summary of activities 2016 editorial 2. april Sportisimo Half 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 runczech 5. – 27. april pulls in, however. Junior Marathon The RunCzech Running physical exercise is growing the sport whose league tables League consists of three Prague world over. Not just because of regularly feature some of the 16. april running events – the marathon, the absolute number they’re able wealthiest people in the country. O Prague Relay 4×5 running 2 , and ten- and to reach. But because of how Another beautiful aspect of five-kilometre runs. Plus, intensely people get involved in running is that it is a highly four regional half , the sport. democratic sport. Both on 8. may hosted in Karlovy Vary, České and around the course you’re Volkswagen Prague Marathon Budějovice, Olomouc and Ústí Another beautiful aspect guaranteed to come into contact nad Labem. of running has become with people who you’d otherwise league 21. may a manifestation of modern never meet. Everyone is there Each year, the races of the living a lifestyle which sees for the same reason – pleasure. Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon RunCzech Running League people investing in themselves, Pleasure derived from exercising, draw more than eighty thousand their bodies and their overall coming together to do so and runners, and many more health, increasing their overall pushing yourself and your own 4. june spectators, either lining the satisfaction with life in general. limits. And that’s why the one 2016 Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon courses or glued to TV screens. common denominator you Altogether, millions watch the What’s more, there is a natural notice among the vast majority races. correlation between people who of runners is a beaming smile. 25. june lead active lives and those who Mattoni And, while not officially a part active companies seek to recruit. This magazine is dedicated to all of RunCzech Running League, It’s not that people working those who along with RunCzech our fledgling run, the 2O Prague in business sit in their offices share in distributing running 10. september Relay 4×5 draws thousands thinking about running as they smiles. If you’re interested in Birell more. write business plans. These getting in on the action, why not people often actively take part try it yourselves? Runners and their supporters, in races themselves. The names 17. september however, aren’t the only ones of a whole host of top managers, » Carlo Capalbo Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon to succumb to the charms of lawyers and investors all appear President of the RunCzech running. It also appeals to at the starting lines of RunCzech organising committee; people with a head for business. races. On top of this you’d be Chairman of IAAF 24. september Interest in linking brands with hard pressed to find another Commission guest race 4 – 5 / RunCzech Sport Achievements in 2016 6 / Runczech 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 / : a runner’s paradise 26 – 27 / Sport as an economic giant 28 – 33 / what does it take to run a marathon?

summary of activities 2 3 summary of activities The biggest surprise among Czech athletes,E va Vrabcová, professional cross The fastest woman in the Birell Prague Grand Prix 10km,V iolah Jepchumba (30:24), country skier and participant in two Winter Olympics, stunned everyone missed the World Record (held by ) by only 3 seconds; with this with her switch to professional running. In 2016, she immediately delivered result she becomes the second fastest woman in history. She set the World Lead some astonishing results. Namely, she broke 3 RunCzech events records, at time of the year in 2016, the African record and Kenyan record. Also, Jepchumba the Sportisimo (1:11:06), at the Volkswagen Prague posted the second fastest time of the year in 2016 in the 10k (the world leading time Marathon (2:30:10), and at the Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon (1:15:16). at that date) as a split time in the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon. Worknesh These results took her to the European Championship and to the Olympic Degefa, with 30:34 in the 10k, holds the third fastest time of the year for Games in Rio, where she showed stable and fine results. 2016, shown as a split time during the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon as well.

Violah Jepchumba of produced the World Lead time of 1:05:51 All 4 Czech men competing at the Volkswagen Prague in the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon. She’s become the third Marathon were supported by international pacemakers, fastest woman in history. which enabled them to fulfill the criteria of the Czech Athletic Federation and to qualify for the European Championships. RunCzech 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.

Sport Five male athletes led by (59:20) broke the one hour barrier in one of the greatest mass finishes in RunCzech Achievements 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 in 2016 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 Milan Kocourek set a new Event Record at the Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon (1:06:51). the Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon to her almost perfect Jiří Homoláč set a new Event Record at the Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon (1:05:41). 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).

4 5 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 Huge win for Czech running diplomacy Few, if any, can be left in doubt regarding RunCzech’s status as a leader 12 second place positions in track and road races in organising international running events.

8 third place positions in track and road races But now we have further proof elected as a member of the board since March of last year. This in the domain of sporting at the Association of International makes RunCzech and the Czech diplomacy. Another big Marathons and Distance Races, Republic the only organisation international award to add to the otherwise known as AIMS. This and country in the world to boast Three impressive international debuts: won the Mattoni seven International Association places him shoulder to shoulder representatives in both of its Karlovy Vary Half Marathon with a personal record and race of Athletics Federations Gold with Carlo Capalbo who has largest athletics organisations! record; Mathew Kimeli finished fifth in the Birell Prague Grand Labels. Director of the RunCzech held down the position of IAAF Prix with the World Junior Lead time in 10k; Edwin Kiptoo races, Václav Skřivánek has been committee chair of road running » RunCzech (junior) won the Kalakaua Merrie Mile against established senior elite field. Very impressive, Carlo. Congratulations to you and your team impressive marathon debut: Festus Talam won the Eindhoven Marathon as a pacemaker with a time of 2:06:26, becoming the fastest Paul Hardy, IAAF Competition and Events Director pacemaker ever to finish a marathon in his debut.

Fantastic efforts and some amazing 2 event records: both produced by Joyciline Jepkosgei, 1:09:07, in results for 2016 the Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon, and 1:07:02 in the Peter Ciaccia, Race Director, TCS NYC Marathon Marseille Cassis 20K

Congratulations on your series’ Eighth fastest time of 2016 over 10k (Joyciline Jepkosgei, 31:08, Prague) achievements this year. carlo capalbo Brett Larner, Japan Running News Director runczech 7 Top 30 performances of the year 2016 Amazing! congratulations on an excellent year. Well done! one senior World Lead time: set by Abraham Kipyatich in 10k (27:40, Jakob Larsen, Director of Danish Athletic Federation World Lead time at that date) in the Birell Prague Grand Prix racing václav skřivánek Thank you very much for sharing the RunCzech Racing, inspired by Czech two World Junior Lead times: Edwin Kiptoo produced a World Junior running legend, Emil Zatopek, brings Lead time of 3:39.0 in an early season 1500m race in Kenya; fantastic results within 2016 RunCzech running together elite athletes from all over the Mathew Kimeli posted a World Junior Lead time of 27:53 in achievements. Not only those make us and myself world. Based in Prague, and consisting the 10k at the Birell Prague Grand Prix too, feeling proud of being your partner! of some of the world’s most promising runners, they wear RunCzech Racing Karel Ledvinka, Director of adidas Czech Republic gear, and represent the organization in running events all across the Runczech racing provided visibility of the RunCzech brand while globe. They also routinely meet with competing in 12 countries, including France, , Netherlands, amateur runners at the Running Mall, Sweden, Germany, Japan, USA. It was broadcasted live on TV Terrific results! offering advice and sharing personal and online worldwide for a total of over 25 hours 55 minutes, Thomas Grilk, Chief Executive Officer, experiences. excluding replays, reportages and highlights.

summary of activities 6 7 summary of activities runczech in numbers runczech running league 2016 chart runczech participants over time 7 68 116 327 133 10

82 840 ENROLLED 70 000 RUNCZECH 60 000 RUNNERS IAAF Road Race in 2016 Professions Participated Elite runners Music bands New event Gold Labels 50 000 82 840 of our runners countries invited on the course records for 7 races

40 000

30 000

20 000 151 17.7mil. 2.21mil. 6 545

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 Countries TV viewers Total visits that broadcast live and online viewers in CZ only on runczech.com and Volunteers RunCzech events (live or delayed) runningmall.cz Gender Representation Local vs. Foreign 33 170 men – 17 856 women 41 104 Czech runners vs 9 922 foreign runners 65% 119 401 59 082 15 810 5 703 35% 80,5% 19,5%

Fans that follow people employed Registered Junior Marathon RunCzech on Social during and around newsletter subscribers participants education age Media event day

Above 65 56 – 65 elementary 144 846 4 790 5 287 370 000 € 46 – 55 47% 53% 35% 38% 13% 3% 9% 1% Business guests Expo visitors Charity runners From fundraising secondary university 36 – 45 18 – 35 at B2B events

data: october, 2016 summary of activities 8 9 summary of activities running market and potential reach runczech participants 2016 sportisimo ENROLLED prague competitive year RUNCZECH half marathon runners 2016 11 507 82 840 RUNNERS 2 april 2016 volkswagen we talk to runners >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> they talk to friends and families prague 15 792 runners With 22 years of experience, RunCzech is among market leaders in the world in organizing long distance running events marathon competitive NON competitive 8 MAY 2016 10 613 runners 5 179 runners involved in ENGAGED RUNNING RUNCZECH WITH POTENTIAL 336 391 EVENTS 1 076 457 RUNNERS 2,08 mil IN CZ mattoni karlovy vary 5 810 runners Attending Expos Families, friends, Actively half marathon competitive NON competitive and visitors on the race day colleagues, social groups running people 21 MAY 2016 3 786 runners 2 024 runners

Running events include large commercial Frequency of running: 30 % of the czech Running events involve people close mattoni Expos, B2B guests and accompanied visitors population between 18 and 65 years old run at to the running participants (Source – Expo and B2B: PIM; visitors: Czech least once per week for any purpose ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE (Source – CSI mult. fact. × 3.2) runners Tourism mult.fact. × 2.27) (Source: GfK, 2016) 5 852 half marathon competitive NON competitive 4 june 2016 3 341 runners 2 511 runners who are runczech participants? MATTONI OLOMOUC Frequency of doing any sport frequency of running 9 623 runners HALF marathon competitive NON competitive Active sport Active runners 25 june 2016 6 321 runners 3 302 runners non-runners BIRELL 28% 63% 30% PRAGUE runners 31% GRAND PRIX 8 785 Occasional sport birell 10 km adidas women’s 10 SEPTEMBER 2016 6 777 race 2 008 race 5 km 6% 42%

No sport Occasional runners MATTONI ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM runners HALF marathon 6 085 Total population (18-65) Active sport / runners: at least once per week Occasional sport / runners: 1-3 times per month Source: competitive NON competitive 17 SEPTEMBER 2016 3 577 runners 2 508 runners

summary of activities 10 11 summary of activities runczech running Already have plans for this year? Feel like league 2017 it’s too soon? Believe us, it isn’t. At least not where runners are concerned anyway! sportisimo RunCzech has already begun country as many others have seen it. prague Run with us registering runners for next On foot. half marathon year. That’s right. You can now sign up for all of our 2017 win your own race april 1 RunCzech Running League races It’s not only elite athletes who win – a marathon, five half marathons with RunCzech. Now everyone volkswagen year-round and a 10K or 5K. Participants who can make it to the top. Take run all of them in a single year are a closer look at the RunCzech prague dubbed RunCzech Stars. Last year, Running League and you’ll marathon the title was won by 197 runners. discover that it is indeed true! Could you be among them this may 7 year? Absolutely. Just plan ahead. The unique ranking system is put and become Register early. And start training. together based on gender, age mattoni groups and professions. Runners’ Start numbers for the Sportisimo points are collected for each race karlovy vary Prague Half Marathon and completed and correspond to the half marathon Volkswagen Prague Marathon number and difficulty of runs may 20 a RunCzech are now only available through undertaken. You can become the You can become the fastest mattoni architect, brewer, vet or even české budějovice half marathon Star accountant. june 3 participating charitable fastest architect, brewer, vet or organizations. But there are still even accountant. To be included mattoni registrations available for the half in the RunCzech Running League marathons in Karlovy Vary, České ranking system, you need to olomouc Budějovice, Olomouc and Ústí nad compete in three of our races plus half marathon Labem. Also for the Prague 10K enter the details of your profession and 5K this autumn. when signing up. june 24

Run with us in the Czech Republic » RunCzech birell and discover the beauty of this great prague grand prix september 9 mattoni ústí nad labem half marathon september 16

fundrasing event prague relay 4×5 june 14 – 15 summary of activities 12 13 summary of activities 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 train- ing partner with the same passions as yours. The RunCzech Running Mall is situated in Holešovice, where you can train, learn and relax togeth- er 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 daily 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

contact with 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.

runners www.runczech.com

summary of activities 14 15 summary of activities runczech special projects

Running Expos Running Expos are places to pick up your running dm family run the czech marathon club bib, meet elite athletes, work out, see what’s new in Junior marathon the way of sports equipment offered by dozens of This is a run the whole family can enjoy. Adults and All Czech citizens who run at least one event exhibitors, enjoy a variety of fitness and wellness The Junior Marathon is the biggest non-commercial, children running together along the easy 3 kilometre with us per year can become a member of our programs, or just browse. The Expos go by different nonprofit sports project for students in the Czech course. But while the course is not very challenging, loyalty program – the Czech Marathon Club. names at different events—the Running Expo at Republic. It is a team race in which high school the race is still run according to our professional Joining the club doesn’t cost a penny and doesn’t the Prague Half Marathon; The Sport Expo at the students run the marathon courses in every region standards. It’s designed to be fun for children, but bind the runner in any way. In fact you can only Volkswagen Prague Marathon; The Moravia Sports of the Czech Republic. The marathon course also to stimulate an interest in maintaining an active benefit. In addition to discounts on start fees to Expo at the Olomouc Half Marathon. But while (42,195 km) is divided into 10 segments with ten lifestyle. This is a non-competitive race. But every all RunCzech events, you will also be rewarded the names may change, the mission is the same. team members each running a segment. participant receives a medal at the end. by discounts from the race’s partners. To have fun.

summary of activities 16 17 summary of activities Běháme pro os- 45 tatní, přidejte collaborating non-profits 370 000 € We serun i forvy! others, for 5 287 charities runners has run for a good and so could you cause This article is about To start off, here is a few statistics. Prague Half Marathon and the runners set off on the course with the Czech Prison Service, Business we’re aware of. Let us know if you pure joy. Derived This year 5 287 runners ran for Volkswagen Prague Marathon, children from the Jedlička Institute Leaders Forum and the non- know about any such story. And from running and a good cause. They purchased visitors got to try out our new taking it in turn to push their profit organisation the Rubikon what about you? Would you like helping others start numbers for RunCzech races feature – a digitally worked Prague wheelchairs. Thanks to companies Center. By wearing yellow ribbons to help out by running? Go to simultaneously. from 45 collaborating non-profits marathon set up on a treadmill. such as Benecykl, FG Forrest, the we drew attention to the issue the RunCzech website to find the An ever-growing contributing as such to charitable UnicreditBank turned each Pardubice-based Sanoplasma and of finding gainful employment Charities link. And don’t forget number of runners causes. On top of this, almost fifty clocked up kilometre into money the Vyšehradská jóga association with a criminal record while to check out our new O2 Prague engage in the runners took on board personal raising a grand total of 4 333 € to five children have received new participation of imprisoned girls Relay race. Runners joining this sport not just for challenges, each organising purchase a brand new wheelchair wheelchairs. and boys in our marathon relay race contribute to good causes themselves but also a running collection to support for little Elenka from South helped break down the stereotype just by taking part. So what are a particular project. In total these Moravia who has had reduced Selfie with the running stars, that prisoners only belong in you waiting for? Head (sorry run) to make a difference good cause runners raised more mobility requiring day-to-day care prisoners on the course prisons. along to this running picnic next to others. This year than 11 000 €! since birth. Thanks to our non-profits and June! Thanks everyone for treading hundreds of such partners, kids from children’s Have a go yourselves charitable love. You’re all fantastic! stories happened in You can also help Running with those who can’t homes had the chance to chat The examples above offer a tiny front of our eyes. by running on a treadmill A number of boys and girls have with Czech as well as international glimpse into the ever-expanding I’d like to take this Non-road runners have also also received new wheelchairs athletes, jump into their arms or sea of charitable activities we are opportunity to look been offering a helping hand. thanks to the Running With take a joint selfie. New to feature involved in. And we suspect plenty » Pavel Kaidl back on a handful As a part of sporting festivals Those That Can´t project. At the this year was the Yellow Ribbon more stories of love and altruism [email protected] of them here. organised via the Sportisimo back of the start lanes, dozens of Run organised in conjunction with take place at our races than even www.runczech.com/charity

summary of activities 18 19 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 RunCzech events. Newsletters are sent out to over 40,000 foreign subscribers, and are made available in each of their languages. RunCzech’s events were broadcasted live in 151 countries throughout Europe, Asia, North and in foreign South America, Africa and the Middle East. The audience of RunCzech on social media has risen to 59,082 followers. 21% of our Facebook Lagardere, a leading sports and entertainment friends are foreign. agency, helped broadcast to 19 TV stations in 49 countries, reaching as many as 719 million countries homes. Over 440 online articles were published in over 15 languages all over the world. International relations has become an essential part of In all 7 races, a total of 81 journalists and RunCzech’s communication. influencers from 15 countries, traveled to the Through our collaboration Czech Republic to report about RunCzech. with international race We partner with 37 travel agencies in 21 organisers, media, institutions countries to help attract runners from all around and associations, we promote the world. In the past two years, the number of Asian the RunCzech brand and the We added to the official website, registration runners coming to the Czech Republic to race beauty of the Czech Republic. for all races available in 11 languages: Czech, has increased dramatically, giving a significant Every year the RunCzech English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Polish, boost to tourism throughout the country. Running League attracts Russian, Japanese, Chinese and Hungarian. more and more runners and Working together with our strategic partner, tourists from all over the Czech Tourism offices around the world have world. The number of foreign helped with promoting the Czech Republic as participants from 116 countries a popular running and tourist destination for in 2016 increased to an all time Over 23% of visitors to our website were foreign, visitors. high of 10,022 runners. totaling up 1.6 million international views.

summary of activities 20 21 summary of activities runczech team and volunteers

volunteers At refreshment stands, at the finish, along the runczech team course and backstage, they’re simply everywhere. number of volunteers The RunCzech team consists of roughly 40 core Altogether, there are a grand total of 6,545 of people who manage the organization and strive to them. And it would be impossible to organize our Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon...... 1 210 Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon...... 660 make our races a truly unforgettable experience. races without their help. Volkswagen Prague Marathon...... 1 540 Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon...... 825

During running season, the team will add A huge thank to all of them! Not just for their O2 Prague Relay 4×5...... 275 Birell Prague Grand Prix...... 715 a dozen additional staff members and hundreds of actual help but also their high spirits and smiles Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon...... 645 Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon...... 675 volunteers. All of whom do their very best to make which they bring to their work. So altogether now: race participants feel completely pampered. Hip Hip Hooray for our volunteers! 6 545 volunteers in total – Thank you!

summary of activities 22 23 summary of activities “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 event records watering holes. They decided to give Emil Zátopek a call. Could you possibly pick a better guy to head up the first Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon few Prague marathons other than this international long Atsedu Tsegay ETH 2012 0:58:47 Czech Republic: distance running legend? Violah Jepchumba KEN 2016 1:05:51 But they needed more than “Emil”, as the star’s wife Róbert Štefko CZE 2005 1:03:34 Dana affectionately referred to the athlete, to make it Eva Vrabcová CZE 2016 1:11:06 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 Volkswagen Prague Marathon a runner’s another start-up planning a marathon too, problems KEN 2010 2:05:39 appealing to partners. Plus, nobody had any idea how KEN 2011 2:22:34 many people would make it to the start line. In the first years following the Velvet Revolution, finding sufficient Róbert Štefko CZE 2004 2:12:35 numbers prepared to run the 42 195 kilometre course Eva Vrabcová CZE 2016 2:30:10 was no easy feat. And back then the running boom was paradise nowhere in sight. Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon

Twenty years ago In the end, they managed to appeal to a mere 958 brave Elijah Serem KEN 2015 1:01:01 when Carlo Capalbo souls to take on the very first Prague International Joyciline Jepkosgei KEN 2016 1:09:07 first uttered his Marathon… and just over a half of these – 519 to be thoughts about precise! - made it across the finish line “I dreamt of Milan Kocourek CZE 2016 1:06:51 running a marathon but didn’t know anything about it. Ivana Sekyrová CZE 2013 1:17:31 creating a marathon I didn’t train and had to run the whole course without in Prague, never in socks because it was so hot,” recalls Flavio Serughetti, his wildest dreams a real estate developer and subsequent PIM investor. Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon could he have known He completed the first race in 5 hours and 45 minutes Daniel Chebii KEN 2012 0:59:49 that his brainchild while the winner Ethiopian Tumma Turba managed an Ashete Bekere ETH 2016 1:10:40 would change impressive 2:12:44. running in the Czech Jan Kreisinger CZE 2014 1:08:52 Republic forever. Fast forward to 2016. For ten years now the race has Ivana Sekyrová CZE 2012 1:17:57 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 Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon runners from 93 countries took part competing in several Geoffrey Ronoh KEN 2014 1:00:17 categories. And Carlo Capalbo and his team are no longer Mary Keitany KEN 2015 1:06:38 based in a small office tucked away in the side streets by the Vltava but in a new Running Mall in Letná. Jan Kreisinger CZE 2015 1:05:50 RunCzech, the name of the entire business outfit Eva Vrabcová CZE 2016 1:15:16 these days, organises a running league throughout the Czech Republic – including races in Olomouc, České Budějovice, Karlovy Vary and Ústí nad Labem, not to Birell 10 km Race mention Prague. All seven races have been awarded Gold Geoffrey Ronoh KEN 2014 0:27:28 Label status by the International Association of Athletics Violah Jepchumba KEN 2016 0:30:24 Federations (IAAF) which is the highest-ranking possible for a road race to achieve. No organiser or country around Pavel Faschingbauer CZE 1999 0:29:26 the world boasts any more than this. Each year over Eva Vrabcová CZE 2015 0:33:07 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. Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon Barselius Kipyego KEN 2016 0:59:15 If he were here today, Emil Zátopek would probably be Peres Jepchirchir KEN 2015 1:07:17 pretty impressed about what has become of one small marathon. Jiří Homoláč CZE 2016 1:05:41 » Tadeáš Mahel Eva Vrabcová CZE 2015 1:12:11 summary of activities 24 25 summary of activities Sport as an

sport Czech people contribution working in to Czech economy sport million people 1,2% 1,9% in EU working 4,5 in sport economic millions

sport people in EU contribution giant 1,76% to EU economy 2,12% working in sport

Sport is a key part that when sport is defined in outputs among the individual the participation of sport in add gross value (%) of many people’s the broader sense of the term, as countries? With exceptions which 4,5 4,5 lives in this country. described above it contributed 1.76% attest to the rule, it can be said that Various scientific to the EU economy. At the same the richer the country, the greater 4 4 time sport offered employment the role sport plays for its economy. studies have proved 3,5 3,5 the positive impact to almost 4.5 million Europeans With an economic output of 4% achieving an overall employment and 5.4% of the working population 3 3 physical activity has rate of 2.12%. On comparing the employed in sport, Austria ranks as on our health while output and employment ratios, one the absolute European champion. 2,5 2,5 also reducing the risk of developing A growth in sporting activities 2 2 a whole host of 1,5 1,5 chronic illnesses. thus effectively equates to a growth in employment rates 1 1 However sport is not only good for our health but also acts as a powerful important characteristic of sport can So how does the Czech Republic 0,5 0,5 oland ortugal rance Austria L uxembourg Cyprus K ingdom U nited G ermany M alta D enmark Slovenia F inland EU-28 I reland E stonia P G reece F Spain N etherlands I taly P Republic Czech B ulgaria B elgium Romania L atvia Slovakia H ungary Sweden L ithuania boost to the economy. be observed: the economic activities fare in terms of the economic 0 0 Thus since sport doesn’t assume it involves are labour intensive. impact of sport? With a ratio of Source: Eurostat a separate economic category on its A growth in sporting activities thus 1.2% in economic output and 1.9% own, its importance is impossible effectively equates to a growth in employment, we rank below average pieces of information which will developing sporting activities, and which didn’t fit with the statisticians‘ to measure directly, and can only employment rates. within the EU. Within Central certainly go some way to assuaging were the study to be repeated on definition of sport. For them the be gauged in a roundabout fashion. The statistics shared so far have and Eastern Europe we lag behind your disappointment. First of all, future statistics we would definitely common bicycle was “merely” Experts from Eurostat have had a go related to the European Union Slovenia, Estonia and Poland. If during the past ten years since the emerge with better results. Secondly, a mode of transport. at doing this using data collected as a whole. But how big are the you were hoping for a better result, described study was published, the Czech Republic is a nation of » Pavel Sobíšek from 2005. Their results demonstrate differences in sporting economic we need to factor in two important we have made visible progress in recreational cyclists, a discipline Chief economist at UniCredit Bank summary of activities 26 27 summary of activities what does it take to 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 run a marathon? practice at large races. But to have your own shoes? That’s a whole different kettle of fish. But If you ask runners, they’ll tell you it takes months of training and mental that too is something on the rise. The first ones flew onto the shelves a while back. And of course preparation. Blisters, sore muscles, and constantly fighting the urge to quit. But the Prague Marathon was among the first to if you ask us, we’d tell you that it also takes the support of people—corporate get on the bandwagon. The Volkswagen Prague partners—who care enough about runners to give them this gift. Here’s what our Marathon has boasted its own event shoes for partners have given to make running in the Czech Republic such an extraordinary the second year running. Last year a total of 300 experience. pairs of exclusive shoes were made in the Czech national colours featuring the emblem of the title partners Prague race. They could only be purchased from Prague’s Running Mall.

www.adidas.cz

VOLKSWAGEN + PRAGUE INTERNATIONAL MARATHON: A LEGENDARY ALLIANCE The Volkswagen Prague Marathon. The title Discover the Czech Republic of a race that attracts thousands of runners each year on the second Sunday of May. A race thanks to the Mattoni FreeRun where registrations were sold out in just 69 days this year. A race which stands shoulder to RunCzech and Mattoni have joined forces shoulder with leading marathons around the to pursue their goal of getting people out world. A race that would be utterly impossible running while at the same time motivating and without Volkswagen’s unflagging support. entertaining them. So far the project includes They are the marathon’s exclusive automotive eighty courses across the entire country with partner, supplying vehicles responsible for more than forty of these featuring initial keeping precise times for our elite runners. guidance from an experienced coach. We For transporting staff members across town have christened this opportunity the Mattoni and across the country. (Sometimes in a big FreeRun. In addition, Mattoni has been the hurry!) And simply entertaining everyone at official water of RunCzech Running League, the marathon by showcasing some of their most refreshing runners all along our many courses beautiful and innovative models. for a full 23 years.

www.volkswagen.cz www.mattoni.cz

summary of activities 28 29 summary of activities run with us PRAGUE HALF MARATHON. FEATURING A STAR-STUDDED O2 Prague relay 4 × 5 INTERNATIONAL FIELD. AND THE SPORTISIMO STARS. Last April, RunCzech introduced a completely

In addition to the elite athletes, the Sportisimo new race. The O2 Prague Relay 4×5. We welcomed Prague Half Marathon appeals to thousands almost one thousand four-member teams to our of recreational runners. 11,507 in 2016 to be inaugural running party in Stromovka Park. precise. Included among them are a special group Inspired by the success of that run, RunCzech known as the Sportisimo Stars, fourteen amateur has come up with an enhanced and expanded

runners just like you who have been chosen from version of the relay race: The O2 Prague Relay 4×5 among Sportisimo’s customers to train together will now be completed over a two-day period. To under the expert guidance of Tomas Ondracek make the race an even more pleasant experience, for their big race. To find out how they were it was moved from April to June. Apart from the selected, and to follow their progress, visit first few weeks, it will only be possible to sign up www.sportisimo.cz/hvezdy. for the race via charity organisations. Runner registrations are already open! www.sportisimo.cz www.o2.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 patrons 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 30 31 summary of activities official partners official media partners

Our Fun Runs in each city create an opportunity for children and Czech television and its sports channel, ČT Sport, put together families to be part of the running festival. www.dm.cz a live broadcast for all those not able to join runners on the course. www.ceskatelevize.cz

As the “Official House of the Marathon,” Hilton provides runner-centric services for both elite and amateur runners. The largest Czech search engine and web, Seznam.cz, provides www.hilton.cz runners and spectators with all the necessary information at the Seznam Info Point. www.seznam.cz

Helps us to process your online registration with all those customised services you might need. www.unicredit.cz Radiožurnál broadcasts reports, news and highlights from the running scene, including a live broadcasting of the Volkswagen Prague Marathon. www.rozhlas.cz/radiozurnal

Connects Prague and our regional races with special railway offers for runners. www.ceskedrahy.cz

Before each race Hospodářské noviny brings to all participants and the public our official Event Guide. www.ihned.cz

Gives you an option of cancellation and injury insurance for your full comfort and safety. www.csobpoj.cz

Forbes magazine includes a RunCzech Brochure with a full year- -round running calendar. www.forbes.cz Welcomes you with a hospitality and help desk immediately upon your landing in Prague. www.prg.aero

On race day Deník produces a multiple page attachment with Offers convenient flight connections from and to the Czech highlights from the running scene. www.denik.cz Republic. You only have to choose your favorite marathon destination. www.csa.cz

Ensures that all t-shirts, medals, fruit and everything else runners Reportér offers runners a chance to run for a good cause thanks might need at the race are where they are meant to be. www.dhl.cz to their Reporter Foundation. www.reportermagazin.cz

partners media partners

partners

summary of activities 32 33 summary of activities 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: [email protected] dear readers, tel. +420 224 919 209 After spending two years Thanks also go out to everyone services involved, for their vigilance www.runczech.com improving on our existing races, who helps put our races together. and dedication to keeping us safe we introduced a new event – the To our volunteers who work in the and sound. And to the beautiful

O2 Prague Relay 4×5. The debut storage area, on city squares, start cities across the country who race was tremendously successful, lines, refreshment and freshening up turn their streets over to us, and with participants ranging from stands. And to those who work the to the thousands of runners who experienced athletes to tiny tots in finish line and backstage facilities. participate in our regional races. our Bambini run. Seeing the ear- Who will leave their towns with to-ear smiles and hearing the high- We salute the suppliers who are memories that will last a lifetime. pitched screams of the children so critical to our infrastructure. brought joy to us all. And who Suppliers who ensure that And finally, a special thanks to our knows? It may have inspired the everything is delivered on partners, not only for the prizes, next running legend to come from time, safely, and with a level of gifts, and activities they supply. the Czech Republic. professionalism that is unmatched But for lending us the power of anywhere in the world. their brands. You have been the Thanks to all the runners for best friends any organization could confronting your running Thank you to the members of our hope to have. challenges head on, for taking part, organizing team who plan, draw, continuing to exercise and being coordinate and think day and The highly-successful RunCzech passionate about what you do. night about how to deliver a better Running League 2016 season is running experience. Whose passion behind us. And we’re looking Special thanks to all of our brings them in on weekends, forward to another personal best in RunCzech Stars, runners who holidays and other times when the 2017. Thanks to you. have not missed a single race. And rest of the world is sleeping in. if you want to run, run a mile. if you want to our PIM Kings and Queens, runners who have completed six We’d also like to say thank you » Václav Skřivánek marathons or more since 1997. to all of the rescue and security Race Director experience a different life, run a Marathon. – EMIL zátopek summary of activities 34 35 summary of activities all runners are beautiful