Sold out race and amazing atmosphere. After three years, UniCredit Prague Relay is back in the Czech capital

The one-team race returned in full force to Prague’s Stromovka Park on Thursday June 23, after a three-year hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nine hundred teams of 3,600 runners signed up for the popular race to compete against colleagues or friends over four five-kilometre stretches, filling the race’s maximum capacity to the very last place.

“We are overwhelmed by the huge interest in UniCredit Prague Relay. The atmosphere on and around the course was fascinating, it was obvious that people really enjoyed the race,” said Carlo Capalbo, president of the RunCzech organizing team. The first competitors took to the track at 6 p.m., full of enthusiasm and energy, despite the hot weather at the Prague Exhibition Centre.

From the start, good humor, fair competition and the joy of sharing a special experience accompanied the four-person team race. UniCredit Prague Relay lived up to its reputation as one of the most popular races in the Czech Republic.

The Kalokagathia Aliance team was the first to cross the finish line, completing the 20 kilometer course in 1:01:40, followed by the Adidas Runners Speed ​​(1:05:01) and OTC Vlčáci ( 1:08:04). Participants also had the chance to use the event as a team building, bachelor party, school reunion or any other celebration, and to publicize their project or company during the race at the same time.

As in previous years, there were also special Open categories for representatives of banks and members of the Czech Banking Association (Bank Cup), employees and members of chambers of commerce (Chambers Cup) or members and staff of foreign diplomatic missions, consular offices and cultural centers of foreign countries (Diplomatic Cup). The Medical Professionals category was expanded for the first time to include the Integrated Rescue System (IZS Cup).

Well-known personalities also took part in the race, both as competitors and spectators. Sports presenter Jiří Ježek, for example, formed one of the teams.

“I have participated in the Prague Relay since its very beginning, I am fascinated by the team spirit of this race and I always look forward to it. The main highlight for me is the fact that I am not racing just for me, but four people joining forces to achieve the best possible result together,” said the six-time Paralympic champion and six-time world champion in cycling. a few minutes before departure.

The legendary Czech surgeon, Professor Pavel Pafko, also came to encourage his colleagues and other runners. He himself actively participated in the previous year’s relay.

This year, he presented the prize to the best teams in the category of health professionals and also underlined the importance of running and sport in general: “Nearly 4,000 people take part in this relay, but there are thousands of others for whom this race could be a turning point and a huge motivation to start running tomorrow. I really admire and applaud anyone who can do it, start running and do something for their health.

The dm Bambini race for children was also on the program. This race was completely free and each participant received a T-shirt, a starting number and a medal upon arrival. According to the age categories, the courses have been modulated from 100 to 200 meters.