Revitalize Your Spirit: Prague’s Upcoming Marathon!

Orlen Prague Marathon (previously known as the Prague International Marathon) is part of the RunCzech series, which is recognized as an IAAF Gold Label race. It attracts not only elite endurance athletes from around the world but also thousands of enthusiastic amateur runners. The marathon route starts at Old Town Square, proceeds down Paris Street to the Čechův most bridge, then to Klárov, and continues to Valdštejnská Street. Runners will then pass through the Lesser Town Square, cross the Charles Bridge, and make their way to Křižovnické náměstí and the street of the same name. The route continues through Jana Palacha náměstí, across Mánes Bridge, along E. Beneš Embankment, and under the Štefánik Bridge. From there, they head towards the Kapitána Jaroše embankment, then to Bubenské nábřeží, Komunardů, Jateční, and lastly, Jankovcova in Holešovice. After crossing Libeň Bridge, the runners will reach Libeň and Karlín, running along Rohanské nábřeží, through the Těšnov tunnel, and back along Ludvík Svoboda Embankment to the Old Town, leading them back to Dvořák Embankment, Pařížská, and finally back to Old Town Square. The route then continues down Celetna Street to the Powder Tower, then down Na Příkopě Street to the Bridge and onto the National area.
Via Masaryk Embankment and the Jirásek Bridge, participants will cross the Vltava River from both its right and left banks, proceeding through Zborovská Street and across Palacký Bridge to Výtoň. They will then head towards the boundaries of Prague 2 and 4 along Svobodova Street, reaching Slupi at Ostrčil Square and Sekaninova Street, passing beneath the Nusel Bridge. The runners will then continue down Jaromir Street to the area under the viaduct at Botič, close to the Ladislav Hanus Primary School. Here, they will turn around and run back along Jaromir Street to Výtoň. The route then goes to Podolí via the Vyšehrad Tunnel. At the intersection with Jeremenkova Street, the group of runners will pivot and return along Podolský embankment to Výtoň, crossing back over Palacký Bridge, and continuing along Svornosti Street to Smíchov. They won’t linger there for long, as they will turn around at Strakonice after Císařská louka and make their way over Hořejší and Janáček Embankment to Legion Bridge. After that, it’s back to Smetana Embankment, then Mánes Bridge, and returning to the opposite riverbank. The final lap will take them back to Bubenské nábřeží and then to Libeň Bridge, where they will cross back and make their way to Pařížská Street for the finish line at Old Town Square, navigating through Karlin and the Old Town embankments.

There are expectations for over 10,000 participants total at the start line, with around half coming from international locations. The largest numbers of foreign runners are expected from France, Poland, Italy, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, elite runners will come from countries like China, India, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru.As part of the RunCzech series, the Orlen Prague Marathon is a prominent global event. The visuals of the marathon being run in the historical heart of Prague attract millions of viewers worldwide. The event is broadcast in 110 countries, including on major networks like BBC, ESPN, and Sky TV. These captivating shots of athletes navigating through Prague’s scenic landscape will reach up to 700 million viewers. You can also catch the next Prague Marathon broadcast on TV. On Sunday, May 4, the race will be aired on CT Sport, beginning at approximately 8:40 AM. Additionally, you can watch the marathon online via the CT Sport Plus platform. Residents of Prague should expect numerous restrictions on transport, including road closures and limits on public transport. The Prague Transport Company will provide all necessary updates in advance on their website, pid.cz.

The Orlen Prague Marathon for 2025 will kick off and conclude as usual at Old Town Square, guiding runners through the Old Town and along both banks of the Vltava River, from Libeň to Podolí. The competitors will venture furthest from the river, diverting down Sekaninova and Jaromírova Streets in the border area of Prague 2 and Prague 4, near the Botič stream. During the marathon, participants will cross a total of seven bridges spanning the Vltava River. Drivers should prepare for complete road closures from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Restrictions will begin earlier at key race locations and wrap up after 5 PM. Likewise, parking along the marathon route will be prohibited.
Traffic management during the marathon will be overseen by the Police. Access from Legion Bridge to Štefánik Bridge will only be possible at specific times. The area of the Old Town bordered by Národní, Pařížská, Široká, and Revoluční streets will largely be inaccessible, so it’s wise to avoid that zone entirely. However, moving through Podolí, Holešovice, and Karlín will be easier. The only smooth way to navigate through the city center will be via the metro, while trams and buses will have altered routes. Residents of Prague 1 should make arrangements to park their vehicles off the streets. For safety purposes, parking is prohibited where the race is taking place, such as in Long Street, Križovnicka, Malostranské náměstí, Masarykovo nábřeží, Národní, Fruit Market, Smetana Embankment, Valdštejnská, U Plovárny, from Mánes Bridge to Křižovnicka Street, E. Beneš Embankment, Capt. Jaroše, and underpasses beneath bridges in that area.

Orlen Prague Marathon Overview

• Official title: Orlen Prague Marathon

• Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025

• Location: Old Town Square, Prague (both start and finish lines)

Course Highlights

• Total distance: Standard marathon length (42.195 km)

• Bridges crossed: Seven, including the famous Charles Bridge

• Iconic landmarks along the route: Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Národní třída, and numerous other historic sites

Participants & Atmosphere

• Expected turnout: Over 10,000 runners

• International field: Athletes from France, Poland, Italy, Slovakia, Great Britain, China, India, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and beyond

• Atmosphere: Historic heart of Prague with a truly global mix of competitors

Logistics & Transport

• Road closures: Streets along the course will be closed to traffic

• Public transport: Certain tram and bus lines will be rerouted or suspended during the event

Broadcast Coverage

• Networks airing the marathon: BBC, ESPN, Sky TV, CT Sport

Enjoy running through centuries of history in one of Europe’s most picturesque capitals!