The 2026 Generali Prague Half Marathon delivered world-class racing and unforgettable performances, but among the standout domestic stories was a major breakthrough from Jan Friš, the newest addition to the RunCzech Racing Team.
Competing on home streets in one of Europe’s fastest half marathons, Friš produced the best performance of his career so far, finishing as the fastest European and Czech man in 1:04:55, a new personal best and a significant milestone in his early journey with the team.
The result marks a strong progression for the Czech athlete, who made his RunCzech Racing Team debut earlier this year at the Coelmo Napoli City Half Marathon, where he ran 1:05:22. Just weeks later in Prague, Friš improved that mark by 27 seconds, confirming both his excellent form and his potential as one of the country’s most promising distance runners.
A Big Step Forward in Prague
Running in a highly competitive field and supported by the electric atmosphere of Prague’s historic streets, Friš stayed composed throughout the race and delivered a controlled, confident performance from start to finish.
At the 10 km split, he was part of a strong Czech trio moving at a pace that hinted at something special. He maintained his rhythm over the closing kilometres and crossed the line in 1:04:55, securing not only the title of top Czech finisher, but also a new personal best in one of the most prestigious races on the RunCzech calendar.
Behind him, Matěj Zima finished in 1:05:04 and Adam Szymanik in 1:05:10, making it one of the strongest Czech men’s contests in recent editions of the race.
A Promising Start with RunCzech Racing Team
Friš’s performance in Prague is an encouraging sign for the RunCzech Racing Team, which continues to invest in talented Czech athletes and support their development on both the national and international stage.
After opening his season in Naples and now producing a personal best in Prague, Friš has shown immediate progress in his first races as part of the team. His result underlines the value of the RunCzech Racing Team project and highlights the emergence of a new name to watch in Czech road running.
“I’m really happy with the result in Prague — to finish as the first Czech and best European with a new personal best of 1:04:55 means a lot, especially at home,” said Jan Friš, the new addition to the RunCzech Racing Team.
“Honestly, I didn’t feel as good as I did in Naples and I had to fight a bit more with my head during the race, so I know there is still room for improvement. In the end, I’m very pleased that I managed to stay strong over the final kilometres and win that battle in the group. For me, it’s all about gaining experience, building more volume and getting stronger at race pace. I’m also very happy to be part of the RunCzech Racing Team — the organisation, atmosphere and support are all top level. I raced in the Adidas Adizero Pro Evo 2, and they worked really well for me again, even over the half marathon distance.”
Jan Friš: “A Special Race at Home”
Racing in Prague made the result even more meaningful, as Friš delivered his breakthrough performance in front of a home crowd at one of the country’s most iconic sporting events.
His 1:04:55 not only represents a personal best, but also signals a strong foundation for the rest of the season as he continues to build momentum in RunCzech colours.
With a successful debut in Naples and now a major step forward in Prague, Jan Friš has announced himself as an exciting new addition to the RunCzech Racing Team.
Top Czech Men
- Jan Friš – 1:04:55 *PB
- Matěj Zima – 1:05:04 *PB
- Adam Szymanik – 1:05:10
