Over 8,000 runners have registered for this year’s 14th edition of the Mattoni Running Festival České Budějovice, marking an increase of nearly 2,000 compared to last year. Whether looking at its roots as a traditional half marathon or its new evolution into a full Running Festival, the event has become a staple for the city and the entire region, boasting an excellent reputation.
Three days before the start of the Mattoni Running Festival, a press conference was held at the České Budějovice City Hall with the participation of representatives of the city, the University of South Bohemia and RunCzech. In a pleasant atmosphere on Wednesday morning, speakers answered questions not only about Saturday’s race, but also about traffic closures in the city, cooperation with the university and the expected very warm weather.
„We regularly receive wonderful feedback from the runners, which we are incredibly grateful for. České Budějovice is a beautiful, flat city, making it a highly attractive course for many. The atmosphere at the half marathons has always been electric and now, thanks to the Running Festival format, we’re welcoming not just runners, but entire families. Instead of staying for just race day, many are turning it into a full long weekend to explore the beauty of the city and its surroundings. Every year, we are also delighted to welcome participants from our Austrian sister city, Linz,” says Dagmar Škodová Parmová, Mayor of České Budějovice.
Over the years, the partnership between RunCzech and this city of beer and culture has been fine-tuned to perfection. Even with a record number of runners – and the record number of road closures that comes with it – everything runs like clockwork. „The event is planned well in advance and we always keep both the runners and our residents in mind. We do our best to keep road closures to an absolute minimum, both in terms of location and duration,” explains the Mayor, who also laces up her own running shoes every year to join the crowd for the popular dm family mile. „I wouldn’t quite manage the half marathon, but the family run is a highlight for me every year. This year, I’m also really looking forward to playing the role of the official race starter.”
The festival also thrives on its partnership with the University of South Bohemia, a long-time supporter of regional sports. „Our cooperation works on two key levels. The first is the Rector’s Cup of the University of South Bohemia, which has drawn a record-breaking 80 runners from among our students and staff. The second involves medical care: we have 34 volunteers stationed at medical points, 5 cyclists equipped with AED defibrillators and several of our physical therapists will be available in the runners’ tent,” outlines Lenka Šedová, Vice-Rector for External Relations, Sustainability and Human Resources. „Local high school students get to join the action too, through the Junior Marathon we organize for them. Back in April, they fought for a spot in the finals – held as part of the Prague Marathon – during the regional rounds here,” adds Jiří Nečásek, RunCzech’s Marketing and Communications Director.
Mattoni HalfMarathon České Budějovice is also deeply intertwined with the career of professional runner, athlete and coach David Vaš, who has taken part in the race since its inaugural year in 2012. „I was just starting out with running back then and it was one of my very first races. Over the years, I went from a hobby jogger to an elite athlete and I absolutely fell in love with the atmosphere of this race. For many of my trainees, this is the pinnacle event of the year and I believe they are ready. We’ve even trained specifically for high temperatures, so nothing should catch us off guard. My family is coming down to Budějovice to watch this year, so I’m really looking forward to it,” says the South Bohemian native.
Athletes aren’t the only ones keeping a close eye on the weather forecast. „Water misters and sprinkling trucks will be ready along the course and we are currently working on adding an extra refreshment station at the 11-kilometer mark. We are actively communicating the risks of high temperatures to the runners, reminding them to pace themselves and avoid any potential health complications,” says Nečásek. While this year’s main races are nearly sold out, recreational runners can still sign up for the dm family mile, where a few spots are still available. Spectators are also warmly invited to come out and experience the unique atmosphere of a world-class race bearing the prestigious World Athletics Road Race Label, featuring both Czech and international elite athletes, alongside a vibrant live music program.
During the press conference were also mentioned the economic benefits not only for the city, but also for the entire region. Over 8,000 participants from more than 60 different countries are heading to České Budějovice. In 2024, with lower participation, the estimated profit from tourism was 56 million, this year it is expected that the resulting figure will be even higher. Building the city’s reputation is also an added value. The live broadcast of the Mattoni HalfMarathon in České Budějovice will be online broadcasted worldwide in Czech and English.
