This Saturday, May 30, the city of České Budějovice will host another edition of its popular half marathon. The starting grid will feature a very familiar face – football legend and South Bohemian native Karel Poborský. The former Slavia Prague and Manchester United winger is now fully dedicated to running and racing has become a natural part of his life.
Nearly 5,000 people will hit the course of the Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon, but Poborský will undoubtedly be one of the most watched runners on the field – even though he likely won’t be challenging for a podium finish. However, that isn’t his motivation anyway. „I don’t run for records or to prove anything to myself. I’ve run my whole life because I enjoy it, it fulfills me and it’s a form of active recovery,” says the two-time European Championship medalist.
Ironically, back in his football days, he was never a fan of physically demanding training sessions. „As a player, I hated summer and especially winter pre-season training. It was a lot of grueling hard work – weightlifting, stadium stairs and above all, the freezing cold that got right under your skin,” he recalls today with a smile. Nevertheless, he considers an active lifestyle an essential part of life. „I need movement. I play ice hockey, football, tennis. Sport has been a great friend of mine my entire life and I’ve completely fallen in love with running,” he admits. His family played a huge role in his running journey. „I run with my wife, she actually got me into racing. And my daughter and her boyfriend run too. I’ve infected those closest to me in the family and it’s a great thing,” he explains. „I’ve been running my whole life, but I never felt the need to compete with others. I used to run alone in the hills, by the river, basically in my own bubble. But when you turn up at something like the Rome Marathon and there are 40,000 people, great organization and a positive atmosphere, it’s a truly incredible experience and I highly recommend it to everyone.”
According to him, races bring not just physical exertion, but above all, mental well-being. „I get positive feedback from people. I’ll be 55 soon and I’m staying in shape. People don’t really get why I run, but for me, it’s total relaxation. Sure, it tires you out physically, but it recharges your mental batteries. As long as my joints allow, I want to run for the rest of my life,” he explains.
Poborský was a brilliant footballer, a genius on the pitch who often pulled a clever trick out of his sleeve in tight situations. He was never one to get easily stressed and it’s no different when it comes to racing. „I don’t get nervous. Overall, you can’t really compare it to football. The feelings are completely different, this is pure joy,” he says. Yet, he takes a highly systematic approach to races. These are long distances and the last thing he wants is for his body to give out after a dozen miles. „I have a game plan before the race. I consult it with my coach, Mr. Tomáš Bičík. I break the run down into four sections. I have a strategy on how to pace the race – when to push harder and when to ease off,” he says, describing his preparation.
He is equally meticulous in the final days leading up to the race. For endurance running, there is no other way. „I really watch myself before a race. Two weeks out, I cut back on other physical activities, cut out alcohol and practically stuff myself with rice and pasta so my body has plenty of fuel to draw from. On race day, I have a slice of bread with butter and jam, put some energy gels in my pocket and some fruit. I eat raisins during the race, it’s much better than downing six gels, which isn’t exactly pleasant.”
Saturday’s race will hold a special charm for him. „The half marathon in České Budějovice is specific, of course. I know every corner, every building there. It’s a city race, it looks like it’s going to be hot, but I love it there. A month later, I’m running in Třeboň, which is my absolute favorite and it’s always easier to run in places you know well,” he says looking forward to the event. Poborský has already built up a fine collection of experiences from international races. „So far, I have three Italian marathons under my belt. The Prague Marathon tempts me, though. The only thing that puts me off a bit is the beautiful weather. It often ends up being the first hot day of spring, which is brutal for runners. Plus, three weeks later I start the Italian marathons, where it’s warm but not scorching, so it doesn’t quite fit into my schedule. But I’ve done the Rome Marathon twice now and probably won’t want to do it a third time, I’ll try something else. I love Prague, I’ve done plenty of runs there and the course is fantastic. Maybe next year it will work out,” concludes the man who is currently a popular pundit for the English Premier League.
While the recent Prague Marathon featured Olympic champion Martin Fuksa and Slovak hockey legend Zdeno Chára regularly tackles the famous Boston Marathon, former footballers are few and far between at running events. „Former players don’t really run. The Dutchman Arjen Robben comes to mind. But in the Czech Republic, I don’t know anyone I cross paths with at races from my playing days.” This Saturday, fans in České Budějovice will get to see a household name in a slightly different role – not on the football pitch, but on the half marathon course, where Karel Poborský will once again prove that sport remains his lifelong passion.
