MATTONI České Budějovice Half Marathon 8 June 2013 PRESS GUIDE Information for journalists The race is a part of the RunCzech Running League EN www.runczech.com PRESS GUIDE 2 3 PRESS GUIDE Dear sports friends Welcome to České Budějovice! To a city whose history spans over almost seven hundred and fifty years, a Royal city also famed for its mining, minting and university tradition. And as of last year a city boasting a world-class running race. The interest demonstrated by runners and spectators alike in the premiere of the Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon was huge, while nobody could have predicted the sensational time scooped up by its winner. Praise is especially due in this respect to Carlo Capalbo and his colleagues who managed to turn Budějovice into a run- ning destination which can now be compared to traditional events organised in other large cities such as those taking place in Berlin and New York. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all those taking part in our second ever half marathon a wonderful time in our city. And in the spirit of our national hero, Emil Zátopek, I’d like to add: “If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run the marathon.” Juraj Thoma Mayor of the City of České Budějovice Dear fans of sport and distance running in particular, It’s a pleasure for me to welcome you to the 2nd ever Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon. Whether your goal in taking part is about achieving the best possible time, comparing your time against the world running elite, joining a relay with friends or work colleagues, or perhaps joining a race suitable for the whole family, including your children, we’re delighted to see you here. Ultimately the most important thing about this event, which offers a variety of ways for you to get involved, is to simply enjoy it. And by this, I don’t just mean from a sporting perspec- tive, but culturally too. The idea of designing an imaginary map of running cities which was brought to life last year by the RunCzech team, reflects this view. And fortunately for us the Capital of South Bohemia found its way onto this map of half marathon runs. The ideal flat course starts and finishes on Přemysl Otakar II. square alternating between segments winding through the historical buildings of the centre and invigorating passages along the River Vltava. The course has been fine-tuned based on experience gained from last year’s premiere, which together with support from specta- tors, promises to offer an unforgettable atmosphere. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have signing up for the race who by doing so, are also con- tributing to the range of charity organisations which RunCzech closely cooperates with. Finally I would like to wish everyone taking part a wonderful stay in South Bohemia and I look forward to seeing you all here again for next year’s 3rd Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon. Jiří Zimola Governor of the South Bohemian Region Dear runners and sports friends, I am delighted to see us return once again to České Budějovice! The premiere of last year’s Mattoni České Budějo- vice Half Marathon was remembered above all for the amazing race atmosphere and the support of the wonderful fans spurring runners on along the whole course. Thanks to Kenyan runner, Daniel Chebii’s fantastic time of 59:49, the race emerged as the world’s 20th fastest half marathon of the year inscribing České Budějovice on the inter- national athletics league tables forever. This year’s event will see race capacity burgeon to 2,500 start numbers in the main race and to 1,000 places in the dm Family Run. The venue for the start of the race will stay the same as last year kicking off from Přemysl Otakara II. square right in the heart of the city centre and subsequently leading runners on a course along the Malše and Vltava Rivers. Seeing the happy expressions on the faces of runners as they approach the finish line offers an unforgettable experience for the whole RunCzech team and is the best possible reward for the demanding preparations required. Thank you for deciding to run with us and we hope to meet you again next year either here in České Budějovice or perhaps at the start line of the 20th Volkswagen Prague Marathon. Wishing you plenty of great running miles ahead! Carlo Capalbo Chair of the Organising Committee 2 3 PRESS GUIDE CONTENT INFORMATION FOR THE MEDIA ..............................................................................................................................................5 PRESS TEAM ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................6 PRESS CENTRE ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................6 MEDIA CAR .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................6 PRESS CONFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................................................................................7 MAP FOR JOURNALISTS ................................................................................................................................................................................................7 RACE MAP ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................8 RACE .......................................................................................................................................................................................9 PROGRAMME ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................10 MAPS START AND FINISH ............................................................................................................................................................................................11 MATTONI ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE HALF MARATHON FOR EVERYONE ...........................................................................................................................12 DM FAMILY RUN: GET THE WHOLE FAMILY INVOLVED ..............................................................................................................................................12 BASIC FACTS ................................................................................................................................................................................................................13 HIGHLIGHTS ................................................................................................................................................................................................................13 OF MATTONI ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE HALF MARATHON ................................................................................................................................................13 TRANSPORT MEASURES THROUGHOUT THE RACE ..................................................................................................................................................14 THE RUNCZECH RUNNING LEAGUE .....................................................................................................................................15 THE RUNCZECH RUNNING LEAGUE .............................................................................................................................................................................16 THE CZECH REPUBLIC – A WORLD-CLASS RUNNING ELITE! ......................................................................................................................................18 HISTORY OF RUNCZECH ..............................................................................................................................................................................................19 LIST OF WINNERS RUNCZECH 1995 – 2013 – MEN ......................................................................................................................................................20 LIST OF WINNERS RUNCZECH 1995 – 2013 – WOMEN ................................................................................................................................................21 ELITE .....................................................................................................................................................................................23 OFFICIAL PRIZE MONEY AND BONUSES .....................................................................................................................................................................24 START LIST OF ELITE RUNNERS – MALE ....................................................................................................................................................................25 BIOGRAPHIES OF ELITE ATHLETES – MALE ................................................................................................................................................................26