What is the reward for making athletics history? “My coach didn’t scold me,” laughs record-holder Tereza Hrochová. On the night when the streets of Prague turned into a stage of legends, Hrochová carved her name into Czech athletics history. With every stride, she defied limits, running past fatigue and doubt, until the clock stopped at 31:38 — a new Czech national record. But even champions are not made alone. “Don’t overdo it, you’re pushing too hard,” came the voice of her legendary pacer. Hrochová didn’t just run a race. She wrote a chapter of Czech sporting history by setting both a new national record and a new race record.
A prestigious race, excellent running form, a top pacer, strong competition, favorable conditions, and the enchanting atmosphere of Prague glowing with thousands of fans. All of this came together on Saturday to give Tereza Hrochová the energy to break her own national record in the 10k road race.
The two-time Olympic marathon participant finished second at the Birell 10k Night Race Prague to Frenchwoman Alessia Zarbo, and with a time of 31:38 minutes she improved the Czech record by a full 28 seconds. The sensational performance was also thanks to fifteen-time national champion Vít Pavlišta, who set the pace for Hrochová throughout the race.
What was your race strategy going in?
With Vít Pavlišta, who was my pacer, we had agreed a week before that we would set the pace for 32:30, but that we’d see depending on the weather and other circumstances.
And the circumstances changed?
When I found out that the Alessia would be racing, I decided to start the first half more aggressively.
Mainly because of the French rival?
Mostly because the second half of the Prague course is tougher – there are cobblestones, a turn that slows you down, and a section that climbs slightly uphill. You also have to watch where you step, pay attention to the city pavement and tram tracks.
How intense was your communication with Vít Pavlišta on the course?
Vít was telling me split times, and I only looked at my watch twice the whole time. I just responded to him with how I felt. Up to the first 5k it felt really good – he was actually holding me back, saying not to overdo it, that I was pushing too hard. In the second half of the course, I told him twice to slow down because he was getting away from me.
When did you become sure you were on your way to a national record?
That was thanks to Vít again. At the ninth kilometer he told me it was already a record pace. Then we heard the announcer confirm it. I believed it – and I felt it too.
What was the triumphant return to Republic Square like, with the crowd of enthusiastic fans?
Honestly, in the last two and a half kilometers I mostly just wished I was already at the finish. I was visually counting down every meter. But the people created a truly great atmosphere.
Conditions for the race on Saturday evening seemed almost ideal…
I’ve never had better conditions at Birell in Prague. It wasn’t nearly as hot as last year, and the cobblestones weren’t wet and slippery. I honestly don’t even know if the wind was blowing, because whenever needed, I just tucked in behind Vít.
What was the first thing that came to your mind after crossing the finish line?
The very first thing was: it’s a national record. Everything else sank in gradually afterward.
And now, a few hours later – are you already thinking about running even faster on the 10k road?
My coach (Vladimír Bartůněk) and I agreed that we can push the time even lower. That’s my wish, and I definitely want to try.
You’ve broken the Czech 10k road record twice this season. Could this distance become your favorite discipline?
The 10k is more pleasant than the marathon – the marathon is just too long – but of course, the marathon remains my main event. I’m not fast enough to be really competitive in the shorter distances like the 10k. But it’s becoming a good racing distance for me – unlike the 1500m on the track, which really feels like punishment.
How did you reward yourself after your performance at the Birell 10k?
My reward was that I didn’t get scolded by my coach in his usual post-race comments. So that was great.
And after such a demanding race, did you even feel like eating?
Since I was at doping control until a quarter to eleven, I didn’t make any complicated dinner. I ate a pear, a banana, and baby food purée. Dinner was pretty improvised.
and Czech Race Record.
