draw inspiration to fuel your own victory! 11

10:31 / 11:40

10:34 / 11:47

10:36 / 11:55

10:39 / 12:03

10:42 / 12:11

10:45 / 12:19

10:48 / 12:27

10:51 / 12:35

10:54 / 12:43

10:56 / 12:51

10:59 / 12:59

km Expected time of the first and the last runner (time limit)

hundred metres beforehand. We get to cross a number of bridges, the first of these being Palacký Bridge. Before we know it we’re in Smíchov and running past its brewery, confirmed by the unmistakable waft of barley. The route along Svornosti Street continues to Strakonice where we take on a sharp bend and start to make our way back to the start line. This is a chance to enjoy a leisurely run along the Vltava and admire the various botels on display and will fly by. We then cross Legion Bridge over to the other side which marks the ten-kilometre point – almost the halfway point. That’s definitely something to celebrate! From there we take a left, head over Mánes Bridge all the way to Edvard Beneš Embankment continuing to Bubeneč Embankment. The slightly curved landscape along an underpass takes us all the way to the renowned Libeň Bridge where our path takes us back towards Holešovice. Now we just have to brave the final few kilometres. We run towards Čech Bridge where a beautiful view awaits along with a sign telling us we’re 20 km in. Now all that’s left is to head towards Mánes Bridge once again and take on the famous flat stretch towards the finish and pick up our medal. ◄ JIRKA M.

Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2018 | 12

Průmyslový palác Holešovice

Stromovka

Voc tářo va

eží ké nábř Bubens

Strossmayerovo náměstí

neše varda Be nábřeží Ed í o nábřež Dvořákov

ké ans Roh

Hlávkův most

še a Jaro pitán ží Ka nábře

st Štefánikův mo

ost ův m Čech

e neš a Be ard Edv řeží b á n

Jateční

Letenské sady 12

Dukelských hrdinů

Milady Horákov é

Komunardů

Františka Křížka

Letenské náměstí

Jankovcova

Libeňský most

í řež náb

17 ží nábře nské Roha

dy nábřeží Ludvíka Svobo

el Těšnovský tun

17. li sto pad u

í řež áb on kov ořá Dv

Mánes ův mos t

náměstí Jana Palacha

Křižov nická

Kap rova

Přeskočit Staroměstské náměstí

Smetanovo náb řeží

Karlův m ost

runczech app

most Legií

Vítězná

Masarykovo nábřeží

Janáčkovo nábřeží

ží í nábře Hořejš

st Jiráskův mo

start / cíl start / finish st Palackého mo

řeží Rašínovo náb

Svornosti

Lidická

Hořejší nábřeží

3 8

Plavecká

ova Svobod

občerstvovací stanice refreshment point osvěžovací stanice sponges point Running Expo Praha první pomoc first aid Birell Music Point

Strakonická

toalety toilets METRO (A - B - C) významné památky important monuments

Strakonická

trasa závodu/ směr závodu race course/ direction of the race km vzdálenost km distance technické zázemí technical area seřadiště line-up

Start/Cíl | Start/Finish: náměstí/square Jana Palacha Technické zázemí | Technical area: Dvořákovo nábřeží Seřadiště | Line-Up: 17. listopadu Trasa závodu | List of streets náměstí Jana Palacha » Křižovnická » Křižovnické nám. » Smetanovonábřeží (1 km) » Masarykovo nábřeží » Palackého náměstí (2 km) » Rašínovo nábřeží » Plavecká » Vyšehradská » Svobodova » Rašínovo nábřeží (3 km) » Palackého náměstí » Palackého most » Lidická » Svornosti (4 km) » Strakonická (5 km, 6 km) » otočka / turn point » Strakonická (7 km) » Hořejší nábřeží (8 km) » Nábřežní » Janáčkovo nábřeží (9 km) » Most Legií (10 km) » Smetanovo nábřeží » Křižovnické náměstí » Křižovnická » Mánesův most (11 km) » Klárov (12 km) » Nábřeží Edvarda Beneše (13 km) » Nábřeží kapitána Jaroše (14 km) » Bubenské nábřeží » Komunardů » Jateční (15 km) » Jankovcova » Libeňský most » Štorchova (16 km) » Voctářova (17, 18 km) » Rohanské nábřeží » Těšnovský tunel (19 km) » Nábřeží Ludvíka Svobody » Dvořákovo nábřeží (20 km) » Čechův most » Nábřeží Edvarda Beneše » U plovárny » Kosárkovo nábřeží » Mánesův most (21 km) » Nám. Jana Palacha

Transport measures during the half marathon The first RunCzech race of the season gets under way this coming Saturday and is the biggest of them all. On the first Saturday of April, a total of 11 500 participants will head to the streets of Prague which isn’t feasible under typical road traffic conditions. The Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon will therefore involve a number of transport restrictions. Nevertheless efforts will be made to ensure these only last for the minimum timeframe and scope necessary. Anyone who took part in last year’s race won’t find any surprises to the course which once again leads along the banks of the Vltava. Parking restrictions apply throughout the race course with vehicles also prohibited from stopping. In addition drivers will need to take alternative routes to enter and leave the city. A detailed breakdown of the streets and areas affected can be found on the traffic flyer, on the RunCzech website and the free traffic information line. The police, municipal police and hundreds of organisers will be in charge of safety on race day. During the course of the weekend, Prague citizens will be able to use the free transport-information line: 800 165 102. It will be open from 9.00 till 17.00 hours on Thursday and Friday and again on race day from 9.00 till 19.00 hours. The information will also be made available on www.runczech.com

Free transport-information line 800 165 102 Monday 2nd to Friday 6th April from 9.00 till 18.00 Saturday 7th April from 8.00 till 14.00 hours

800 100 991 Saturday 1 April from 8.00 till 14.00 hours st

Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2018 | 14

The information can also be found on www.runczech.com, and the mobile app Waze. The app provides an overview of all the closures on race day and takes you along the least frequented course to keep delays to a minimum.

Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2018

The Marathon Music Festival: legitimate doping along the course Vote for the best band at runczech.com

Music and running are intricately linked. Plenty of runners rely on the regular rhythms of music delivered to their trusty headphones to get through long runs. At our races, though you can leave your headphones at home as thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be no lack of auditory stimuli to worry about. At the Marathon Music Festival every few hundred metres along the course youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be greeted by singers, bands and DJs, each fulfilling their duties to help guide you to the finish. An ever-increasing number of runners like to have a bit of fun at our races. And music is one of the most powerful ways to do just that.

Treats to look forward to The Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon isn’t just a run. You can look forward to checking out a whole host of interesting features whether the Running Expo, before or after the race. Here’s a snapshot of some of them:

Protein for runners Did you know that runners need to increase their intake of protein and calcium? Meggle dairy products are an ideal way to get a nutrient boost. And you can sample them at the Prague half marathon.

Fragrances and refreshments by adidas A decent shower is the best reward for every runner. And it’s best of all when topped off with adidas cosmetics which will be included in your start bags.

Sweet treats All of our participants and fans can look forward to sampling ice cream at the UniCredit bank stand by the start line of the Prague half marathon.

Original photo and race diploma Get your photo taken from the half marathon course with www.marathon-photos.com. Another great way to remember the race by is your own personal diploma delivered to you especially courtesy of the Messenger express courier service.

Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2018 | 16

Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2018

Unique adidas collection with MAAPPI Pay a visit to the adidas stand at the Running Expo and purchase the official event collection. 50 CZK from each purchase of this limited edition collection goes to the charity MAAPPI which supports children with autism.

Time wristbands and key rings Have a dream half marathon time in mind and worried you won’t be able to keep to your pace? Sportisimo has come up with a simple solution – you can pick up your bracelet featuring your interval times at both the Sportisimo stand at the Expo as well as on the square on race day. Sportisimo will also be on call to tape up any aches and pains you have before the race, plus hand over a commemorative key ring after you cross the finish.

Media partners

T-Roc after-race party Get to celebrate your sporting performance in style. And where better than at the post-race T-Roc after-race party with some great DJs!

Free transport On race day each runner gets free travel on Prague’s public transport system. Just have your start number with you as proof.

Lost property Lost something in the start area or on the course? Try heading to the Gefco point – a special delivery service gathering all lost property by the Rudolfinum.

Refreshments along the course Mattoni is offering samples of its products for all those attending the Running Expo. Runners will be offered Mattoni water at all the

refreshment and sponges stations along the race course.

Beer at the finish line Every runner knows that beer tastes best at the finish line. And you’ll also have the chance to drink your fill of refreshing Birell at the end of the race. All fans of healthy and active lifestyle will appreciate that it’s brewed exclusively using natural ingredients free of preservatives and artificial colouring agents.

Special Gatorade refreshment stations At the 16.5 km point, just as runners’ energy levels are waning, there’s a chance to recharge at the special Gatorade fan zone refreshment station featuring Prague Lions American footballers, not to mention cheerleaders of course!

unique app for

runners and their friends

Přeskočit

RunCzech wants to bring runners always something new

runczech app

and this season we present you another big innovation. With the new RunCzech App you can pick up your start number and get the complete information service about the race. Runners along with the fans will now enjoy the race even more thanks to live tracking. Last but not least – the RunCzech App provides a perpetual source of inspiration for runners and benefits from our partners.

sportisimo prague half marathon 2018 | 18

sportisimo prague half marathon 2018

Live tracking of runners Your family and friends can watch your time and position on the course and cheer you up. Tell them to download the app to follow you on-line.

Virtual Goodie Bag Runners’ stories

With the RunCzech App you can pick up your start number and get the complete pre-race info including traffic measures and post-race results. Thanks to the RunCzech App you will have all partner benefits in your phone and ready to use – no more leaflets in plastic bags! The RunCzech App provides information about the Running Expo so that you won’t miss any interesting speaker or the after party. With our App you will have the complete accompanying program at hand.

Chase them all with RunCzech App 19

Somebody runs to lose weight and others run just for fun. Every runner has a unique story and we love to hear them all. If you are looking for an inspiration, just read Runners’ stories in RunCzech App.

Running inspiration Running tips and advice are always at hand with our RunCzech App. If you are not sure how to stretch before a race or what to have for breakfast - we have a solution. Don’t know how or where to run? Mattoni FreeRun with more than 80 running courses and many experienced FreeRun coaches all over the Czech Republic will show you the beauty of running.

The new RunCzech App is available for Android and iOS.

1:30 Lane B

Pacemakers: running against the clock

o mark the countdown to the end to war, military soldiers would use dressmaker’s measuring tape cutting off a centimetre each day symbolically shortening the number of days left. It’s a bit like that for us pacemakers as we wait patiently to take up our positions in the start lanes, eager to help you achieve your dream times at the 20th jubilee Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon.

At times, the run-up has felt never-ending with plenty of hard work along the way – you couldn’t be more mistaken if you think that pacemakers don’t have to train hard. Our sessions test us to the limits with sweat soaked t-shirts and welltrodden shoes to prove it. But our goal is always the same – to help runners’ achieve their goals whether that involves breaking a personal best or simply completing the race. Last season was a total blast for us. Many runners took advantage of our services which both fills us with joy and requires our commitment. What have we got in store for you this year? Can you expect to see any new features? We value and respect you so much that we always have to come up with something extra. I mean you do deserve it. You’ll be able to spot us even before the race gets under way thanks to our traditional backpacks with flags poking out. For the third year now,

Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2018 | 20

we’ll also be appearing in identical outfits. Rest assured we’ll be highly visible, and hopefully look cool at the same time. Right from the sound of the gunshot you can rely on us to cheer and spur you on, helping out at refreshment stations, offering advice about how to overcome any crisis point you’re experiencing and finally – guiding you to the finish line at the exact times indicated on our flags. Not a minute earlier or later. Simply put, we run against the clock! We also stick around after you’ve crossed the finish ready to share your experiences, stories and emotions as the medals are placed over your heads, and above all to celebrate all the ways in which the race has enriched you. And if you stumble across us hanging around the facilities, our lane, at the finish line or even outside of the race setting, don’t hesitate to stop and ask us whatever you need to know. We’ve been a regular race fixture for a long time now and will be more than happy to help! The race start has come upon us incredibly quickly. We have the entire RunCzech race season ahead of us and with it new experiences, stories, personal bests, joy, and disappointments to embrace. As usual your trusty team of pacemakers, always smiling and committed to lending a helping hand, will be to the ready to accompany you on your journey to this year’s first milestone –the half marathon. ◄ JIRKA M. Head of the pacemaker team

Jiří Fix Petr Macek

1:40 Lane c Jan Mareček Mirek Touška

1:45 Lane D Jiří Mašek Jekatěrina Zanozina

1:50 Lane E Pavla Kratochvílová Pavel Čvančara

2:00 Lane G Petra Heřman Lucie Síbrová Libor Ondrůšek

2:10 Lane H Petr Kudláček Martin Ševčík Karel Kodr

2:30 Start of Lane L Roman Novotný Jitka Faronová

Substitutes: Vojtěch Knespl František Míček

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to spot us even before the race gets under way thanks to our traditional backpacks with flags poking out.

Jubilee half marathon welcomes long-distance running stars The start line of this year’s twentieth jubilee Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon will be exceptionally strong headed by reigning race event holder Atsedu Tsegay from Ethiopia. The women’s race will star the world’s fifth and eighth fastest half marathon runner Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui and Joan Melly. Among the Czechs Jiří Homoláč and Eva Vrabcová-Nývltová are the hot favourites to win.

o mark the race’s 20th anniversary, the Prague half marathon organisers have invited an exceptionally strong elite field. Headed by Atsedu Tsegay who ran the event record in Prague back in 2012 (58:47), a total of six men all with times under one hour will be taking part. “Other hot favourites include Josphat Tanui and Benard Kimeli, last year’s winner of the Birell Prague Grand Prix,” reveals Jana Moberly who manages elite athletes. On top of the African stars we can also look forward to checking out a performance by Spanish long-distance runner Javier Guerra who boasts a personal record of 1:01:38.

Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2018 | 22

Jiří Homoláč has spent time training in Kenya once again this year and will also be keen to secure himself a podium spot. “I’d definitely like to deliver a faster performance in Prague this time compared to last year (1:03:23),” the fastest long-distance runner reveals. Other Czech runners scheduled to compete include Ondřej Fejfar and David Vaš. In terms of the women, Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui and Joan Melly are planning to give compatriot and holder of four world records Joyciline Jepkosgei a run for her money. Race winner in 2015 and last year’s runner up, Ethiopian

talent Worknesh Degefa won’t want to make it easy for any of them, however. Czech fans will be offering their support to Eva Vrabcová-Nývltová, who is expected to launch an assault on the Czech record (1:11:02). She’ll run along by some high calibre European competition led by Lithuanian Olympian runner Diana Lobačevskė. Also flying the Czech flag in the elite women’s category will be legendary Olomouc native Petra Kamínková and Barbora Jíšová.

we would like to thank our partners for their support What does it take to run a race? If you ask runners, they’ll tell you it takes months of training and mental preparation. Blisters, sore muscles, and constantlyfighting 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.

Title partner

Institutional partner

Main partners

Official partners

Official media partners

Geoffrey YEGON

Benard KIMELI

He finished 3rd at the Prague Half Marathon 2017 / He started running competitively only after he turned 23 years / Last season, he ran 7 half marathons and won 2 of them (in Den Haag and in Göteborg)

In 2017 he won the Birell Prague Grand Prix in 27:10 – the sixth fastest 10k time of all time / The Prague Half will be only his second half marathon / He is a RunCzech Racing team alumni.

sponsor: adidas | country: Kenya

Atsedu TSEGAY

Javier GUERRA

In 2012 in Prague, he set an event record of 58:47 which still stands as the 6th fastest half marathon of all time and Ethiopian national record / In 2014, he finished 6th at the Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon / He did not run a sub-60 minute half marathon sice 2013.

He finished 4th at the 2014 Europan Athletics Championship and 7th at the 2015 London Marathon / In February, he ran a personal best of 1:01:38 at the Granollers Half Marathon / He will run the Prague Half for the second time.

sponsor: Nike | country: Ethiopia

sponsor: adidas | country: Spain

Jiří HOMOLÁČ

Last year in Prague, he ran the Czech event record (1:03:23), previously held by his coach Robert Štefko / Past winter he trained again in Kenya / In March, he finished 65th at the World Half Marathon Championships. sponsor: adidas | country: Czech republic

Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2018 | 24

Ondřej FEJFAR

He trains under an excellent mountain runner Robert Krupička / In 2017 he won the Czech championship and placed 9th at the European Skyrunning Championship / Last year at the Prague Half he served as a pacemaker for Eva Vrabcová-Nývltová. sponsor: Inov-8 | country: Czech republic

Josphat Kimutai TANUI

He is a member of the RunCzech Racing team / Last year he finished 2nd at the Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon in a personal best of 59:22 / He typically runs about 150km/week.

sponsor: adidas | country: Kenya

Stefano LA ROSA

He is an eight-time Italian champion (twice over 10,000 metres, 5 time over 5,000 metres and once in half marathon) / He placed 13th in half marathon at the 2016 European Athletics Championships in Amsterdam / In February, he placed 5th at the Napoli City Half Marathon. sponsor: adidas | country: Italy

David VAŠ

He ran a personal best of 1:08:13 at the Prague Half Marathon 2017 / He trained in Kenya for a third winter in a row / He runs for Sokol České Budějovice and his coach is Petr Bahenský.

sponsor: Salming | country: Czech republic

Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2018

Start List – Elite athletes – men number

nationality

date of birth

half marathon time

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 20 21 29 30 31

KEN

Josphat Kimutai TANUI

name and surname

4. 2. 1994