Beautiful Prague. Famous for its gothic architecture, its cobbled streets and its picturesque vistas across the river. It conjures up visions of baroque plazas, street cafes and busking musicians. The “city of a hundred spires” is famous for many things but not necessarily its marathon. Nevertheless it is considered amongst the top ten marathons in the world. First run in 1995, it has become very much an international affair over the past 23 years with 10500 runners competing this year from 55 different countries all chasing their PB on this fast and flat course.
Our elusive speedster Richard Harvey was the only roadrunner to make the journey over to the Czech Republic, hoping to crack the golden 3 hour mark.
Starting in Old Town Square, the course snakes its way through the narrow streets of the old town before taking the runners across the iconic Charles Bridge over the River Vlatara. The course crosses and recrosses the river many times during the 26.2 miles before it winds its way to the finish back in the beautiful Old Town Square.
“The course was fairly flat, with lots of bridges and many, many cobbles” said Richard “It’s a lovely city to explore! Cheap flights and not to mention the great beer and cake!”
And worth the journey it was! Richard stormed home in a speedy 2.58.30 giving him an amazing 179th overall and 21st in his age category. His 9th marathon, it was his first time to crack the 3 hour mark. And the victory tasted all the sweeter after having to pull out if his last sub 3 attempt in Berlin due to injury.
“I’ve learnt so much since then, but I finally got the time I wanted 20 months later”
“I am so chuffed, there was a lot of laps of Tooting Common that went into that result”
Fantastic result Richard, much deserved.
