A marathon is a celebration of running, endurance and powerful emotions. At the same time, it is a physically demanding race in which every detail matters, from preparation and pacing to replenishing energy along the course. That is why the organisers of the Vodafone Prague Marathon approach the race with the same sense of responsibility as the runners themselves, preparing an extensive support system to help ensure the safest possible race day.
To give runners enough opportunities to replenish fluids and energy along the entire course, 12 refreshment and water stations will be placed throughout the marathon route. Due to the course layout, participants will pass through them a total of sixteen times. On average, runners will therefore have access to refreshments approximately every 2.6 kilometres. Another station will also be available at the finish.
Mattoni water will be available at the water stations, while the refreshment stations will also offer Gatorade isotonic drink, bananas, oranges, salt and sugar. Regularly replenishing fluids and energy during the marathon does not only help maintain performance, but also plays an important role in preventing exhaustion, dehydration and overheating.
“The health of all participants always comes first,” says Jiří Nečásek, Communications Director of the Vodafone Prague Marathon. “More than 5,5 tonnes of bananas and more than 4.5 tonnes of oranges will be prepared for the runners. At the same time, more than 56,000 litres of water and over 22,000 litres of isotonic drinks will be available at the stations. We also work closely with the emergency medical services, and we believe that everyone taking part will enjoy the race and that we will have to deal with only a minimum of health issues.”
Weather can also play an important role. In the event of a warm day, sprinkling points will be available along the course to help runners cool down and reduce the risk of overheating. Almost all refreshment and water stations connected to hydrants will have sprinkling available. Additional cooling will be prepared, for example, in Pařížská Street, behind the finish on the bridge, in the finish-area refreshment station at Ovocný trh, and through a misting vehicle near the refreshment station at kilometre 33.5. Showers will also be available in the technical facilities.
In addition to prevention, refreshments and cooling, the safety of the race is supported by extensive medical provision. RunCzech has long cooperated with emergency medical services, private medical providers and students from medical schools. Along the marathon route, there will be 34 medical points, meaning medical stations located at approximately one-kilometre intervals. In the finish area, a high-capacity Golem medical vehicle will be ready to provide professional hospital-level care directly at the race venue. Medical tents will be placed at the Ovocný trh and in the lower part of Wenceslas Square.
The medical support system also includes bicycle patrols equipped with AEDs, or automated external defibrillators. These patrols can move directly along the course and respond quickly if needed. Defibrillators will also be placed in the technical facilities.
A new feature this year is the Running Doctors initiative. Eight medical professionals will complete the course together with the other participants, bringing medical support closer to where it may be needed.
“As a medical professional, I strongly support this project, which is why I am here. Unfortunately, injuries and collapses are part of sport, and we are on the course so that if something happens, we can reach the patient as quickly as possible and respond immediately,” says Katarína Kuťková from the Running Doctors team. According to her, the project also has another important dimension. “I dare say that our presence alone gives runners a sense of safety. We are one of them, we understand what they are going through, that they are pushing hard and that it hurts.”
According to Kuťková, positive reactions come not only from the runners, but also from spectators along the course. “It was a pleasant surprise. We received a lot of positive feedback. Some runners joked along the lines of: Oh, a doctor, now we’re safe, we’ll run with him.”
Medical supervision, refreshment stations, sprinkling points and Running Doctors together form a system designed to help runners complete the marathon as safely as possible. Prevention itself, however, also plays a crucial role. A marathon is a long race, and seemingly small details can determine whether a runner truly enjoys it. Here are five tips from a medical professional on how to manage the race safely and without unnecessary complications.
1. Start the day before the race
A marathon does not begin with the starting gun. The day before the race is no longer the time to catch up on training, but to prepare the body for the effort ahead. Eat well, increase your carbohydrate intake, drink regularly and get quality sleep. The combination of energy, hydration and rest can make the biggest difference especially in the second half of the race.
2. Choose your clothing based on the weather and your own comfort
Weather can be one of the key factors during a marathon. If a sunny day is expected, prepare a lighter clothing option as well and make the final decision in the morning based on the actual conditions. Layers that are too warm increase the risk of overheating, while well-chosen clothing helps the body manage energy and temperature more effectively.
3. Fill in the back of your bib number
It takes only a minute, but in a crisis situation it can be a great help. Fill in the important medical information and an emergency contact on the back of your bib number. If something happens on the course, medical staff can quickly access information that may be essential for deciding what to do next.
4. Run your own race, not the race dictated by the atmosphere around you
The start of a marathon can easily sweep you along, but the first kilometres often determine the rest of the race. Do not start too fast, stick to your abilities and to the plan you have prepared for. A pacer can also help by maintaining a steady rhythm and bringing calm to your run.
5. Drink before your body starts asking for help
At refreshment stations, drink regularly even if you do not yet feel thirsty. Just a few sips will not slow you down significantly, but they can help prevent dehydration. It is advisable to alternate water with an isotonic drink, which replenishes fluids, minerals and energy. If the weather is warm, make use of the sprinkling points along the course as well, as they help cool the body and reduce the risk of overheating.
“My message to all runners would be to enjoy the race above all, while also running within their limits. Listen to the advice of coaches, organisers and, most importantly, your own body. And if something goes wrong, we are here for you,” concludes Katarína Kuťková.
For many runners, the Vodafone Prague Marathon is one of the highlights of the season. To ensure it remains first and foremost a powerful sporting experience, it is worth not underestimating preparation, pacing or the signals your body is sending you. But if anything does become complicated, the organisers have done everything they can to make sure help is never far away.
