The most eagerly awaited event in the Czech running calendar has celebrated its winners today, with Kenyan Nobert Kigen becoming „The New King“ of the Volkswagen Prague Marathon, with a time of 2:07:54, and the Ethiopian Bekelech Borecha triumphant among the women, in 2:2:56. Jiří Homoláč garnered a third Czech title, saying “Reaching the thirtieth kilometer, I started to feel a cramp in my foot, so I was afraid I would not finish, but I made it,” he rejoiced. Marcela Joglova was the best Czech woman. “The sunny weather was not conducive to fast times, but more importantly, it certainly contributed to a beautiful race and a great atmosphere,” RunCzech Organising Committee President Carlo Capalbo, whose race boasts the World Athletics Elite Label Race, stated.
Over eight thousand competitors set off from the Old Town Square to overcome the 42,195 metres of the course leading past the beautiful Prague monuments and scenery. Due to the clear sky and sun, the already warm 15C at the start, soon went up to 23 °C. “Today was my day. I won, it’s something incredible. I was a bit concerned that I might not have enough power left for the finish. I’m glad I did it this way. I like Prague very much, I will definitely come again,” Kigen, who finished third in Prague last year, said. Two other Ethiopian pro-athletes also made it to the winners´podium. Kelkile Woldaregay finished second, followed by Yitayal Zerihun.
The Czech Jiri Homoláč (2:18:44) lost less than eleven minutes to the winner. “It was tough, the sharp sun sucked us dry. But the spectators around the course were literally driving us. I think it was the best atmosphere I’ve experienced here,” Jiří Homoláč said. The new Czech women´s champion Marcela Joglova also enjoyed the atmosphere. “I am very satisfied. I haven’t been running much lately and I had health problems. The people around the course helped me a lot, they were almost everywhere and cheered incredibly,” Joglová, who crossed the finish line in 2:39:23, described.
Ethiopian Bekelech Borecha was the first of the women home. She covered the course in 2:22:56, improving her personal best by almost two minutes! “I worked very hard, I wanted an even better time. But I am still very happy and I’m delighted to take the victory,” said the new Prague champion.
However, the Volkswagen Prague Marathon was not only about winning among the individuals but also celebrating the new team concept of the Battle of the Teams, which brought excitement until the very last moment. Each of the six teams (Volkswagen, Mattoni, ČEZ Group, Birell, adidas Runners and Generali Česká pojišt’ovna) had four scoring professional athletes in the starting field, the fifth scorer being the combined efforts of the hobby runners.
RunCzech has been organizing marathons in Prague for more than a quarter of a century. Due to this fact, the Czech capital has become one of the world´s top 10 cities in terms of race quality and popularity among the people. The economic, social and environmental benefits of the race for the city are priceless. According to an independent study, RunCzech races bring 28 million Euro in direct economic benefits to Prague, much needed after two difficults years for the city.
