Prague Marathon

Prague Marathon course route

The Volkswagen Prague Marathon is a medieval-city loop starting and finishing on Old Town Square, crossing the Charles Bridge twice and passing Prague Castle, Wenceslas Square, and the Vltava embankment through Vinohrady. The riverside miles are the easiest and fastest, while cobblestones on Charles Bridge and in the Old Town are the main tougher sections. Crowds pack Old Town Square, line Charles Bridge, and cheer along the Vltava with castle views above.

Prague Marathon route map

Official course map — view on race website

Prague Marathon elevation profile

The Prague Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.

Entry requirements

Prague Marathon is held in May — traditionally the second Sunday of the month. Registration is open (no lottery) through the RunCzech platform (runczech.com), which also organises the Prague Half Marathon, Carlsbad International Marathon, and other Czech events. The full marathon field is approximately 10,000–12,000 runners. May is an excellent time to visit Prague: spring flowers, mild temperatures, and tourist crowds that haven't yet reached peak summer levels.

Prague Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

Vodafone Prague Marathon 2026 - Course overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Prague Marathon elevation profile?

The Prague Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is very flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.

Where can I find the Prague Marathon route map?

This page includes a Prague Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. The official course map is published at www.runczech.com/en/events/vodafone-prague-marathon-2026/. Crosses the Charles Bridge twice, passing Prague Castle, Wenceslas Square, and the Vltava embankment.

How long is the Prague Marathon?

The Prague Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic course starting and finishing on Old Town Square.

What time does the Prague Marathon start?

The 2027 Prague Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 2 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.runczech.com/en/events/vodafone-prague-marathon-2026/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

What is the Prague Marathon course route?

The Volkswagen Prague Marathon starts on Náměstí Republiky (Republic Square) in the Old Town and immediately enters some of Prague's most beautiful historic streets. The route crosses Charles Bridge — a 14th-century stone bridge lined with Baroque statues — and continues through Malá Strana (Lesser Town) on the west bank of the Vltava. The course loops through the New Town, along the Vltava riverside embankment with views of Prague Castle on the hill above, through Vinohrady, and finishes on Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí).

When is the Prague Marathon and how do I enter?

Prague Marathon is held in May — traditionally the second Sunday of the month. Registration is open (no lottery) through the RunCzech platform (runczech.com), which also organises the Prague Half Marathon, Carlsbad International Marathon, and other Czech events. The full marathon field is approximately 10,000–12,000 runners. May is an excellent time to visit Prague: spring flowers, mild temperatures, and tourist crowds that haven't yet reached peak summer levels.

What is special about crossing Charles Bridge during the race?

Charles Bridge (Karlův most), built between 1357 and 1402, is one of Europe's most architecturally significant medieval bridges. It is lined with 30 Baroque statues of saints and stretches 516 metres across the Vltava River. Running across it during the marathon — with Prague Castle looming ahead and the old city skyline behind — is one of the most visually stunning moments in European marathon running. The bridge's stone surface requires careful footing at marathon pace.

What is RunCzech and what does it provide for runners?

RunCzech is the Czech Republic's premier running event organisation, responsible for the Prague Marathon, Prague Half Marathon, Carlsbad International Marathon, and several other events. RunCzech races are known for excellent infrastructure: chip timing, official pacemakers for multiple target finish times (typically 3:15, 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, and 5:00), well-positioned aid stations, and strong international participation support with multilingual services.

Is the Prague Marathon course flat?

Prague's course is predominantly flat along the Vltava River embankments, where runners cover significant distance at pace. However, the sections through Malá Strana (Lesser Town on the west bank) and parts of the historic Old Town include cobblestone sections and modest undulations — particularly around the Nusle Valley. Total elevation gain is around 100–130 metres. The cobblestones on Charles Bridge itself require attention, but overall the course is accessible and rewarding for runners targeting personal bests.