Course Map
Route based on 2024 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Vodafone Prague Marathon is one of Europe's most beautiful city races, looping through the fairy-tale Czech capital past the castle, the old town square, and repeated crossings of the Vltava on its historic bridges. The course is largely flat and capable of fast times, but the cobblestones of the old quarter add a jolting, leg-sapping element absent from smoother record courses. Held in May, it offers mild spring conditions and draws a large, international, sightseeing-minded field. The stunning architecture and riverside setting define the experience as much as the splits. It suits runners who want a fast-leaning but scenic race and accept the cobbles as the price of one of the continent's loveliest backdrops.
Course Insight
Prague is a flat, scenic spring marathon along the Vltava, fast on the open stretches but defined by the cobblestones of the old town around the start and historic core, jarring on fresh and tired legs alike. Read the surface and pick smooth lines through the cobbled sections rather than fighting them. Beyond the stones the course is quick and even. May conditions are generally pleasant. Respect the cobbles early and the flat riverside running rewards a measured pace.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 215m
- Elevation loss
- 185m
- Highest point
- 206m
- Lowest point
- 186m
- Net elevation
- +20m
- Start
- Old Town Square (Staromestske namesti)
- Cutoff time
- 7h 0m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:05:09 — Alexander Mutiso (Kenya), 2023
- Women's
- 2:19:46 — Lonah Chemtai Salpeter (Israel), 2019
Race History
The Vodafone Prague Marathon was first held in 1995 and grew into one of Europe's most beautiful city races, looping past the castle, the old town square, and the bridges of the Vltava in the Czech capital. Its scenic but cobbled course drew a large international, sightseeing-minded field. From its founding it became the centerpiece of a popular running festival. Held each May, it now welcomes tens of thousands of runners to the fairy-tale city.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Václav Havel Prague (PRG)
- Best area to stay
- Staré Město for atmospheric central hotels on the route, Malá Strana for charming castle-side stays, and Vinohrady for leafy, quieter neighbourhood options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is on Old Town Square; walk from central hotels or take the Metro to Staroměstská, as the centre is compact.