November is the Month of Great Kunratická!
This year, the Kunratice Forest will once again be buzzing with participants for the well-known cross-country race. At The Great Kunratice, marking the 92nd time the event has been held, which is scheduled for 9 November 2025, thousands of ambitious runners will take part. The race will kick off at 8:30 a.m. at Dolnomlýnský Pond in the picturesque Kunratice Forest of Prague. Runners will start in pairs based on their starting numbers, with a 10-second interval between each pair. There is a cap on participants, limited to 3,600 in total, with 2,700 runners on the route through Hrádek.
This race features three steep climbs and three crossings of the Kunratice Creek. The toughest section is the “run to the Hrádek,” where you’ll tackle a steep incline over just 60 meters, gaining 45 meters in elevation. However, women are traditionally not allowed on this particular course. Still, not all female participants abide by this rule! Every year, some women decide to tackle the trail, even against directives from the organizers. In fact, there have been instances where women ran in male disguise to participate!
A trip to Hrádek in Prague is worth it
Hrádek is definitely a site worth visiting, regardless of your gender or fitness level. You can explore it any time of the year and at any pace that suits you. This structure, more akin to a fort than a royal residence, was commissioned by King Wenceslas IV in the early 15th century. Following the king’s death, the Hussites took refuge within its walls, yet Hrádek was later captured and set ablaze. By 1881, the fortress’s walls still stood tall, but due to the growing popularity of tourism, the owner of the Kunratice estate decided to demolish them. You can learn more about Hrádek and around it the mysterious pits that remain by checking out the information panels along the Nature trails in the Kunratice Forest.
To reach Hrádek, you can start your journey from the Roztyly C metro station, which is just a short distance from Kunratice Forest. Follow the blue tourist signs.
Did you know that the Velka Kunraticka is one of the oldest running races in the Czech Republic, which takes place every second Sunday in November in Kunratice Forest in Prague?
The Velka Kunraticka is recognized as one of the oldest running events in the Czech Republic, occurring each year on the second Sunday of November in the Kunratice Forest in Prague. This race has been a continuous event since 1934 and is well-known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, making it popular for its special ambiance. Participants range from young children to seasoned runners and the race features six different courses (ranging from 370 m to 3100 m) across a total of 27 categories.
