The RunCzech running series has announced bold ambitions for the 2026 season: to exceed last year’s 100,577 active participants, further increase its economic contribution to host cities across the Czech Republic, and continue promoting its core values of health, youth engagement, community, charity, and sustainability.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at Prague City Hall, where representatives of RunCzech and the City of Prague emphasized their shared commitment to sport as a driver of public health and international visibility.
Preparations are well underway for one of Central Europe’s largest half marathons, the Generali Prague Half Marathon, which sold out its full capacity of 17,000 runners in just 2 hours and 23 minutes.
“The half marathon sold out in 2 hours and 23 minutes, and demand exceeded available registrations,” said Bohuslav Svoboda, Mayor of Prague. “RunCzech has an international reach and represents exactly the kind of sporting activity we want to promote in Prague: supporting health, movement, community, and showcasing our city to the world. That is why we proudly support it.”
In 2025, RunCzech ranked as the third-largest running series in continental Europe, organizing 42 events across the country. Participation trends show strong international growth as well as increasing female representation. Women accounted for 41% of participants in the 2025 season.
International runners played a particularly significant role. A remarkable 36,207 foreign athletes registered in 2025, representing 36% of total participants, with 147 nationalities represented.
“Through events like the ones RunCzech organizes, we create motivation especially for young people,” added Antonín Klecanda, Prague City Councillor for Education and Sport. “Many children are active in sports, but as they enter their teenage years, they often drop out. Events like this give them inspiration and a goal to strive for. Running with the beautiful city of Prague as a backdrop is an unforgettable experience.”
Global Broadcast Reach and Influencer Engagement
RunCzech further promotes Prague and the Czech Republic through live-streamed races with Czech and English commentary. The global broadcast of the Prague International Marathon reached 74.3 million households across 106 countries.
The organization has also expanded collaboration with international influencers, welcoming content creators from Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and China, strengthening Prague’s position as a global running destination.
Strong Economic Impact
With over 100,000 annual participants, RunCzech delivers a significant economic contribution to host cities and the national economy.
The total economic impact of RunCzech events in 2025 was calculated at approximately €45 million. According to RunCzech Communications Director Jiří Nečásek, the methodology was developed in cooperation with CzechTourism and includes spending related to sports participation, travel, accommodation, public transportation, cultural visits, and additional services.
Approximately €32,8 million of the total impact was generated by Prague-based races alone.
International Field at the 2026 Prague Half Marathon
The next major event in the series will be the 26th edition of the Generali Prague Half Marathon, taking place on Saturday, March 28.
International runners will again form the majority of the 17,000-strong field. Nearly 2,300 participants are traveling from Germany. Other notable statistics include 255 runners from Brazil and 66 from Colombia. After Prague, the most represented cities are Berlin, London, and Madrid.
With its combination of elite sport, mass participation, international diversity, and measurable economic impact, RunCzech continues to position Prague as one of Europe’s leading running capitals.
unveiling the RunCzech 2026 season.
