Ústí nad Labem came alive on Sunday as the Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Running Festival brought a vibrant atmosphere and outstanding performances to the North Bohemian metropolis. The 14th edition of the half marathon showcased impressive athletes, with the winners being Hungarian Gáspár Csere and Czech Olympian, Tereza Hrochová. Additionally, the EuroHeroes Challenge series reached its finale in Ústí, with overall victories going to Sebastian Hendel (2036 points) and Maryna Nemchenko (2186 points). The event also had a meaningful charitable dimension as all proceeds of the dm family mile to aid the region affected by the flood.
A key addition to this year’s program was the 10K race, which kicked off the festival in the morning. dm family mile hosted around 1500 children and families who enjoyed sunny day. Spolchemie Czech Cup in para cycling is a very special event held as part of the sport day and many cheered along the course.
At 2:30 p.m., the main event – the half marathon – began, with participants running on a unique course that included a passage through the Spolchemie chemical plant. Nearly 3000 runners took part, enjoying the fast route through the city.
The men’s race was dominated by Csere with a time of 1:06:06. The first Czech finisher, and third overall was Damián Vích with a time of 1:07:04. Latvian Serjogins Dmitrijs finished second with 1:06:42. “I don’t like warm weather but I like hills so I believed I have a chance. I was nervous that Dmitrijs is still with me but from 15k I knew I can manage to win,” said Csere.
The women’s race offered excitement right up to the finish line. The winner was Tereza Hrochová, while the EuroHeroes standings in the women’s category were topped by Maryna Nemchenko who finished 9 seconds later with the time of 1:12:09. Kristina Hendel from Germany finished third with the time of 1:13:33. “It was hard, really hot weather. The first 10k was very fast, I might run my PB but then we slowed down. I am very happy especially to win EuroHeroes,” said Nemchenko at the finish line. Hendel was with the group from the beggining but then she dropped a bit. “After 6k they run away and I was alone, that was difficult, there was no man to help me pace,” stated German runner.
To be part of the EuroHeroes, athletes must participate in a minimum of 2 out of 4 EuroHeroes RunCzech half marathons held in cities across the country (Karlovy Vary, České Budějovice, Olomouc, and Ústí nad Labem). The points are counted with the World Athletics system. Last year’s champion, Sebastian Hendel from Germany, was absent this year as he is preparing for the Berlin Marathon. However, he still celebrated an overall victory in the EuroHeroes series.
“We are extremely happy we could make the race. The decision was made just two days prior because of the floods in other part of the country. RunCzech says big thank you to the city Ústí nad Labem, the police, the health care workers, authorities, citizens and fans who made it possible and enjoyed the day with us,” said Carlo Capalbo, president of the RunCzech organizing comitee.
The final RunCzech event of the year, the Mattoni Liberec Nature Run, will take place in two weeks. Unlike other races, this event starts in the heart of Liberec and leads participants through the stunning Liberec mountains, passing by quarries and breathtaking natural scenery. With 12K and 22K routes, as well as races for families and children, it offers something for everyone. For more information, visit runczech.com.
