Old Town Square witnessed new marathon champions today. The 31st edition of the Vodafone Marathon Prague was completed fastest by the Ethiopian athlete Wendemu Tsegu Berehanu, who crossed the finish line in an excellent time of 02:05:51.
he might even attack the race record and the magic 2:05 barrier, but that mark remained out of reach for runners again this year. Second place was secured by Kenyan Felix Kipkoech with a fantastic finish and a performance of 02:07:45, while the elite trio was completed by another Ethiopian, Shiferaw Andualem Belay, who trailed the silver by a mere fourteen seconds. Disappointment must prevail in the team of Justus Kipkorir, who wrestled for the lead with the victorious Wendemu until the final kilometers, only to drop to the unpopular fourth place in the final sprint. Among the women, Millicent Jelimo crossed the finish line fastest in a time of 02:24:20, winning her category by more than two minutes ahead of second-placed Janet Ruguru Gichumbi; Angela Jemesunde Tanui finished another minute later with a time of 02:27:45.
The Czech National Championships featured an unexpected leader until the halfway point. Matěj Zima set the pace in the first half of the race, but subsequently, Yann Havlena took the reins. The defending champion enjoyed a “one-man show” for the remainder of the course, crossing the finish line in a time of 02:17:48 and improving his personal best. The silver medal was won by the experienced Vít Pavlišta, who recorded a time of 02:21:23, while David Vaš will take home the bronze for a total time of 02:23:03.
In the domestic women’s category, Michaela Brtníčková dominated with a commanding performance, improving her personal best at the Vodafone Marathon Prague by nearly eight minutes with a time of 02:42:27. Second place went to Eva Filipiová, who claimed the silver medal in 02:43:54. A huge surprise and a promise for the future was delivered by Laura Matulová. On her marathon debut, she clocked a time of 02:46:29 and deservedly earned the bronze.
The European Police Marathon Championship was won by Mario Bauernfeind from Austria with an excellent time of 02:19:10, while Anna Langerwisch from Germany led the women with a time of 02:32:13. As in the previous year, the Junior Marathon was dominated by Gymnázium Dr. Antona Randy from Jablonec nad Nisou.
