Generali Prague Half Marathon Returns This Weekend with a Record Number of Runners

The Generali Prague Half Marathon returns this weekend, with the Czech capital once again set to host one of Europe’s leading road races. Demand has reached record levels, as 17,000 places sold out within hours, underlining the event’s growing international appeal.

The largest running event in Central Europe has recorded unprecedented demand, with entries for the Generali Prague Half Marathon selling out in just two hours and 23 minutes. The race reached its full capacity of 17,000 runners almost immediately after registration opened, with interest estimated to be around six times higher.

“A thousand more participants than last year will run through our beautiful city; many will break their personal records and push their limits. I wish for every one of them that the race becomes an unforgettable experience,” said Carlo Capalbo, Chairman of the RunCzech organising committee.

A Race with World-Class Credentials

Widely regarded as one of the most popular half marathons in Europe, the Generali Prague Half Marathon holds the World Athletics Elite Label Road Race status and is part of the prestigious SuperHalfs series, which brings together six leading European races.

Foto: RunCzech

The event has a strong history of standout performances. In 2017, Kenya’s Joyceline Jepkosgei made headlines by breaking the 65-minute barrier in the women’s race for the first time, clocking 1:04:51. Three years later, during the pandemic period, Peres Jepchirchir delivered another world-leading performance, running 1:05:34 in an all-women’s race held under a special format.

Elite Field Set for Fast Times

The 26th edition of the race features an exceptionally strong elite field. In the men’s competition, six runners with personal bests under one hour are set to compete.

Defending champion Rodrigue Kwizera returns as one of the leading contenders after winning last year’s race in a Burundi national record time of 58:54. He has since improved to 58:38, putting him within striking distance of the course record of 58:24, held by Sabastian Sawe. Ethiopia’s Tadese Worku Gebresilase is also among the favourites, with the potential to dip below 59 minutes.

Video: Generali Prague Half Marathon 2025 Highlights (Tschechien.News)

“The competition will be amazing and the atmosphere truly exceptional,” said Jan Friš, the highest-ranked Czech runner on the start list. “My aim is to improve on my time from Naples (1:05:22). I believe Prague is the ideal place to do that.”

Other Czech names to watch include 14-time national champion Jiří Homoláč and mountain running specialist Matěj Zima. Experienced runners Vít Pavlišta and Patrik Vebr will act as pacemakers in the women’s race.

Women Target Top Global Rankings

In the women’s field, two Kenyan athletes lead the line-up. Jesca Chelangat enters with the fastest personal best, having recorded 1:06:13 in Valencia, while Caroline Makanti Gitonga is just 13 seconds behind. Gitonga recently climbed the world rankings after winning in Castellón with an impressive 29:34 over 10 km.

Both athletes are aiming to break the 66-minute barrier, which would place them among the top five performers worldwide this year.

Foto: RunCzech

From the Czech contingent, Tereza Hrochová will be among the leading domestic hopes. A two-time Olympic marathon runner, she holds a personal best of 1:11:38 and is targeting an improvement in Prague.

“It’s not the peak of my season, but I want to go for a personal best. I’d like to run at a pace of around 3 minutes 20 seconds per kilometre,” she said. “Conditions will play a role, but the strong field and Prague’s atmosphere always help. When the crowds support you like that, you stay focused and keep pushing.”

She will be joined by rising talent Michaela Čepová and her coach, European Championship marathon bronze medallist Eva Vrabcová Nývltová.

Foto: Na Výstavišti

Running Expo Opens Race Weekend

The Running Expo will open the race weekend on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 March in the Křižík Pavilions at the Prague Exhibition Grounds and is traditionally regarded as the unofficial start of the running season. The event serves not only as a meeting place for sports enthusiasts but also as the central collection point for the race numbers for the Generali Prague Half Marathon.

The Generali Prague Half Marathon 2026 will start on Saturday, 28 March at 10:00 AM from the main entrance of the Holešovice Market (Holešovická tržnice).