Sport as a driver of tourism for Prague. The Volkswagen Marathon attracts runners from more than 100 countries! – Cysnews
RunCzech has been organizing marathon runs in Prague for a quarter of a century. Thanks to this, the Czech capital has risen among the ten best cities in the world in terms of running quality and popularity among the people. In front of the upcoming Volkswagen Prague Marathon, which will take place on May 8, the organizers of the race and representatives of Prague spoke about the connection between the event and the city and its economic, social and environmental impacts. “According to an independent study, RunCzech cross-country plants in Prague bring 693 million crowns in direct economic benefit. Many tourists from more than 100 countries will visit the marathon again. ” said Carlo Capalbo, president of the RunCzech organizing committee.
Thanks to the traditional running race, the global visibility of Prague is great. The broadcast of the Volkswagen Prague Marathon can be watched by an incredible 718 million viewers in 131 countries during its broadcast. Magical shots of the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and other sights in the context of a major sporting event regularly fly around the world on channels such as the BBC, ESPN or Sky TV. In addition, the marathon generates up to 3,000 positive outcomes associated with Prague every year in the world media.
“We perceive that this event is a magnet for sports-oriented tourists from all over the world and especially promotes our city. We are always looking forward to this event. Prague is open to runners from all over the world. It is sport that can unite us” said Vít Šimral, a member of the Prague City Council with responsibility for education, sports and business support. Every year, cross-country sports holidays attract more than 107,000 domestic and foreign tourists to the metropolis. Of these, 34,000 are Czech and 13,000 are foreign runners, the rest are their families, friends and companions. “It is the marathon that can become one of the first big drivers of tourism for Prague. The coronavirus pandemic significantly disrupted this, and we were also unable to invite thousands of foreign runners last year. ” said Carlo Capalbo.
Running cross-country races is very beneficial for cities, it is a pan-European trend. Active tourists bring metropolises millions of euros every year and new prestige. An equally important aspect of RunCzech marathons is respect for the environment.
“For several years, the competitors from the starting point have been involved in planting trees. 3465 machines and shrubs have already been planted thanks to a cloud of 7,000 runners at more than 60 locations throughout the country, “Said Miroslav Kundrata, Director of Strategic Development at the Partnership Foundation. The goal is to reach the alley 42 kilometers this year (Marathon Alley). RunCzech also works with Light for the World, which treats blindness. “I appreciate the thirteen-year partnership with RunCzech. Glad it should continue for as long as possible“Added Richard Šimko, the organization’s director.
Thanks to marathons, Prague is also perceived as a center of world cross-country innovation. RunCzech inspires the entire running world with new racing systems. Among other things, he introduced the new Battle of the Teams racing concept, which will make the marathon an even more attractive event and attract thousands more people to run. “Thanks to Battle of the Teams, absolutely every runner can contribute to the victory, ie not only star racers, who we managed to attract to Prague again.“Added Carlo Capalbo, whose race boasts three World Athletics gold medals.
The contribution of the Volkswagen Marathon to Prague in 2019
1) GROWTH OF TOURISM IN THE METROPOLIS
– RunCzech cross – country races attract more than to Prague 107 thousand domestic and foreign tourists during April / May and September.
– 693 Millions of crowns is brought to Prague every year by RunCzech plants for direct economic profit.
– 243 million crowns will generate revenue for the public budget of the capital city of Prague
– The Prague Marathon annually welcomes runners from 126 countries. Praguers also represent 61% of registered participants from Czech marathon runners.
– 95 129 runners at the start in 18 cities across the country.
– 66 428 active people in Runnig Mallu at smaller events.
2) GLOBAL VISIBILITY OF THE CAPITAL CITY OF PRAGUE
– 718 million viewers you can watch broadcasts of the Volkswagen Prague Marathon during its broadcast to 131 countries around the world. Shots of the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and other ranks in the context of a major sporting event of memory regularly travel around the world.
– Until 3000 The races are generated by positive events in the media in connection with Prague.
3) POSITIVE IMPACTS ON THE HEALTH OF CITIZENS OF PRAGUE
– RunCzech has been organizing marathon runs in Prague for a quarter of a century. As a result, the metropolis has risen to the top ten cities on the planet in terms of race quality and popularity among people. In 2019, she took part in the races in Prague at 50 thousand runners.
– The covid pandemic, together with the lockdowns, has had a severe impact on the health of the population and their lifestyle. More than ever, people need to be attracted to running again and demonstrate that runners are beautiful and healthy.
– Every year the Prague marathons attract to 5,000 first-time runners who want to start on the Old Town Square to the sounds of the Vltava.
– RunCzech also serves every year in the metropolis free of charge via 60 thousand especially children and seniors through running training and various programs.
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