The 2025 running season confirmed that RunCzech, the third-largest running series in continental Europe, is back in outstanding shape. After the pandemic period, the series has returned to — and surpassed — record numbers, delivering its most successful season in its 30-year history.
In 2025, 100,577 runners took part in RunCzech races — an all-time record. The number of visitors to RunCzech Expos also exceeded 100,000, while 6,917 volunteers helped deliver the events across the season.
RunCzech once again defended the prestigious World Athletics Label certifications for all its events. This internationally recognized quality mark guarantees elite competition, doping controls, officially measured courses, medical and safety services, chip timing, and comprehensive runner services.
Events, participation and diversity
Across the Czech Republic — as well as in Naples (Italy) and Herzogenaurach (Germany) — RunCzech organized 18 competitive races in 2025, ranging from 5 km events to the marathon. These were complemented by 16 family runs, including children’s races. All competitive races were sold out, with registrations closing well in advance.
Participants represented 147 nationalities, underlining the international appeal of the series. The proportion of women continued to grow, reaching 40.5%, while runners aged 18–35 made up 46% of the field. This trend was supported by the increasing popularity of shorter distances, especially 10 km races.
30 years of RunCzech and historic performances
A major highlight of the season was the 30th anniversary of RunCzech, founded in 1995 with the first Prague International Marathon. The 2025 marathon weekend welcomed 13,817 participants, with over 10,000 in the main race. Victory went to Lemi Berhanu Hayle (Ethiopia) in 2:05:14 and Bertukan Welde Sura (Ethiopia) in 2:20:55.
The Prague Marathon also hosted the Czech National Marathon Championship and the final of the Junior Marathon, one of RunCzech’s flagship youth projects done in cooperation with the European Commission. The 27th edition of the Junior Marathon set a new record with 3,040 participants, while more than 10,300 students took part in qualification rounds nationwide.
Half marathons, EuroHeroes and SuperHalfs
The half marathon remains the most popular competitive distance in the RunCzech calendar. The Olomouc and Ústí nad Labem Half Marathons celebrated their 15th anniversaries, alongside events in Karlovy Vary and České Budějovice. These four races form the EuroHeroes series, a unique RunCzech initiative in cooperation with European Athletics, promoting European-born elite runners.
In 2025, 69 elite European athletes from 14 countries competed in EuroHeroes races. The overall winners were Nóra Szabó (Hungary) and Khalid Choukoud (Netherlands).
The Generali Prague Half Marathon, the largest RunCzech event, celebrated its 25th edition. With 15,737 participants, the race reached full capacity and once again confirmed its place among the world’s most prestigious half marathons. It is part of the SuperHalfs series, which was founded in Prague and has become one of the most successful running projects globally.
RunCzech Halfs and community events
A new highlight of the season was the launch of RunCzech Halfs, encouraging runners to “discover Czechia in running shoes.” Anyone who completes all five RunCzech half marathons within 36 months earns a special finisher medal. Already 153 runners completed the challenge running all races in just one year.
RunCzech also focuses strongly on community and inclusivity. The UniCredit Prague Relay, primarily aimed at corporate teams, welcomed 8,000 runners, with women accounting for 42% of participants. Due to growing interest, the relay will expand to three days in 2026. Other popular initiatives include Mattoni FreeRun, the dm family mile and dm bambini run, which together attracted 13,442 participants in 2025.
Media reach, economic impact and charity
RunCzech achieved record-breaking digital reach in 2025, with 2.86 million website visits from 176 countries. Global broadcasts of the Prague Marathon reached up to 74.3 million households in 106 countries.
According to CzechTourism methodology, the total economic impact of RunCzech events in 2025 reached EUR 46.2 million, with the Prague Half Marathon and Marathon each contributing over EUR 10.3 million.
Charity remains a core value of RunCzech. In 2025, the series generated EUR 138.741 for charitable causes through registrations, donations, and fundraising initiatives.
Looking ahead to 2026
Preparations for the next season are already underway. Upcoming highlights include the Valentine’s Run at Stromovka park, the sold-out Generali Prague Half Marathon, and the Prague International Marathon 2026, which will again host the Czech National Championship and the European Police Marathon Championship.
RunCzech will further enhance medical support on race courses with a new initiative: “Running Doctors”, healthcare professionals who are also runners, and are clearly identified on the course, ready to assist if needed.
With a continued focus on youth, community, elite performance and healthy lifestyles, RunCzech enters the next season stronger than ever — committed to inspiring movement and bringing people together through running.
