The Prague International Marathon is not only a celebration of endurance but also a test of preparedness—for both the runners and the medical team. This year’s Vodafone Marathon Prague 2026 was marked by high temperatures that tested the limits of every participant. What are the main findings from the medical perspective, what did the marathon premiere of the Running Doctors project show, and when does the risk of “overdrinking” plain water arise?
They were right in the center of the action, sensing the pace of the race and representing a visible element of safety for the runners. The Running Doctors, who completed the course alongside participants as part of this initiative, moved medical support closer to where it was needed—directly within the running field. In case of health complications, they could react immediately.
On the course, they acted not just as medics, but as runners who know exactly what competitors experience during a marathon and what happens to the body under direct sun and temperatures reaching 30°C. Such conditions place the greatest strain on the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system.
“Under increased heat stress, there is a drop in pace and more frequent use of refreshment stations. Some runners logically transitioned to walking, while others ended the race themselves, which in such conditions is a sign of experience and level-headedness,” point out the medics, who expected a need for more frequent interventions due to the weather. “Given the weather, I actually evaluate this year’s edition positively. The fact that medics have more work during high temperatures is simply a fact. The Prague Emergency Services (ZZS HMP) and all the medics on the course did a fantastic job, for which we truly thank them,” expressed medic Jan Pokorný.
For all contingencies, the special “Golem” medical module was prepared on-site, and nearly all of the twelve refreshment and aid stations provided water spraying/misting to help runners cope with the higher temperatures.
The 42-kilometer marathon distance represents a significant strain even in milder weather. Most often, due to excessive sweating or dehydration, runners enter a state of mineral imbalance, which causes cramps or, in more serious cases, arrhythmia or collapse.
To prevent serious complications, RunCzech introduced the Running Doctors project this year. The immediate intervention capability was praised by runners and professional rescuers alike. One of the Running Doctors, Katarína Kuťková, highlighted a specific risk called overdrinking: “At every refreshment station, we encouraged runners to drink and run through the misting. The dedication of the volunteers was incredible. However, we also monitored for the risk of dilutional hyponatremia (EAH)—a potentially life-threatening condition where there is an excess of water in the body at the expense of sodium.”
After a marathon, it is desirable to bring the body back into balance as quickly as possible. The foundations are sufficient rest and thermal comfort. Muscles need to replenish glycogen. Ideal foods include those with high carbohydrate content (pasta, rice, potatoes). The same is important for hydration. It is advisable to drink plain water with a bit of salt (approx. 0.5 teaspoon of salt per 1 liter of water). “During large sodium losses through sweat, body fluids become thin, and further consumption of plain water dilutes them even more. If we don’t add salt to the fluids, the body will excrete most of the water through urine without benefit,” the doctors explain.
The Vodafone Marathon Prague 2026 proved that a safe race can be organized even in extreme weather. The Running Doctors project does not stop here and will also be part of the Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon. As the title partner of the half marathon is Mattoni, the official water of the RunCzech series, hydration remains a key theme.
“Mattoni has long supported a healthy lifestyle based on movement and proper hydration. We are extremely pleased that even during the half marathon, we can offer runners and their fans quality hydration and together create an unforgettable atmosphere,” says Eva Straškrábová, Senior Brand Manager at Mattoni. With its balanced ratio of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, Mattoni mineral water is an ideal choice for natural hydration and mineral replenishment before, during, and after sporting performance. This is why it has been inherently linked with running for many years—and this year’s half marathon is another opportunity to “mattonize” yourself and enjoy the race to the fullest.
