The RunCzech running series has announced bold ambitions for the 2026 season. The series wants to exceed last year’s 100,577 active participants. RunCzech also wants to further increase its economic contribution to host cities across the Czech Republic. Finally, continue promoting its core values of health, youth engagement, community, charity, and sustainability.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at Prague City Hall. Representatives of RunCzech and the City of Prague emphasized a shared commitment to sport as a driver of public health and international visibility.
Preparations are well underway for one of Central Europe’s largest half marathons. The Generali Prague Half Marathon sold out nearly as fast as the top female runner will finish. The event, capped at 17,000 runners, sold out in 2 hours and 23 minutes.
“The half-marathon sold out in 2 hours and 23 minutes, and demand exceeded available registrations,” said Bohuslav Svoboda, Mayor of Prague. “RunCzech has an international reach and represents exactly the kind of sporting activity we want to promote in Prague: supporting health, movement, community, and showcasing our city to the world. That is why we proudly support it.”
In 2025, RunCzech ranked as the third-largest running series in continental Europe, organizing 42 events across the country. Participation trends indicate strong international growth, as well as an increase in female representation. Women accounted for 41% of participants in the 2025 season.
International runners played a particularly significant role. A remarkable 36,207 foreign athletes registered in 2025, representing 36% of the total participants, from 147 nationalities.
“Through events like the ones RunCzech organizes, we create motivation especially for young people,” added Antonín Klecanda, Prague City Councillor for Education and Sport. “Many children are active in sports, but as they enter their teenage years, they often drop out. Events like this give them inspiration and a goal to strive for. Running with the beautiful city of Prague as a backdrop is an unforgettable experience.”
Global Broadcast Reach and Influencer Engagement
RunCzech further promotes Prague and the Czech Republic through live-streamed races with Czech and English commentary. The global broadcast of the Prague International Marathon reached 74.3 million households across 106 countries.
Strong economic impact
With over 100,000 annual participants, RunCzech delivers a significant economic contribution to host cities and the national economy.
The total economic impact of RunCzech events in 2025 was calculated at approximately €45 million. According to RunCzech Communications Director Jiří Nečásek, the methodology was developed in cooperation with CzechTourism and includes spending related to sports participation, travel, accommodation, public transportation, cultural visits, and additional services.
Approximately €32,8 million of the total impact was generated by Prague-based races alone.
International Field at the 2026 Prague Half Marathon
The next major event in the series will be the 26th edition of the Generali Prague Half Marathon. It will take place on Saturday, March 28.
International runners will again form the majority of the 17,000-strong field. Nearly 2,300 participants are travelling from Germany. Other notable statistics include 255 runners from Brazil and 66 from Colombia. After Prague, the most represented cities are Berlin, London, and Madrid.
With its combination of elite sport, mass participation, international diversity, and measurable economic impact, RunCzech continues to position Prague as one of Europe’s leading running capitals.
