Run through an ancient city steeped in history and culture, shaking your senses. Prague, a 42.195km dream
The Prague Marathon is an enchanting urban marathon that circles the beautiful streets of Prague, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Held every May, it is a 42.195km journey starting from Old Town Square and winding along the scenic route along Charles Bridge and the Vltava River.
The scenery created by the cobblestone streets and historic buildings captivates runners, and the warm cheers of spectators filling the roadside give runners a powerful push.
An unforgettable feeling and sense of accomplishment awaits, as if the entire city is united in cheering you on.
Prague Marathon: A 42.195km journey where history and beauty merge
The Prague Marathon is not just a race. It is an unforgettable adventure through the city of Prague, which retains traces of the Middle Ages. Push your limits and write your story with runners from all over the world in this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Course Overview
Starting Point
The emotional journey begins at Old Town Square. Early in the morning, runners lining up at the starting line in the square surrounded by historic buildings are treated to breathtakingly beautiful views of the Church of Our Lady before Týn and the Astronomical Clock of the Old Town Hall.
Sights along the way
The Prague Marathon course captivates runners with its historic buildings and beautiful views of the Vltava River.
・Early stages：Starting from Old Town Square, the course passes through the Jewish Quarter and runs along the Vltava River. The section crossing Charles Bridge is one of the highlights of this marathon, and from the bridge, there are magnificent views of Prague Castle and the city.
・Middle stages：The course crosses both banks of the Vltava River multiple times, allowing runners to enjoy the beautiful riverside scenery. Runners can experience the history and culture of the city firsthand as they run past iconic Prague landmarks such as the Municipal House and the Powder Tower.
・Later stages：The course is relatively flat, passing through elevated areas such as Vyšehrad, but the historic scenery will make you forget your fatigue. As you return to the center of the Old Town, the cheers from the spectators will grow even louder.
Finish point
Finish back at Old Town Square! The sense of accomplishment of completing a marathon in a World Heritage city in a historic square, and the countless cheers waiting for you at the finish line, will be the best memories.
Elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference：The Prague Marathon course is relatively flat, with the main elevation changes occurring when crossing bridges over the Vltava River. Both elevation gain and cumulative elevation descent tend to be lower than in other major marathons. While the exact figures vary slightly from year to year, overall it is considered a flat course.
・Weather：Prague in May, when the race is held, often has ideal weather for running. The average temperature is around 10-20°C, and it is usually pleasant and often sunny.
Participants’ comments
・ “Running through the streets of Prague was truly a dreamlike experience. The scenery was so beautiful!”
・ “The view from Charles Bridge was spectacular! I ran with the best feeling.”
・ “The support from the sidelines was very warm. It felt like the local people were cheering us on as one.”
・ “Running among the historic buildings felt like stepping back in time.”
・ “It was a flat course and easy to run, and I got my personal best!”
・ “The race organization was excellent, everything was smooth.”
・ “Enjoying Prague beer and delicious food made it an unforgettable weekend.”
Strategy
The key to conquering the Prague Marathon is to enjoy the historic cityscape while adapting to the cobblestone surfaces and the ups and downs of the bridges. Since it’s a relatively flat course, maintain a consistent pace from the start and avoid disrupting your rhythm in the scenic sections along the Vltava River in the middle of the race. Conserve your energy for the return to the Old Town in the final stages, and turn the cheers of the spectators into strength. The weather is often suitable for running, so you’ll be able to perform to the best of your ability.
The Prague Marathon is a 42.195km journey where history and beauty merge. Run through the enchanting ancient city with runners from all over the world, and experience the greatest thrill and sense of accomplishment of your life!
2025 Prague Marathon Summary
・Date: May 4, 2025
・Number of finishers: 7,631
・Average finish time: –
MEN
1: Lemi Berhanu Hayle: 2:05:14
2: Felix Kipkoech: 2:07:19
3: Tetsuya Yoroizaka: 2:09:10
4: Andualem Belay Shiferaw: 2:09:35
5: Andrew Colley: 2:09:46
6: Debesay Desale Teklemariam: 2:10:09
7: Tariku Novales: 2:11:30
8: Gadisa Birhanu Shumie: 2:12:09
9: Kelkile Gezahegn Woldaregay: 2:13:23
10: Paul Kibet: 2:14:32
WOMEN
1: Bertukan Welde Sura: 2:20:55
2: Evaline Chirchir: 2:21:25
3: Pascalia Chepkogei: 2:22:11
4: Gladys Chesir: 2:22:45
5: Vivian Jepkemei Melly: 2:23:10
6: Tigist Abayechew: 2:24:05
7: Meseret Belete: 2:25:30
8: Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui: 2:26:15
9: Helah Kiprop: 2:27:40
10: Tigist Girma: 2:28:55
2026 Prague Marathon
Run through history and beauty and surpass yourself. The 42.195km will unleash a new you
・Location：Old Town Square
・Date and time：May 3, 2026
・Start time：9:00 a.m.
Prague: The city of fairy tales, where even time stands still
Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires,” where the traces of the Middle Ages are still strongly evident. Prague Castle, whose spires pierce the sky, the majestic Charles Bridge over the Vltava River, and the Astronomical Clock towering over Old Town Square invite visitors to the past. Walking along the cobblestone streets, you’ll feel as if you’ve wandered into a picture book, and be captivated by its history and beauty.
Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture coexist, and history breathes throughout the city. The stained glass of St. Vitus Cathedral, the charming houses of Golden Lane, and the spectacular views from Prague Castle captivate visitors. The sweet aroma of fragrant coffee and traditional Czech pastries wafts from the street corner cafes, and you can enjoy the slowly flowing time under the historic buildings.
Listening to live jazz in a jazz club, exploring local art galleries, and most of all, immersing yourself in the unique mystical atmosphere of this city, offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Prague, woven by beautiful architecture, rich culture, and warm people, is a place where everyone can find “their own story.” Once you visit, you will be captivated by its charm and will want to return again and again. It is such a special city.
