Romantic Run in Prague’s Stromovka Park: Letiště Praha Valentýnský běh 7 km

On Valentine’s Day, sports enthusiasts will once again flock to Stromovka Park in Prague. The Letiště Praha Valentýnský běh 7 km emphasises not only the run itself but also the shared experience.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many different ways – and an increasing number of people are choosing to mark it with sporting activities. The popularity of movement on 14 February is evident from the demand for the Letiště Praha Valentýnský běh 7 km, which was fully booked long before the Day of Love. With this event, organiser RunCzech officially kicks off the new season of its popular running series.

Around 2,000 runners are expected on the grounds of Výstaviště Praha and the adjoining Stromovka Park. Due to limited capacity in the park, RunCzech has scheduled two consecutive start times (11:00 and 12:30).

“The number of participants has more than doubled compared with last year. In total, runners from 47 nations are registered,” explained President of Organizational Committee Carlo Capalbo. The title sponsor, as last year, is Prague Airport (Letiště Praha).

Foto: RunCzech

Running for a Good Cause

The Valentine’s run is seen not only as a sporting but also a charitable event. RunCzech is once again working with the Pink Bubble Foundation, the official charity of the event. The foundation supports young people whose lives have been disrupted by cancer – whether during intensive treatment or in the challenging restart afterwards. Ten per cent of each entry fee goes to the non-profit fund.

Foto: RunCzech

Route Through Prague’s Green Lung

The seven-kilometre course passes through almost the entire Stromovka Park. Starting from the Industrial Palace, the route initially heads towards Planetárium Praha. The course then continues along the main avenue past the Rudolfova štola, the Šlechtova restaurace, and several picturesque ponds. Below the Lustschloss, the route reaches the railway line, which is crossed four times in total. Until shortly before the finish, participants run through the winter greenery of the park before returning to finish in front of the Industrial Palace.

Foto: RunCzech

The focus is on the shared experience rather than record times. Yet for a glance at the sporting level: the fastest runner last year completed the seven kilometres in just over 23 minutes.

Letiště Praha Valentýnský běh 7 km – Figures and Facts

• Participant composition: 61 % women / 39 % men

• Represented nations: 47

• Most represented countries: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Austria, Poland, Germany

• Ratio of local / international participants: 84.5 % Czech Republic / 15.5 % abroad

• Most common first names: Tereza (44×), Tomáš (37×)

• Youngest starter: 15 years / Oldest participant: 69 years

• Largest age group: 26–35 years (41 %)