The Birell 10K Race Sets the Stage for a National Record Showdown.
They may be friends and training partners in everyday life, but this Saturday Damián Vích, Patrik Vebr, and Martin Zajíc will face each other as rivals at the Birell 10K Night Race. Three of the country’s top male endurance runners will be chasing history, with the Czech national 10k record at stake.
Damián Vích currently holds the national best with a time of 28:21. For the first time, however, he will defend his record in such direct competition.
“We all know what pace to expect because we have an official pacemaker, so there shouldn’t be any big surprises,” he said. “It will mainly depend on who is in the best form on the day. I accept the role of favorite, and I see it as motivation. Of course, it brings a little pressure, but I’ve shown before that I can perform well under pressure.”
Patrik Vebr had an excellent spring season, winning national titles in both the half marathon and the newly introduced 5 km road race. He also finished as the top Czech at the Mattoni Half Marathon České Budějovice. His season was interrupted by health problems in Olomouc, and he has only recently returned to full training.
“I knew I wouldn’t be in top form for the Birell Grand Prix Prague, so we decided with my coach to focus on preparation for the Valencia Marathon later this year,” said the 26-year-old. “Right now I am in a training phase with higher mileage, but I will still try to improve my personal best of 29:35.”
Martin Zajíc, undefeated in the last four national championships at 10k on the road, also stands at the start. This year he represented the Czech Republic at the European Half Marathon Championships and at the World University Games. Just two weeks ago, he won the national title over 5000 m.
“I didn’t have much time for a longer training block, but I believe I am well prepared,” he said. “Damián is clearly in great shape, as his recent results show that. The pacemaker will set the pace at the front, and the rest will depend on how we respond. I don’t expect Patrik to be fully competitive at this distance right now, but Tomáš Křivda could be in the mix after his recent solid preparation and medal at the World Games.”
The women’s race also promises excitement. Tereza Hrochová, two-time Olympian and 18-time national champion, has already clocked the best Czech performance of the year with 32:06. She has won six races this season, including national titles in the marathon and mountain running.
“My goal is the course record of 33:06, at minimum,” she explained. “I’ll focus on my own race, but I plan to cooperate with some of the men in the field. The course is beautiful but challenging, with cobblestones and several turns. Still, I feel well prepared and I’m looking forward to the atmosphere.”
She will be challenged by Bára Stýblová, the current national champion at 5000m and steeplechase, and by Michaela Čepová, who continues to improve under the guidance of former European marathon bronze medalist Eva Vrabcová Nývltová. Eva still holds the course record of 33:06 from 2017.
This year’s elite field consists exclusively of Czech athletes – a concept that highlights the depth of the current domestic scene while maintaining a high international standard. RunCzech has long supported the development of Czech distance running, and the progress of athletes from the RunCzech Racing Team is evident.
The Birell Grand Prix Prague begins with the adidas Women’s 5K Run at 18:00. Ninety minutes later, more than 7,000 runners will take part in the Birell 10K Night Race, both starting and finishing at Republic Square. The main race holds the prestigious World Athletics Road Race Label.
Czech Records – 10 km Road
- Men: 28:21 – Damián Vích (Valencia, 12 January 2025)
- Women: 32:06 – Tereza Hrochová (Bad Füssing, 2 February 2025)
Course Records – Birell 10K
- Men: 29:26 – Pavel Faschingbauer (1999)
- Women: 33:06 – Eva Vrabcová Nývltová (2017)
