MATTONI Olomouc Half Marathon 22 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 This year Olomouc will welcome runners to the city for the fourth time already! On 22nd June, crowds of eager participants will set off on the course inscribing one more Mattoni Half Marathon Olomouc on the city’s sporting history forever. The first chapter of the running series in Olomouc got underway in 2010. Even back then, the race managed to entice 1,600 runners from 23 countries around the world. Since that time, this athletics event has made significant headway. Already now firmly established on the RunCzech Running League calendar, the race has evolved into a prestigious event, earning itself fans as well as international acclaim over a very short timeframe. Just as has been the case in the past, this year’s running festival is sure to be a huge success, though of course there will be some new features too. In addition to seeing capacity burgeon to 5,000 eager runners, the race will also bear the unique Silver Quality Label award from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). This places our city alongside other prominent half marathons boasting the award such including those in Yokohama, Rotterdam and Turin. As one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe, it also makes Olomouc the smallest city in the world to acquire such a high rating. It will be interesting to follow how, together with the organisers, we manage to fulfil the ambitious goals we have set ourselves in light of this award. Anyone who has either watched or taken part in at least one of the races over the past three years, will surely agree with me when I say that the Mattoni Half Marathon Olomouc ranks as one of the most beautiful races in the Czech Republic. I’m confident that it will continue to play a significant role in helping promote our incredibly beautiful city throughout the world. Wishing the runners lots of energy and as much support as possible from spectators. And to all those watching – we hope you enjoy this unique experience as you stand to watch this beautiful race. Martin Novotný City Mayor of Olomouc Dear Athletes and Spectators, Welcome to the region of Olomouc and its capital city. I am happy that a few years back, the organisers of major sporting events decided to include Olomouc in their plans, helping our city to host a half-marathon. Its valuable historical centre and numerous parks and green spaces make Olomouc an ideal destination for such an event. Thanks to this, athletes enjoy not only the sporting experience itself, but also the stunning setting of the course. The long-distance running race nicely complements the wide range of sporting events the region offers, including the traditional Bobr Cup extreme relay in Litovel, the cycling Author Šela Marathon around Helfštýn Castle, and the na- tional championship in tower running, the Olomouc Run-Up. Motor sports enthusiasts enjoy the Ecce Homo races in Šternberk, while dragon boaters annually match their strengths in, for example, Přerov. What I appreciate about the Mattoni Half Marathon Olomouc is that, apart from the main long-distance run, the all-day programme also features shorter tracks, such as a relay and a 3-kilometre České dráhy Family Run. Thus almost every one of us can spend the third Saturday in June on a sports activity. Jiří Rozbořil Governor of the Olomouc Region Dear Runners and Sports Friends, This year the Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon will be descending on the capital of the Haná region for the fourth time already. There is always a great atmosphere at the event which has so far not only seen fantastic performances by elite runners but also crowds of enthusiastic runners keen on grabbing their own slice of the action. It is because of these factors that I am delighted to be returning here once again. When it comes to this last race in the RunCzech spring series, runners just haven’t been to conceal their excitement. Such enthusiasm ultimately led us to boost capacity to a record 3,500. Despite this however, we were still unable to avoid witnessing a complete sell-out on start numbers already two months before the race! And as far as participation figures are concerned, with a whopping 1,500 participants signed up, the České dráhy Family Run isn’t lagging far behind. It brings us immense pleasure to witness such a high level of interest in the whole event and we just cannot wait to watch everyone head off on the course to the sound of Smetana’s famous Vltava masterpiece. 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 we put in beforehand. Thank you for deciding to run with us and we hope to meet you again next year either here in Olomouc or perhaps at some of the other RunCzech Running League races taking place this year. Wishing you plenty of great running miles ahead! Carlo Capalbo President 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 PROGRAM ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................10 MAPS START AND FINISH ............................................................................................................................................................................................11 MATTONI OLOMOUC HALF MARATHON FOR EVERYONE ...........................................................................................................................................12 ČESKÉ DRÁHY FAMILY RUN: GET THE WHOLE FAMILY INVOLVED ............................................................................................................................12 BASIC FACTS ................................................................................................................................................................................................................13 HIGHLIGHTS OF MATTONI OLOMOUC HALF MARATHON ...........................................................................................................................................13 MATTONI OLOMOUC HALF MARATHON: .....................................................................................................................................................................14 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