Prague is bracing for another major running celebration. This Saturday marks the 29th edition of the Birell Grand Prix, welcoming almost 14,000 runners representing nearly 100 nationalities. In this interview, Carlo Capalbo, President of the RunCzech Organising Committee, reflects on how a simple dream evolved into a phenomenon, why Czechs have embraced movement, and his vision for making Prague Europe’s running capital.
Carlo, how do you see this year’s Birell Grand Prix? We are looking at record attendance and great names on the start list…
I see it as a huge success! We have far more people who have formed a genuine love relationship with movement than we ever expected. And on top of that, we have the finest athletes in the world right here.
Who do you think could surprise us during the race? And what about the Czech runners and the RunCzech Racing Team?
A surprise is a surprise precisely because you never know what will happen—though every year someone pops up (smiles). As for the RunCzech Racing Team… We love them and have supported them for several years. We are very happy with their great results, we give them space to improve and compete with the best. And I also have a personal dream that one of them will win the Prague Marathon in the future.
This year marks an incredible 29th edition. Where do you see the biggest changes since the very first one? In terms of elite runners, hobby runner passion, or cooperation with the city and media?
The 29th edition… That is the nostalgic part for me because I was there at the very beginning (smiles). The 1st edition was just a dream, and today it brings together 13,000 people—and we could easily reach 20,000. Our only limits are the streets of Prague and our own responsibility to ensure the safety and proper care of every runner.
The passion for running has exploded, and that is the true beauty of our sport. It’s not just about winning; it’s about what comes with it. Many people feel isolated in today’s world. They live virtual lives, but feel alone in reality. When they run alongside others, they feel a real connection, a shared vibe. That is likely why participation in movement and events like this has skyrocketed.
The level of service for runners and spectators has also advanced tremendously. As President of the Organising Committee, do you constantly look for ways to push the boundaries, or do you feel you’ve reached a ceiling?
There is only one way to move an event forward: innovation and continuous improvement of services for runners and visitors. When you add it up, tens of thousands people are running across our events and another tens or even hundreds thousands line the streets. It’s a massive gathering. I believe future development will follow two main paths—health and fitness, and technological innovation combined with connectivity. Those are the two key platforms we will explore moving forward.
It’s often said that RunCzech taught Czechs to love running. Would you agree, and what explains why so many Czechs run today?
Yes, it’s true—it’s a bit of a miracle (smiles). But I would refine that to say RunCzech taught Czechs to love moving. Running isn’t complicated like organized sports where you need formal team training. You can run when going to buy bread; you can run when heading out to meet a friend. Running can happen anytime. It is so simple and accessible.
It isn’t only Czechs on the start line; the upcoming Birell Grand Prix will feature runners from 98 nationalities. What drives this international appeal? Is it the beauty of Prague, strong marketing, or other factors?
To be entirely honest, we attract an international crowd partly because we live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Credit goes to Prague for preserving its charm. However, Europe has dozens of beautiful cities. Why do so many runners choose Prague? Because of the flawless organization, top-tier medical assistance, and the warm hospitality we extend to everyone.
Does Prague have the potential to become Europe’s running capital? If so, what steps are planned to achieve this?
We may not reach the absolute mass numbers of New York or Tokyo, but relative to our population, virtually everyone here runs (smiles). Wherever I go—not just along the riverbank or in parks, but all across the city—I see people moving. So de facto, it already is. And I can share that, together with the city authorities, we are actively working to officially make Prague the true Running City!
Do you have a final message for the runners and spectators ahead of Saturday’s race?
Enjoy life and enjoy the race! The world is full of threats, and when you open the newspaper, media often specialize in delivering bad news. The Birell Grand Prix, on the other hand, is pure good news.
