The 2026 Generali Prague Half Marathon delivered a spectacular morning of elite racing and cosmopolitan feel as 17,000 runners from 117 nationalities took to the streets of the Czech capital under chilly but sunny skies, with temperatures ranging from 1°C to 10°C. The event produced an impressive 16 personal bests and was highlighted by Rodrigue Kwizera’s new national record for Burundi.
At the front of the field, Rodrigue Kwizera once again stole the show. The Burundian star defended his title in dominant fashion, winning in 58:16 to set a new race record, a new national record for Burundi, and the fifth fastest men’s half marathon time in the world this year.
Kwizera’s performance crowned a remarkable day of elite competition in Prague, where the race produced not only world-class times but also an extraordinary 16 personal bests across the elite field.
Fast from the Start
The men’s race opened at a blistering pace from the opening kilometres. At the 5 km mark, the elite pack passed through in 13:52, immediately signaling a serious attack on the course record. At that point, Owen Korir Kapkama was setting the pace, while Kwizera stayed patient and tactical within the lead group.
By 10 km, the leaders had reached the split in 27:50, projecting a finishing time of approximately 58:40 and confirming that something special was unfolding on Prague’s fast streets.
As the race developed, the lead group narrowed down and then Kwizera remained composed as the front pack was reduced to six runners, with Tadese Worku also looking strong in the early stages.
The decisive move came in the closing kilometres. At 18 km, Kwizera broke clear of his final challenger and surged toward the finish line. He crossed the tape alone in 58:16, completing a brilliant second half of the race and writing himself into the history books once again.
A World-Class Men’s Race
The men’s podium reflected the exceptional pace of the race, with all three finishers breaking 59 minutes:
Men’s Top 3
- Rodrigue Kwizera – 58:16 *PB
- Samwel Chebolei Masai – 58:48
- Owen Korir Kapkama – 58:58 *PB
Kwizera’s victory was not only a successful title defence, but also a landmark international result, confirming Prague’s place among the fastest and most competitive half marathons in Europe.
Gitonga Wins Women’s Race, While Kurgat Delivers One of the Day’s Biggest Stories
The women’s race also produced exceptional quality and depth. Caroline Makandi Gitonga took control early and, working smoothly with her pacemaker, built a winning performance from the opening stages.
She held her lead to the finish and claimed victory in 1:06:16, setting her new PB at the head of a world-class podium. Behind her, the fight for second and third remained close all the way to the line, with the top three women separated by just 33 seconds.
Women’s Top 3
- Caroline Makandi Gitonga – 1:06:16 *PB
- Jesca Chelangat – 1:06:45
- Cynthia Chelangat Chepkwony – 1:06:49 *PB
All three women finished under 1:07, underlining the quality of the race once again.
One of the most inspiring stories of the day came from Ednah Chepkorir Kurgat, who delivered a huge personal best of 1:08:25, improving dramatically from her previous best of 1:11:50.
Her run in Prague could prove especially significant in the context of qualification for the US athletics team after an unusual setback at the US trials in Atlanta last month where she was led onto the wrong course and ran approximately one kilometre extra.
Her performance in Prague may now have revived those hopes, with final confirmation expected on 2 May.
Strong Czech Performances in Historic Domestic Battle
The Czech battle added another compelling storyline to the race. At the 10 km mark, the leading Czech trio passed through in 30:39, all running at a pace that suggested major personal performances.
In the end, Jan Friš emerged as the fastest Czech man in 1:04:55, followed closely by Matěj Zima in 1:05:04 and Adam Szymanik in 1:05:10.
Top Czech Men
- Jan Friš – 1:04:55 *PB
- Matěj Zima – 1:05:04 *PB
- Adam Szymanik – 1:05:10
Tereza Hrochová Leads Czech Women
Among the Czech women, Tereza Hrochová produced a standout performance. At 10 km, she remained on pace for a personal best and one of the fastest times in Czech women’s half marathon history.
She ultimately finished as the fastest Czech woman in 1:11:50, ahead of Michaela Čepová in 1:13:07 and Vendula Soukalová in 1:14:25.
Top Czech Women
- Tereza Hrochová – 1:11:50
- Michaela Čepová – 1:13:07 *PB
- Vendula Soukalová – 1:14:25 *PB
Another Big Day for Prague
With a new race record, a new Burundi national record, 16 personal bests, outstanding Czech performances, and a field of 17,000 runners from 117 countries, the 2026 Generali Prague Half Marathon once again confirmed its status as one of Europe’s premier road races.
From the first fast split to the final sprint down the finishing straight, Prague delivered a day of elite sport, breakthrough performances, and unforgettable running energy.
Results
Men
- Rodrigue Kwizera – 00:58:16 *PB
- Samwel Chebolei Masai – 00:58:48 *PB
- Owen Korir Kapkama – 00:58:58
Women
- Caroline Makandi Gitonga – 01:06:16 *PB
- Jesca Chelangat – 01:06:45
- Cynthia Chelangat Chepkwony – 01:06:49 *PB
Czech Men
- Jan Friš – 01:04:55 *PB
- Matěj Zima – 01:05:04 *PB
- Adam Szymanik – 01:05:10
Czech Women
- Tereza Hrochová – 01:11:50
- Michaela Čepová – 01:13:07 *PB
- Vendula Soukalová – 01:14:25 *PB
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