The RunCzech running series jumps straight back into action after the summer break with a major event on the first weekend of September. The popular Birell Grand Prix Prague will feature the adidas Women’s 5k Run and the Birell 10k Night Race.
For the first time in the 28-year history of the main race, Czech winners are guaranteed, with the elite start lists in both the men’s and women’s categories made up entirely of domestic athletes. “One of the best-known and oldest RunCzech races is giving an opportunity to Czech athletes to stand out in a prestigious race and to present fans with an attractive and dramatic viewing experience,” explained Carlo Capalbo, chairman of the RunCzech Organizing Committee.
The Birell 10k Night Race promises thrilling running stories on multiple fronts. The men’s starting field suggests we will see a close fight for victory, and even the national record could be shaken. Defending it will be Damián Vích, who earlier this year set a new Czech record of 28:21 minutes. On Saturday, September 6, two other members of the successful RunCzech Racing Team will also line up at the start. Patrik Vebr, the current national champion in the 5k and in the half marathon, has shown strong form this season. And the third top contender is Martin Zajíc, who has remained undefeated in the national 10k championships since 2021.
Czech running greats will also join the fight for victory. Jakub Zemaník, a three-time national 10k road champion, will run alongside 15-time national title holder Vít Pavlišta and Jiří Homoláč, an incredible 36-time national medalist. Together, they will push the limits in pursuit of a historic goal – breaking the legendary 26-year-old race record of 29:26, set by Pavel Faschingbauer in 1999.
In the women’s category, a national record holder will also appear. Just like Damián Vích, Tereza Hrochová set the best performance of all time at the beginning of this season. In early February, she won in Bad Füssing, Bavaria, with an excellent time of 32:06. She’ll be supported by national team member Bára Stýblová, a versatile runner with seven victories already this season, including gold at the national half marathon championship.
Beyond the elite competition, around 7,000 runners will light up Prague’s historic center at 7:30 p.m. The course begins and ends at Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky), with runners crossing the Vltava River twice. Along the route, four refreshment and cooling stations and seven Music Points with live bands and DJs will create a festive atmosphere for both participants and spectators.
This year’s charity partner is Cesta za snem, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting and inspiring people through movement and sport.
The weekend festivities begin with the adidas Women’s 5k Run at 6:00 p.m., celebrating its 25th chapter. Designed exclusively for women, this race is less about records and more about community. With a 50-minute time limit, the course is accessible for runners of all levels.
“Thousands of women, one shared pace – the adidas Women’s 5k Run is more than just a race – it’s an electrifying wave of support, strength, and joy of movement. We believe every woman deserves a space where she can run confidently, fully, and with the feeling that she’s part of something greater,” said Patryk Cebartowski, adidas Sports Marketing Director.
This year, the race partners with the Bellis project, supporting young women who are undergoing or have undergone treatment for breast cancer. About 3,000 women are expected to take part, starting and finishing at Republic Square.
Birell Grand Prix Prague 2025
SATURDAY, September 6
18:00 – adidas Women’s 5K Run Prague
18:00 – adidas Women’s 5K Run – pair
19:30 – Birell 10K Night Race Prague
19:30 – Men’s team run
19:30 – Women’s team run
19:30 – Mixed team run
Czech National records on 10 km road
MEN – 28:21 Damián Vích, Jan 12, 2025, Valencia
WOMEN – 32:06 Tereza Hrochová, Feb 2, 2025, Bad Füssing
Best Czech performances – Birell 10 km Evening Run
MEN
29:26 Pavel Faschingbauer (1999)
29:27 Pavel Faschingbauer (2002)
29:28 Pavel Faschingbauer (2001)
29:30 Jakub Zemaník (2018)
29:31 Damián Vích (2023)
29:35 Jiří Homoláč (2018)
29:40 Róbert Štefko (2004)
29:45 Milan Kocourek (2011)
29:46 Pavel Faschingbauer (2004)
29:47 Jan Kreisinger (2014)
29:47 Vít Pavlišta (2019)
WOMEN
33:06 Eva Vrabcová Nývltová (2017)
33:07 Eva Vrabcová Nývltová (2015)
33:17 Tereza Hrochová (2024)
33:40 Tereza Hrochová (2022)
33:47 Tereza Hrochová (2023)
33:57 Eva Vrabcová Nývltová (2018)
33:59 Anežka Drahotová (2013)
34:19 Kristiina Mäki (2016
34:40 Tereza Čapková (2016)
34:41 Moira Stewartová (2018)
