The Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon will host decisive battles this Saturday for the crown of this year’s EuroHeroes series. In the overall standings of the four-part RunCzech series, each athlete counts their two best results. Starting from a strong position will be Belgian long-distance runner Dorian Boulvin – European record holder in the road relay and 9th-place finisher in the marathon at this year’s European Championships.
In your list of achievements, where does that 9th place at the European Championships stand?
Ninth place at the European Championships in the marathon is definitely my biggest success on the international stage. I prepared thoroughly for that race and managed to achieve my goal.
Ústí nad Labem will be your third half marathon of the season. Is this distance currently your focus?
The half marathon is the distance I’ve run most often since 2021. Honestly, it’s also the event where I deliver my best performances – even though my main ambition remains the marathon. Still, the half marathon will always have an important place in my heart!
To win the EuroHeroes title you’ll need to clock 1:04:10 in Ústí nad Labem, and also beat Khalid Choukoud and home favorite Damián Vích. Do you think that’s realistic?
I believe it’s possible because I’m in very good shape right now – better than I was in Olomouc. But Khalid is an experienced runner, and Damián has had an excellent season, especially over slightly shorter distances. They’re both tough competitors, each with their own strengths.
What’s your view on the EuroHeroes series, which highlights European athletes? How motivated are you to win?
I really value the EuroHeroes project. In long-distance running, East African athletes dominate, and it’s never easy for Europeans to break through. That’s why EuroHeroes is such a unique opportunity for us to compete for victories and to showcase the European running scene.
In Belgium, football is of course the most popular sport, followed by cycling. How do you see the popularity of running there?
Running is relatively popular in Belgium and continues to gain more fans. Unfortunately, media coverage remains low, which is a shame because it’s the most popular amateur sport and also the most accessible one. Right now Belgium also has a generation of very strong distance runners, which raises the overall level and interest. But making running more mainstream will still take a lot of work.
Are you already a well-known sports personality in Belgium?
Not yet. Belgium has many world-class athletes – marathon Olympic medalist Bashir Abdi, three-time Olympic heptathlon champion Nafi Thiam, or multiple European medalist Isaac Kimeli. I’m still a little in their shadow, but I’m working year by year to climb higher in the rankings.
Have you ever visited Czechia just as a tourist?
Unfortunately not. I came to the Czechia for the first time this year, when I ran the half marathon in Olomouc. I really liked the city and its surroundings – very beautiful, peaceful, with stunning architecture. I definitely want to come back one day, especially to visit Prague!
What do you enjoy doing outside of running?
I love traveling and playing sports – not just running. At home, I enjoy quizzes and board games, which are a nice way to relax between training sessions. And I also really like cooking with my girlfriend.
EuroHeroes is a RunCzech initiative created to identify, support, and promote European athletes. The series features four half marathons held in the beautiful Czech cities of Karlovy Vary, České Budějovice, Olomouc, and Ústí nad Labem – with participation reserved exclusively for European runners.
PROFILE: DORIAN BOULVIN
Ústí nad Labem, located in Northern Bohemia near the German border and the city of Dresden, is often called the “Gateway to Czechia.” The city is situated along the Elbe River and surrounded by stunning hills and natural landscapes, making it a truly picturesque race destination.
Born: June 5, 1997
Personal Best: 1:01:25 (Gentbrugge 2024)
Achievements: European record holder in road relay; winner of Warsaw Half Marathon 2024
2025 Season highlights: 9th place European Championships Marathon; 2nd Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon; Marathon PB 2:11:43; 10 km PB 28:10; 10,000 m PB 28:32.04
EuroHeroes 2025: 2nd place in Olomouc (1:04:33)
