Šimral (Pirates): Prague is open to runners from all over the world
30.04.2022 22:09 | Press Release
RunCzech has been organizing marathon runs in Prague for a quarter of a century. Thanks to this, the Czech capital has become one of the ten best cities in the world in terms of race quality and popularity among people. In front of the upcoming Volkswagen Prague Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, May 8, the organizers of the race and the councilor of the capital spoke about the connection between the event and the city and its economic, social and environmental impacts. m Prague Vít Šimral.
“We perceive that this event is a magnet for sports-oriented tourists from all over the world and promotes our city significantly. We are always looking forward to this event. Prague is open to runners from all over the world. It is sport that we can unite us with, “said Vít Šimral, councilor of the capital. m of Prague for sports.
Every year, more than 107,000 domestic and foreign tourists attract more than 107,000 domestic “sports holidays” 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 runners from abroad last year, “said Carlo Capalbo, president of the RunCzech organizing committee. “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, “added Carlo Capalbo.
According to the organization, the global visibility of Prague is enormous thanks to the traditional running race. The broadcast of the Volkswagen Prague Marathon can be watched by an incredible 718 million viewers in 131 countries. Magical shots of the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and other sights in the context of a major sporting event regularly “fly” 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.
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According to the organizers, organizing cross-country races is very beneficial for cities, and it is also 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. 3,465 trees and shrubs have already been planted thanks to the support of 7,000 runners in more than 60 places throughout the country, “described 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. We would like it to continue as long as possible, “said 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 the Battle of the Teams, every runner can contribute to the victory, not just the star racers, which we managed to attract to Prague again,” concluded Carlo Capalbo, whose race boasts three World Athletics gold medals.
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author: PV