Prague will be awash with tourists and elite runners this weekend as the 19th edition of the Volkswagen Prague Marathon takes place on Sunday 12th May 2013.
A plethora of East African runners, once again, fill the top ten entries for the men’s race. Albert Kiplagat Matebor is ranked as the favourite to win and quite possibly in a record time too.
Matebor will face stiff competition from fellow Kenyans Mariko Kiplagat Kipchumba and Benjamin Kolum Kiptoo – all three athletes have run the course in sub 2:07:00 times. But Eliud Kiptanui, who isn’t lining up this year, sets the standard after running a lighting quick course record of 2:05:36 in the 2010 renewal.
Nevertheless, manager of Elite Athletics, Jana Moberly, has high hopes of record times being set this weekend “We’ve got some top runners and, providing the weather conditions are right, we can start to think about this.” she said.
The Women’s race, much like the men, looks set to be dominated by African runners. Iconic Kenyan runner Lydia Cheromi is the number one woman in the race and she sets a high standard.
However, Ostrava-based mother of three, Petra Pastorová supported by her entrusted trainer, the legendary record holder Alena Peterková, will also be keen to show what she’s got.
Pastorová’s PB is 2:39:42 and she will be sure to attract plenty of home support when pounding the cobblestones of central Prague.
Expats Running for Charity
Organisers anticipate around 65,000 runners to complete the 42.195km course on Sunday and among them are several hundred expats living and working in Prague.
Sarah Randall is running her first full marathon and hopes to raise £1000 (30,000kc) for The British Heart Foundation in the process. Sarah is excited at the prospect of completing her first full marathon in the picturesque and historic city of Prague.
“I ran the Prague Half Marathon last month and I have run the Han River 30km in Seoul. But the Prague half marathon was really pretty; I was sightseeing and running at the same time!” Sarah said
“My main expectation for the full marathon is to finish it! Whether I run, walk or crawl through it, I will finish it! I am just after the big shiny medal at the end.” She added with a smile.
To sponsor Sarah in her quest to raise £1000 for The British Heart Foundation, you can donate here http://www.justgiving.com/Sarah-Randall2
The event kicks off on Saturday 11th May at 2 p.m. with the Cloud 9 Barmen’s race. The ‘Walk with Dogs’ race begins two hours later.
The family mini-marathon, team, relay and full marathon events begin from 9 a.m. on Sunday 12th May in Old Town Square. For the full programme visit www.runczech.com
