The fourteenth running of the Mattoni Half Marathon České Budějovice goes off Saturday, May 30, in the heart of the South Bohemian capital. Its is a race that has quietly become one of the most reliable fixtures on the European road‑running calendar. Backed by a World Athletics Road Race Label and a reputation for smooth organization, it has again hit capacity. More than 8,000 runners have registered, including a strong mix of Czech and European elites, which should make for a lively evening in the city’s historic core.
All competitive events, including the half-marathon, the relays, and the Vodafone 5 km Run, are full. More than 6,000 runners will line up across those races, with another 2,000 expected in the non‑competitive events. Thirteen per cent of the field comes from abroad, representing 60 countries. Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Ukraine, the United States, Great Britain, India, France and Poland lead the way in international turnout.
This year’s race also marks the third stop for runners collecting half marathons under the RunCzech Halfs project, and it serves as the second leg of the EuroHeroes 2026 series, a platform designed to highlight European long‑distance talent. Spain’s Jorge Blanco arrives as the fastest man on paper, while last year’s winner, Khalid Choukoud, returns to defend his title. Artur Bossy adds further depth.
On the domestic front, Czech record holder and RunCzech Racing Team member Patrik Vebr will take another swing at lowering the national mark. Track specialists Matěj Hřebačka and Maximilian Matolín, both making their half marathon debuts, could help push the early pace.
The women’s race features a similarly competitive cast. Germany’s Kristina Hendel, Croatian‑born and consistently strong over the distance, lines up alongside 2012 European Championships bronze medallist Olga Nyzhnyk and Czech record holder Tereza Hrochová. “I see familiar names from abroad on the start list, so it definitely won’t be easy,” Hrochová said. “Lately, I’ve been training with a focus on the 10,000 metres, so I’m curious to see how that translates.”
The event also draws its share of public figures. Former Czech national team midfielder Karel Poborský returns, as do hair and skincare specialist Tomáš Arsov and Minister of Health Adam Vojtěch. “I don’t run for records or to prove something to myself,” Poborský said. “I’ve been running my whole life because I enjoy it. It fulfils me, and it’s an active way for me to rest.”
Local runner and coach David Vaš, a fixture since the inaugural 2012 edition, will again be in the mix among the top Czech men. “Back then, I was just starting out with running, and it was one of my first races,” he said. “Over the years, I moved from being a hobby runner to joining the elite athletes, and I absolutely fell in love with the race atmosphere.”
Runners will face a familiar adversary this weekend: heat. Forecasts call for temperatures pushing 30 C, similar to the conditions at the recent Vodafone Prague Marathon. Medical support will be bolstered by the new Running Doctors project — trained medical professionals running within the field. “We are not a replacement for emergency medical services,” neurologist Zuzana Blichová said. “Our advantage is that we run alongside the others. We can stay calm, assess situations quickly and act. Thanks to our distinctive marking, runners and fans can recognize us and direct us where needed.”
The Mattoni Running Festival is again staged in cooperation with the University of South Bohemia, which is providing 34 volunteers for medical points, five cyclists with AEDs and several massage therapists. Eighty staff and students will also compete in the Rector’s Cup.
The South Bohemian Region and the City of České Budějovice continue to play key roles in supporting the event. Years of coordination with RunCzech have streamlined logistics to the point where even record participation and the associated road closures are manageable.
“We regularly receive wonderful feedback from the runners, for which we are very grateful,” said Mayor Dagmar Škodová Parmová. “The atmosphere at the half marathons has always been great, and now, thanks to the Running Festival, entire families are coming to visit us. The event is prepared well in advance, and we always take into account not only the runners but also the city’s residents.” Parmová will serve as the official starter for the half-marathon — but not before running the dm family mile, the only Saturday event with a few remaining spots.
As with all RunCzech races, the charitable component remains central. The Vodafone Foundation is the main partner in České Budějovice, supporting the continued development of the Záchranka medical‑rescue app. A full musical program and a global livestream in Czech and English will accompany the race.
Six refreshment stations, each equipped with misting sprayers, will be positioned along the course starting at 5 km and then every 2.5 km. Nearly 28,000 litres of Mattoni water, 2,400 litres of ionic drink, 1,400 kg of bananas and more than 750 kg of oranges will be on hand.
Schedule
Friday, May 29, 12:00–20:00 — Running Expo (Exhibition Grounds, Pavilion H, Husova tř. 523) 17:00 — Shake‑out run with elite athletes (coaches: David Vaš, Mattoni Freerun) — Clarion Hotel
Saturday, May 30, 9:30–17:00 — Running Expo (Exhibition Grounds, Pavilion H, Husova tř. 523) 15:30 — Vodafone 5 km Run (Přemysl Otakar II Square) 17:00 — dm family mile (Přemysl Otakar II Square) 17:45 — dm bambini run (Přemysl Otakar II Square) 19:00 — Mattoni HalfMarathon České Budějovice (Přemysl Otakar II Square)
