RunCzech keeps bringing rising stars into the spotlight! After her record-breaking run in Prague, Alessia Zarbo wins gold at the French Half Marathon Championships. After her sensational victory at the Birell 10K Night Race Prague, Alessia Zarbo followed up with another golden performance at the French Half Marathon Championships. In both races, the 24-year-old talent broke her personal bests, and in Prague she even rewrote the French national record. Zarbo is now experiencing the most successful period of her young career, standing at the very beginning of what promises to be a remarkable journey in the world of long-distance running. Zarbo looks back fondly on Prague – a city that has charmed her not once, but twice.
How do you look back on your performance at the Birell 10K Night Race Prague?
“I’m very satisfied with my race in Prague. I knew I was in great shape and well prepared, but I didn’t want to put pressure on myself with unrealistic goals. I just let everything flow and really enjoyed the experience.”
You broke the French national record by just one second. Did you realize in the finishing straight that it was possible?
“Before the race I knew the French record stood at 31:01, but breaking it wasn’t my main goal. I just wanted to push myself and improve my personal best. From the splits, I already knew it would be a strong time. With one kilometer to go, I realized I was right on the edge of the 31-minute barrier. Only in the final hundred meters did it hit me that I could actually break 31, and I gave it absolutely everything.”
What was your race strategy? Did you work with anyone along the course?
“My plan was to keep a steady pace of around 3:07–3:08 per kilometer. Before the race, I spoke with some of the runners and learned that a group planned to go slightly faster than my target. I decided to try and stay with them, at least for the faster first half of the course. That decision really paid off.”
Were the conditions in Prague ideal for such a performance?
“Yes, absolutely. The weather was perfect – mild temperature, no wind – and the atmosphere was incredible.”
RunCzech events are famous for their passionate crowds. How did you feel about the support on the course?
“The spectators were amazing! I didn’t expect it, and it was such a boost to see so many people cheering and enjoying the race.”
The race was held in the evening, partly after sunset. Was that challenging?
“Not at all. It was nice to start in daylight, to see the course and the streets of the city. When it got darker in the final kilometers, it actually created a special atmosphere. But honestly, I was so focused on the race that I didn’t think much about it.”
What struck you most about the event and your stay in Prague?
“The city is vibrant, modern, and full of energy, yet at the same time peaceful thanks to the Vltava River. People were warm and welcoming, which made the whole weekend even more enjoyable.”
You had visited Prague once before, as a young girl with your father. What do you remember from that trip?
“I came when my father played an important poker tournament. I didn’t take away many souvenirs, but I did keep wonderful memories of time with my family in such a beautiful city. Coming back now, I wasn’t disappointed at all – in fact, everything, from the buildings to the squares and streets, looked even more beautiful than I remembered.”
Finally, how did it feel to stand on the podium in the heart of Prague, hearing the French national anthem played in your honor?
“It was an incredible honor – for me, for my country, and for the record I had just broken. I’m so grateful to the organizers for staging such a wonderful race.”
