Is it going to rain? Is it going to be sunny? Both runners and the organizers were burbling among them. „It feels pleasant to finally get back to those typical questions before a race“, could be heard all around.
Today, Saturday, June 26, RunCzech got its 2021 season going, this time with the opportunity to welcome over 1700 runners and families on the start line.
The leading pack was composed of the best Czech athletes chasing fast times and award podium place, but the event was all about restarting running in the country – for all. The first to try the new race course were the participants of the dm Family Run, from babies in trolleys to seniors, running or walking through the best part of the city, between colonnades and springs, enjoying under the banner of ALL RUNNER ARE BEAUTIFUL.
„This was a great moment to get together with friends and other sportsmen, and remind ourselves how beautiful Karlovy Vary is“, said Petr Kulhanek, governor of the region and passionate runner.
The Half Marathon kicked off in two waves, in compliance with the actual health regulations serviced by the organizers and the local authorities.
The best man Vit Pavlista and the best woman Hana Homolkova finished in 1:07:18 and in 1:20:36 respectively, tagging along over a thousand hobby runners behind them.
„It’s great to see streets filled with people. I admire the organizers for putting together such a sportive festival under difficult circumstances, and I thank our citizens and guests for respecting all the health and security precautions“, said the starter of the race, Petr Bursik, the deputy mayor of Karlovy Vary.
A 15min TV report will be shown on the Czech National TV Sport on July 1 at 1:30pm. The atmosphere can be felt also on the RunCzech YouTube channel.
What’s next? RunCzech is introducing a brand new race in its portfolio, the Generali Česká Red Run, taking place on Saturday, July 24, on a surprising course – the biathlon areal in Nove Mesto na Morave, where the IBU World Cup took place. Registrations are open on www.runczech.com.