EuroHeroes, a project created by RunCzech to find new European running stars, returned back in 2023 successfully after a break caused by the pandemic. The 2023 series included four half marathons in the Czech Republic awarded with World Athletics Road Race Labels – Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon, Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon, Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon and Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon.
Out of 50 elite participants from 16 nations, the cups for winners from Czech glass went to Czech Tereza HROCHOVA and Germany’s Sebastian HENDEL. As Marko Vasic, Running Unit Director at EA, called them “new heroes of athletics”, let’s see how they feel about their involvement in the project.
The competition format requires athletes to complete at least two of the four EuroHeroes races held in the Czech Republic to be in with a chance of winning the overall title. Athletes are awarded points according to the WA Scoring Tables and the sum of the two best points totals earned by each athlete determines the final rankings and titles. Races are held in some of the most beautiful cities of the Czech Republic – Karlovy Vary – famous spa town, České Budějovice – South-Bohemian capital known for its Budweiser beer, Olomouc – baroque pearl in eastern region of Moravia, and Ústí nad Labem – industrial city with flat and fast course where runners even pass through a chemical plant.
Poland’s Aleksandra Lisowska, the 2022 European marathon champion, seemed to be a massive favorite among women and indeed set the bar high after winning the first race in Karlovy Vary. However, Tereza Hrochova, who placed second in the last two races and even defeated Lisowska face-to-face in Ústí nad Labem, crowned herself as EuroHeroes queen of 2023. Among the men, the main favorite, Sebastian Hendel, met the expectations as he won two races in Olomouc and Ústí nad Labem. Overall, he became the winner of the EuroHeroes Challenge 2023.
Tereza, right after finishing the last race in Ústí, you jumped almost a meter high in a moment of celebration. What does the winning EuroHeroes mean for you?
“I thought it would be great to place among the first three before the race. I could not even imagine defeating the European champion from last year, but I did. The title of EuroHeroes 2023 made me evaluate this season as great and served as a stepping stone for ending the season at the European Cross Country Championships in Brussels.”
Sebastian, after winning the race in Ústí, you participated in the special Awards Ceremony, where you were awarded as a winner of EuroHeroes 2023 by Marko Vasic. What does this title mean for you?
“It was a very rewarding experience! The way the organizers put it all together made it feel extraordinary. I’m glad that I could win the EuroHeroes competition this year.
As for motivation, it gave me a big boost, which will hopefully get me through some rougher times again when I’m injured or when races don’t go my way.”
EuroHeroes is an initiative created to support European runners. Sebastian, you won two of its races in Olomouc and Ústí. How did you enjoy it, and do you like the idea of running a series in regional Czech cities?
The EuroHeroes is a great idea. I think supporting and promoting European competition is much more relatable to hobby runners and spectators. Additionally, it gives European road runners a better platform to promote themselves.
I also like the RunCzech half marathon series because of the atmosphere and the excellent organization. Also, it allows you to get to know the Czech Republic and its culture. As a German, I live pretty close to the border, but apart from Prague, I never had the chance to get to know the Czech Republic and the rich history and culture it has to offer.
This aspect of the series boosts the country’s regions, where EuroHeroes races are held, and is positively viewed by the local governments.
Petr Kulhánek, the governor of the Karlovy Vary region, applauds the organizers: “I thank RunCzech for bringing this prestigious race to Karlovy Vary. Competitors and runners regularly return to the city with their families, which is the main added value the race brings to us as a region.”
The 2024 offers runners a chance to participate again and fans to follow up on their favorite runners. EuroHeroes will be again streamed using the modern technology of Pulse.TV, so either mark the dates to watch the races or come in person to the Czech Republic to explore the cities of Karlovy Vary, České Budějovice, Olomouc or Ústí nad Labem.
Official video EuroHeroes 2023
EuroHeroes Challenge 2023 results
EuroHeroes Challenge 2024 dates
