Ethiopian Runners Shine at ORLEN Prague Marathon

The 30th anniversary of the ORLEN Prague Marathon witnessed an impressive turnout, with Ethiopian runner Lemi Berhanu Hayle clinching victory in a thrilling race that ranked among Europe’s fastest marathons this year. Hayle’s remarkable finish just five seconds off the course record solidified his status as the first back-to-back champion in the marathon’s three-decade history.

Ethiopian dominance extended to the women’s category as Bertukan Welde Sura claimed victory with a new personal best time, adding to the event’s international flair with participants from 112 nations and a notable representation of female runners. The Czech National Championship, coinciding with the marathon, saw Yann Havlena and Tereza Hrochová emerge as new champions, adding a local touch to the global event.

With the prestigious World Athletics “Elite Label” status, the ORLEN Prague Marathon attracted a diverse field of 10,300 runners, including 250 high school students in the Junior Marathon finals. Carlo Capalbo, the president of the RunCzech organizing committee, expressed satisfaction with the event’s growing popularity, evident from the Generali Prague Half Marathon earlier in the year.

The marathon weekend was not just about the main race but also featured inclusive events like the ORLEN Active Breakfast training run and the Marathon EXPO, engaging over 20,000 visitors. The RunCzech series’ media engagement soared, with over four million social media views before the marathon day and TV broadcasts reaching 106 countries, highlighting the event’s global reach and appeal.

Medical support was a crucial aspect of the marathon, with extensive measures in place including a dedicated medical truck, tents, and emergency vehicles along the course. Despite the scale of the event, only a small fraction of runners required medical attention, underscoring the overall safety and preparedness of the organizers.

Looking ahead, the RunCzech series transitions to regional races, with the Mattoni Running Festival in Karlovy Vary next on the calendar, promising another exciting chapter in the series. The success of the ORLEN Prague Marathon not only reflects the growing popularity of running events but also underscores Prague’s status as a premier destination for international marathons, where elite athletes and amateurs alike converge to celebrate the spirit of running.