On your mark, get set, go ... to Ústí nad Labem

Running may be one of the simplest - and most affordable - workouts. Just lace up some shoes and hit the pavement or any of Prague's hilly and shaded parks. As a sport, it's gaining momentum in the Czech Republic, and the Prague International Marathon (PIM) is hitting its stride in an effort to spread the enthusiasm around the country.

This year, PIM's Hervis Prague Half Marathon and the Volkswagen Prague Marathon both broke records in terms of the number of participants. The Half Marathon, held March 27, was so successful registration closed two weeks before the start of the race after attendance maxed out at 9,600 runners. Another 8,500 runners were at the starting line for the May 9 full marathon.

"The increasing number of runners taking part each year in our races is one of the best testaments to the increasing popularity of running," PIM Organizing Committee President Carlo Capalbo told The Prague Post. "With everything we do, we are trying to encourage everyone to take up running as a way toward a healthier lifestyle."

To further that goal, PIM has committed to adding one new city each year for half-marathons until 2014, for a total of five regional races. The Olomouc Running Festival, featuring a half-marathon, relay, 10K and family run, was held for the second time June 18. On Sept. 18, a race will debut in Ústí nad Labem. The two regional races have been organized and put on by Tempo Team Prague s.r.o., PIM's sister company.

"The Ústí half-marathon will be the biggest running event in the region, and we expect up to 1,500 runners to take part," Capalbo said. "After the successful outcome of the Olomouc event and discussion with the city representatives of Ústí nad Labem, who are keen to support sports and cultural events in the region, as well as the geographical position of the city, we have decided to expand there."

Back in Prague, PIM is getting ready for its Mattoni Prague Grand Prix 2011, which will be held Sept. 10. Registration is available online through Sept. 3 for 25 euros, but participants can register on race day in person for 30 euros. This race is on course to fill up as quickly as the half-marathon did, however.

"We already have double the number of runners registered than we did at this time last year," he added.

In keeping with PIM's charitable focus, the Tempo Team races in Olomouc and Ústí nad Labem are cooperating with Nadace Partneřství, an environmental NGO that works on creating and maintaining green spaces for the public as well as supporting renewable energy.

Both races' websites have online registration options that put 100 Kč toward planting a tree on their behalf, Capalbo said.

"Everybody who adopts a tree will receive an original certificate by e-mail and a photo of the alley after their tree is planted," he said.

Claire Compton can be reached at
ccompton@praguepost.com