Friendly atmosphere, affordable prices, locals with good English skills and great connections from and to all over Europe make the Czech Republic a worthwhile destination both for shorter and longer visits. This treasure of the Eastern Middle Europe is widely known for its ice hockey success, its excellent brews and many famous historical and cultural personas. Visitors keep coming back over and over again because of the country’s originality and attraction. Runners love Czech Republic because of its often times certified RunCzech series that has made the country one of the leading running event locations in the world.
The country’s most popular and well-known travel destination is of course its beautiful capital Prague, a city that has become a regular among the most prestigious European tourism cities. Prague’s specialty is its persistence through multiple wars throughout the times and the remaining historical sites that date a thousand years back. The historical city centre of Prague has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1992. The most popular sites in the city include the Medieval Castle and the Jewish Quarter. Prague is a compact city, which works in its advantage as the most important and interesting parts of the city can be reached by foot. The public transport is also both extensive and inexpensive.
In addition to sightseeing, the city also offers excellent cuisine. The selection of restaurant varies from small taverns to Michelin starred restaurants, from local delicacies to international fusion. Thanks to the moderate price level, luxurious three course meals are not exclusively for the wealthy, but the restaurants on offer can be explored by everyone.
Prague’s central location makes it a destination of multiple airlines, both regular and budget. From anywhere in Europe the flight time does not extend a pleasant two to three hours. Accommodation possibilities vary from five star resorts to cozy backpackers’ hostels.
A great way to get to know the city in a unique way is to take part in one of its many running events that gain more international popularity year by year. Whether you want to go for a new PB or take in the city in a new way, Prague offers a chance to do it with events of all abilities.
Do you want to achieve your goal of a new half marathon PB? The country’s biggest and IAAF Gold Label rewarded running event offers a terrific opportunity. Prague’s half marathon course is one of the world’s fastest with a course record of 58:47. The timing in the beginning of April is ideal for kicking off the running season with a trip to springlike Prague. The course starts from Jan Palach Square and includes the gorgeous strands of Vltava and the cozy streets of the historical city centre. The growing popularity of the event has doubled the turnout in the last few years with nearly 13 000 runners in the last event!
Due to its internationality, the Volkswagen Prague Marathon is an excellent choice for a first foreign marathon. Due to its interesting course, it attracts experienced athletes. The start and finish are located on the famous Old Town Square, and the course takes runners through the historical centre and over the well-known Gothic Charles Bridge. Prague Marathon offers a great chance to rub shoulders with like-minded runner buddies: last year the event saw a turnout of over 9500 runners from more than 91 countries - including people from every continent! The amount of additional activity offered makes the event suitable for the entire family. The event has stood for two decades and maintains its popularity.
Taking place on a September evening, Prague Night Grand Prix is a great opportunity to experience Prague by night. The race starts and finishes on the Old Town Square, and the program of the night includes music, dance, performances - and of course running. The flat and fast course goes through the beautifully illuminated centre of Prague.
Although Prague is arguably the country’s most popular travel destination, the unique mixture of old and new is not limited to the capital - the attraction of Czech Republic stretches throughout the whole country. Urban landscapes and countryside, not to mention historical castles, churches and cathedrals, are every bit as interesting, peaceful and beautiful outside the capital as they are in it. Especially for those who are looking to escape the crowds and discover something truly unique, there is much to experience in all of the country.
Located in the Czech Bohemia near the German border, Karlovy Vary (also known by its German name Karlsbad) is the country’s second most popular travel destination. Karlovy Vary is a beautiful and tranquil alternative to the buzzing Prague. The city’s greatest attraction and the reason for its status as a popular spa city are its hot springs - a chance to bathe in the style of Beethoven, Goethe and Peter the Great is not to miss out on. The city is not all about the history, though, as it hosts one of Europe’s most important contemporary film festivals. Karlovy Vary is easily approachable by bus, the journey from Prague takes only a few hours.
Organized for the first time in 2013, the Karlovy Vary Half Marathon is definitely worth a try. The IAAF/AIMS certified course runs both in the city and surrounding moors, and gorgeous baroque buildings will set runners back in time. The city’s fantastic architecture has worked as a setting for several movies, and travelers are sure to be impressed by it. The city is also a family-oriented holiday destination, so it is suitable even for the smallest cheerers. After the run, what could be a better way to unwind than an afternoon in one of the city’s numerous bath houses!
The city dates back to the 13th century, and like Prague it has been saved from excessive damage during wars. An essential part of the city and its charm is the legendary brewery of Budweiser Budwar (Czech: Budějovický Budvar). In addition to beer, the city is known for its ice hockey team. Several historical towns and villages are located nearby.
Along with other historically significant features, the renaissance and baroque buildings on the course make the run a time travel through about 800 years. The run starts from the Přemysl Otakar II Square, a market place surrounded by some of the city’s most intriguing and impressive sights. The fast and flat course is ideal for personal PBs - the timing in the beginning of June gives plenty of time to train beforehand after the winter.
RunCzech events include also Usti Half Marathon and Olomouc Half Marathon.
