One of the most beautiful Czech running races, which has a European Athletics Five Stars Certificate, knows its winners. The new king of Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon is Vít Pavlišta, with the time of 1:08:16, and the best Czech woman is Petra Pastorová, with a time of 1:17:41. The popular event, which took place in the beautiful West Bohemian City for the ninth time this Saturday, was a celebration of Czech athletes. “The atmosphere of the race was great. The fans pushed me to the finish line with all their support, and it helped me a lot,” said the women´s champion.” I really like racing in Karlovy Vary. It was confirmed once again that the local races fit me. I am satisfied also with my time,” added Vít Pavlišta.
The unique atmosphere of the spa town belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage List has once again enchanted thousands of domestic runners. The 9th year of the Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon started from the nábřeží Osvobození on Saturday at 6 p.m. and the picturesque course traditionally led along the Teplá River and the spa colonnade or passed the world-famous Hotels – Thermal and Pupp.
Czech favorite Vít Pavlišta and the rather surprise woman winner Petra Pastorová managed the course best. ” I didn’t believe in this at all. I haven´t run for two weeks since the Prague Marathon, so I didn´t know what to expect from myself and thought that I would be happy just to finish.,” said the winner of the women´s race. ” I was hoping it might work out that way somehow. I really enjoyed it, the atmosphere was great. All the many fans were driving me forward. The city has lived the race tonight,” Vít Pavlišta added.
However, the Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon was not just about the fastest times, but mainly about the joy of running. The acrobatic aviator Petr Kopfstein also enjoyed the event with all its pleasures. “My wife and I ran the relay, and we had a lot of fun,” described Kopfstein, who is a native resident of Karlovy Vary.
The important aspect for the organizers is that All Runners can enjoy the race. In addition to the half marathon, runners also had the opportunity to take part in a relay, 2Run or dm Family Run. “We tried to design a race which would be suitable for everyone. The spectators in Karlovy Vary also create an amazing atmosphere every year. The weather was also good this year and it is an important part for the result. I am already looking forward for the next year, when we will celebrate our tenth edition,” added Carlo Capalbo, President of the RunCzech Organizing Committee.
