Restrictions in the City Centre: Vodafone Prague Marathon 2026 Brings Thousands of Runners into the City on Sunday

On Sunday, the centre of Prague will once again be transformed into an international running course as thousands of participants from around the world are expected for the Vodafone Prague Marathon 2026.

One of the biggest sporting events of the year in Prague is approaching: On Sunday, 3 May 2026, thousands of runners from around the world will take part in the 31st Vodafone Prague Marathon 2026. Organisers expect around 11,000 participants for the main race. Extensive traffic and public transport restrictions will therefore apply along the route through the historic city centre and along the Vltava.

This year’s Prague Marathon will begin at 8.00 a.m. in the Old Town Square. Runners will complete the classic distance of 42.195 kilometres through the streets of the Czech capital. The technical centre of the event will be located in the lower part of Wenceslas Square. The route passes through Prague districts 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8 and largely follows the course used in 2024.

Video: Vodafone Prague Marathon 2026 - Course overview

The finish line will once again be located in the Old Town Square, with the official end of the event expected at around 3.00 p.m. A total of 33 medical assistance points will be set up along the entire route.

Extensive traffic measures will be in place on Sunday in connection with the marathon. Police will coordinate traffic together with the Prague City Police. Between 7.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m., roads and junctions along the route will be gradually closed and reopened.

Outside this period, normal traffic operations will generally apply. However, longer restrictions will affect the areas around Pařížská, Celetná, the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where closures connected to the assembly and dismantling of infrastructure will already be in place between 5.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.

Numerous roads in Prague 1 will be temporarily fully closed to traffic, including Pařížská Street, Národní třída, Smetana Embankment, Charles Bridge, Mánes Bridge, Jirásek Bridge and parts of the Vltava embankment. Traffic disruptions and road closures will also affect parts of Prague 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8 along the marathon route.

Foto: RunCzech

In addition, a temporary parking ban will apply on Saturday and Sunday, 2 and 3 May 2026, in parts of the route. Vehicles parked there despite the ban may be towed away.

Public transport services will also be affected by the measures. Several tram and bus lines will operate with restrictions or diversions during the marathon. The city therefore recommends primarily using the Metro, whose capacity may be increased if necessary.

Information on changes to public transport services is available on the website of Prague Transsport Company (DPP).

The Vodafone Prague Marathon 2026 is considered one of the most important running events in Central Europe and once again holds the World Athletics Elite Label. Further information about the Prague Marathon 2026 can be found on the website of RunCzech.