RunCzech founder Carlo Capalbo: “Prague is today a true marathon destination”

With thousands of runners from around the world and a unique atmosphere along the course, the Vodafone Prague Marathon once again underlined its international importance in 2026.

The Vodafone Prague Marathon has successfully completed its 31st edition. Thousands of runners from around the world once again turned the streets of the Czech capital into an international stage for running. For RunCzech founder Carlo Capalbo, the marathon has long become far more than just a race – it is a story about discipline, emotion and the struggle with oneself.

Speaking with Prague Daily News, Capalbo reflects on the atmosphere of this year’s marathon, the international importance of the event and moving stories along the course.

Foto: RunCzech

“The marathon now belongs to Prague”

Capalbo said he was impressed by the atmosphere along the course. Compared to the first editions of the Prague Marathon, the biggest change has been the level of support from the public.

“There were an incredible number of people out on the streets, and today you can really feel how strongly Prague stands behind the runners,” says Capalbo. The atmosphere, he says, is no longer limited to the race itself. “It feels like a celebration for the whole city.”

What is especially important for him is that people no longer associate the marathon only with road closures or traffic problems. “Today, people understand that the marathon has become part of Prague. And that is something very special.”

Video: Vodafone Prague Marathon 2026 - Official Video

Heat instead of a record time: “Sometimes the struggle becomes more important”

This year’s men’s winner was on course for a course record for a long time before the high temperatures ended hopes of a best-ever time. For Capalbo, however, it is precisely these kinds of races that often create the most impressive stories.

When runners battle heat, exhaustion and their own limits, something “epic” emerges, he says. For spectators, these moments are especially meaningful. “They see the commitment, the courage and also the suffering. They see the human side of the marathon.”

“All Runners Are Beautiful”

Capalbo was particularly moved by one participant who completed his 30th Prague Marathon this year: František Večeřa. “He is almost 80 years old, had problems with his knee and perhaps knew that this could be his last marathon. But he still reached the finish line,” Capalbo says.

For him, this story perfectly represents the motto “All Runners Are Beautiful”. The marathon is not defined only by winners and top times, but by people who return year after year and continue despite pain or setbacks.

Foto: Carlo Capalbo and František Večeřa | RunCzech

More than 100 nations at the start

With participants from more than 100 countries, the Prague Marathon once again confirmed its international importance in 2026. Runners travelled from countries including China, the United States, Japan, South Korea and Chile.

“People do not come only to run,” says Capalbo. “They want to experience Prague, feel the atmosphere of the race and be part of an international running community.”

For him, this is a clear sign that Prague is now recognised worldwide as a major marathon destination. “Prague is not only a beautiful city, but a true marathon destination.”

Capalbo also announced further innovations for the coming years. Although Prague is smaller than cities such as Berlin, New York or Boston, the aim remains to compete with the world’s biggest marathons.

Foto: RunCzech

“Many people tell us that Prague offers one of the most beautiful marathon experiences in the world,” he explains. RunCzech therefore continues to improve organisation, technology and the overall experience for runners and spectators alike.

“The marathon teaches us something about life”

At the end, Capalbo shared a personal message for runners and fans. For him, the marathon is a metaphor for life itself. “It is easy to run one kilometre. It is much harder to finish a marathon,” he says. It requires concentration, discipline, focus and endurance. “The marathon is not just a race. It shows us what it means to keep going until the very end.”



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