Every year, the Mattoni Liberec Trail Run is the last of the eight RunCzech series races that must be completed within a single season for entry into the RunCzech Stars. In addition to mastering one of the two options of the Liberec route, the series includes the Prague marathon and half marathon, all four EuroHeroes half marathons (Karlovy Vary, České Budějovice, Olomouc and Ústí nad Labem), and the Birell 10k Night Run. While last year the total number of ceremonially crowned runners grew by 91, as many as 93 competitors received the RunCzech Stars 2026 award. What impressions are this year’s finishers taking away?
Nearly 180 race kilometers await all applicants for the big medal between March and October. Here, sheer willpower is no longer enough, and runners cannot do without time- and physically demanding training. “Family and friends ask me why I do it. But I enjoy it, the races are beautiful, and there is still space to put medals. I see no reason to stop, and next year I would like to repeat the entire RunCzech series. At the same time, I am also attracted to some of the foreign races,” says Ukrainian runner Denisa, who enjoyed the atmosphere at the Ústí half marathon most this year.
For most runners, the Prague marathon is naturally the most demanding, but there are exceptions. “When I announced at home that it might be fun to try the whole series this year, they told me I had gone crazy. It was precisely because it is necessary to complete the marathon course. In the end, I enjoyed the marathon the most, and the Liberec trail was much more demanding for me,” points out 23-year-old Tereza from Prague.
Seventy-year-old Mr. Jiří named the Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon as the biggest test. “Paradoxically, I run the marathon very well. But I regularly arrive in Ústí least prepared, as you can’t train much during the hot summer days,” explains the lifelong athlete who has already completed the entire series three times – at sixty, sixty-five, and now. “I got into running after my divorce in 2007. Back then, I was advised to fulfill my dreams. My dream was to run a marathon, so I started training. Gradually, I enticed work colleagues and family members to run. Health permitting, in another five years I would like to repeat it,” he adds.
Sometimes the path to the big medal is more complex. “I learned about the RunCzech Stars series four years ago. Back then, I had my first two half marathons behind me, and I liked the idea so much that I bought all registrations right away. However, in recent years one of the races always didn’t work out for me, making me all the happier that this year it finally succeeded,” describes 38-year-old Jaroslav from Prague. “I like all half marathons, they are races with a completely unique atmosphere. Next year I want to take a break from the marathon, but Karlovy Vary, České Budějovice, and Olomouc are naturally on the schedule.”
The RunCzech Stars series first started in 2012, and since then 1,541 runners have successfully completed it. “They are our most loyal runners, and we greatly value their support and enthusiasm. Seeing so many proud and enthusiastic faces at this year’s photo shoot in the Liberec square is a great reward for us, and I believe it will be no different next year, because as we say: all runners are beautiful!” says President of the RunCzech Organizing Committee Carlo Capalbo.
