Have you ever thought that running a marathon is a team sport? Have you ever considered that some of the world's best athletes could be part of that team? This is precisely the idea behind the Battle of the Team project that RunCzech started in 2022 as a part of the Prague International Marathon.

"For marathoners, Battle of the Teams is a total game changer. Compete as an individual or as a part of a team at the 2024 Prague International Marathon."

Runners can decide which team to join based on who has the best chances of winning, their favorite runner, the benefits of team partnerships, or the charitable organization associated with each team.

Last year, Sisay Lemma, currently the fourth-fastest marathon runner in the world, was part of the Battle of the Teams and finished second with 2:06:26.

You can run with them and be part of the Battle of the Teams, supporting a good cause together!

The Battle of the Teams operates on a simple principle – five teams, each with four professional athletes, earn points based on their performance (measured according to the World Athletics Scoring Table system), adding the average points of all other runners in the team.

The stakes are high, with the winning team set to receive 30,000 euros, divided among the professional athletes. Plus, there is a twist! The best hobby runners of the winning team will receive a financial reward. Running faster than the average time also grants a 3% point bonus. 

And in the end – a gala party at the Hilton for all marathon participants and the announcement of the Battle of the Teams winners. 

Last year, five teams were activated, and depending on the team you are part of, some of the prizes included (but were not limited to):

• Mattoni team - every 20th team member receives Mattoni water for a month. Each member got a Mattoni drink of their choice (water, juices, etc.), and the top 10 male and female runners got a free entry for one of the Mattoni half-marathons in the Czech Republic.
• Generali Group team (Generali Česká Pojišťovna) - two lucky winners won a training day with professional biathletes.
• Prague Airport team - one lucky winner will win 60 minutes of piloting a Boeing 737 aircraft in a certified simulator.
• And these are just some of the benefits, with this year's partners yet to be announced.

"Why is this project so cool?" we ask

"This is not just a new event. It's a whole new way to approach our sport. Turning the marathon into a team sport adds a ton of excitement to the race. One in which every runner matters. Every second matters. It prolongs the drama. It motivates every runner to reach for their best. And it makes the sport of running infinitely more watchable."

Interested? If so, now is the time to register! In addition, you will receive a FREE marathon training plan created by five-time Czech Olympian and European bronze medalist Eva Vrabcova Nyvltova. Think of it as a boost to your performance, which will up your chances of making your PB and possibly winning some fantastic prizes.

Sign up here and choose your team!