News: Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon

Credit : RunCzech Yassine Rachik grinded past more than 2351 runners to win in 01:03:02. Roman Romanenko secured second in this year’s race with a time of 01:04:25. Jaume Leiva Beato got the third place in 01:04:37. In the ladies race, it was Lilia Fisikovici who took the top spot in 01:13:29 , ahead of Daria Mykhailova (01:13:56). Olga Skrypak got the third place in 01:14:04. Top 5 Men 1 Yassine Rachik ITA 01:03:02 2 Roman Romanenko UKR 01:04:25 3 Jaume Leiva Beato ESP 01:04:37 4 Paul Pollock IRL 01:04:42 5 Mykola Iukhymchuk UKR 01:05:31 Top 5 Women 1 Lilia Fisikovici MDA 01:13:29 2 Daria Mykhailova UKR 01:13:56 3 Olga Skrypak UKR 01:14:04 4 Giovanna Epis ITA 01:14:23 5 Nina Lauwaert BEL 01:14:41 Complete results

Credit : RunCzech For the first time in its history, the Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon has a European winner. Thanks to the EuroHeroes initiative designed to promote the development of athletics on the Old Continent, Britain’s Luke Traynor picked up first place (1:03:42), with victory in the women’s category going to Moldovan runner Lilia Fisikovici (1:13:20). The České Budějovice race also proved successful for Vít Pavlišta and Kristýna Dvořáková producing new race records among Czech runners. This year’s IAAF Gold Label in the South Bohemian capital drew elite runners from all over Europe, thus continuing the EuroHeroes initiative – a collaborative project between RunCzech and the European Athletics Association. At the helm right from the start was hot race favourite – Britain’s Luke Traynor along with Ukrainian runner Roman Romanenko, winner of the previous RunCzech race Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon. Both managed to get ahead of their rivals early on, running together for the majority of the race, leaving everyone in suspense right until the last few kilometres. In the end the British runner proved himself the stronger of the two. “We ran together right from the start, Roman kept up with me for practically the whole race, but I felt I had a bit extra to give and in the end managed to speed up a bit. Although I’m a bit tired, I have to say I really enjoyed the race, the atmosphere was fantastic, with loads of fans along the course and I’m also delighted with my finishing time. Even though my personal best is two minutes faster, it’s still a good time on this course which is a tad tricky, ” Traynor revealed speaking of his stellar performance of 1:03:42. Roman Romanenko crossed the finish in 1:04:05 followed by Austrian runner Valentin Pfeil (1:05:08). When it came to the Czechs, it was clear from the first hundred kilometres that a few surprises were in store with Vít Pavlišta on race favourite Jiří Homoláč’s tail. Pavlišta celebrated the new České Budějovice race record of 1:06:43. Jiří Homoláč finished in 1:08:48 followed by Petr Pechek in third place with a time of 1:09:50 In terms of the women, overall winner Lilia Fisikovici, who flew in from Moldova, had nothing but praise for the race. She was also completely bowled over by her result. “I’m slightly in shock, but really delighted. I absolutely loved the city, the fans were amazing and I also ran really well. At the seventeenth kilometre I felt I could speed up a bit, overtook my rivals and managed to stay ahead right till the finish,” shared the delighted winner. She finished in a time of 1:13:20 followed by Olha Kotovska from Ukraine (1:14:14) with the race favourite Italy’s Rosaria Console finishing third place (1:14:38). Assuming first place on the podium among the Czech women was Kristýna Dvořáková who delivered a great performance from start to finish. Finishing second among the Czech women and fifth overall in that category was Marcela Joglová (1:19:11) followed by Ivana Sekyrová (1:20:58). 3 252 runners took part in the Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon. A total of 2 913 took part in the dm Family Run.

Credit : RunCzech Kenyan representatives ruled the roost in blistering conditions at the sixth Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon, another RunCzech Running League race with an IAAF Gold Label. With temperatures at 27C throughout, Justus Kangogo broke away from the elite group before halfway, managing to keep momentum all the way to an impressive finish of 1:02:47. The winner among the women – Agnes Jeruto Barsosio – was also quite swift to show everyone knew who was boss in a performance which saw her set a new race record. When it came to the Czechs, Petr Pechek was first to cross the finish line among the men with Ivana Sekyrová picking up top spot for the women. RunCzech Running League President Carlo Capalbo was delighted with the women’s race record. “I’m really pleased to see Agnes attest to the fact that great times can be run in České Budějovice. While it didn’t break a world record like in Prague in April, her time was still really fantastic, given the weather conditions. I’d also like to take this opportunity to express my admiration to everyone who made it across the finish line today, the conditions weren’t at all easy and everyone who struggled through deserves my respect,” Capalbo revealed. A whopping three and a half thousand participants joined the start line of this year’s Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon which was accompanied by muggy weather. In the end, it was Justus Kangogo – one of the Kenyan race favourites – who stood up best to the challenge, scooping up first place. He was helped out somewhat by the misfortune befalling Abraham Akopesha whose shoe came off in the first third of the race. Shortly before the mid-way point, Kangogo took the opportunity to break away even from close rival Geoffrey Ronoh, and cross the finish in 1:02:47. “I think it was one of the most difficult races I’ve ever run. I was on my own for a long time, and was pretty surprised to see the others drop off so soon. Today’s time may well be a fair way off my personal best, but given the heat which didn’t give us any rest throughout the whole race, I have to say I’m pleased,” boasted the winner at the finish. He was followed by Paul Kariuki Mwangi (1:04:33) in second place and, to some surprise, Brazilian representative Paulo Paula (1:05:25) third. Japanese runner Hideto Yamanaka also experienced a successful European debut securing fourth place overall with a time of 1:06:19. One of the best runners in athletics history yet failing to reach the finish today due to the calf problem, Wilson Kipsang didn’t choose the best day to show off his best. When it came to the women, there were two clear favourites – Kenyans Lucy Kabuu and Rebecca Chesir. In the end, however, both were outperformed by their compatriot Agnes Jeruto Barsosio who left all her rivals behind at the fifth kilometre, seeing her set a new race record while also securing a personal best of 1:09:53. “I’m really pleased with the win and the personal record. Completing the race in under seventy minutes today is something I consider a huge success and I’m truly delighted that I’ve finally done it,” said the winner at the finish. Running in second place was Rebecca Chesir (1:13:05) followed by Ukrainian representative Olga Skrypak (1:14:12) in third – yet another surprise addition on the podium. Czech running scene fans were all geared up to a well-balanced battle between Petr Pechek, Jan Kreisinger, David Vaš and Robert Míč. With a time of 1:10:20, reigning Czech champion in the marathon distance Petr Pechek scooped up first place. When it came to the Czech women, Ivana Sekyrová managed to live up to expectations (1:21:15), clearly in great form after winning the half marathon in Karlovy Vary, also part of the RunCzech Running League. TOP 10 MEN 1. Kangogo Justus | KEN | 1:02:47 2. Mwangi Paul Kariuki | KEN | 1:04:33 3. Paula Paulo Roberto | BRA | 1:05:25 4. Yamanaka Hideto | JPN | 1:06:19 5. Kagimbi Solomon Gachoka | KEN | 1:07:44 6. Mitei Donald | KEN | 1:09:04 7. Sitkovskyy Oleksandr | UKR | 1:09:27 8. Pechek Petr | CZE | 1:10:20 9. Matviychuk Vasyl | UKR | 1:10:43 10. Vaš David | CZE | 1:11:53 TOP 10 WOMEN 1. Agnes Jeruto Barsosio | KEN | 1:09:53 2. Rebecca Kangogo Chesir | KEN | 1:13:05 3. Olga Skrypak | UKR | 1:14:12 4. Joy Kemuma Loyce | KEN | 1:14:14 5. Veronicah Njeri Maina | KEN | 1:15:08 6. Pauline Naragoi Esikon | KEN | 1:17:58 7. Lucy Liavoga | KEN | 1:19:05 8. Ayaka Fujimoto | JPN | 1:19:15 9. Maki Ashi | JPN | 1:20:17 10. Ivana Sekyrová | CZE | 1:21:15 §staticmap(11388,5,800,200)

Credit : RunCzech The České Budějovice half marathon is quite possibly the friendliest race in the entire world. The wonderful main square boasts a tradition for bringing people together. With its fairytale feel, you can’t help be bowled over by the crooked medieval streets. The cheering crowds will also ensure each and every runner feels like a true hero. Key information: This year is the sixth event year The Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon will be broadcast live on ČT Sport and on ivysilani.cz. Broadcasting kicks off at 18.30 The Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon is the fourth RunCzech Running League race, comprising a total of seven races in five cities around the Czech Republic. * Together with last year’s new feature, the O2 Prague 4×5 Relay, a whopping 82 840 runners took part in RunCzech races in 2016, almost eight thousand more than in 2015 The race has been awarded the Gold Quality Label by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for the second year in a row The race kicks off at 18.30 from Přemysl Otakar II Square. The dm Family Run will set off from the same place at 17.00 Race capacity has grown slightly from last year’s 3 400 to 3 500 competing racers. Five hundred additional runners will join the dm Family Run, the capacity for * which is 3 000 athletes The half marathon is completed on a single-circuit course, kicking off from the centre of České Budějovice. The course remains unchanged from last year The half marathon will be started by České Budějovice Mayor Jiří Svoboda, the dm Family Run by governor of the South Bohemian Region Ivo Moravec Last year was a great success when it came to results – with one race record delivered by Ethiopian Ashete Bere securing the best women’s time The fastest men’s time of the Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon went to Daniel Chebii back in 2012 when he managed to complete the course in under the magical * one hour limit (59:49 to be precise) International star and one of the most successful runners of all time Wilson Kipsang is also due to take part Aside from Kipsang, a number of other African runners are expected to launch an attack on the race record. Hot favourites include Kenyans Justut Kangogo, Abraham * Akopesha as well as Geoffrey Ronoh. Competing as a pacemaker, Ronoh triumphed at the Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon back in 2014 defeating Kipsang The women’s start line will be dominated by Kenyan racers, with Lucy Kabuu and Rebeca Chesir dubbed the hot favourites to win Japanese representatives and Brazilian racer Paulo Paula are sure to add an extra dimension to the race Local runner Jan Kreisinger is the favourite among the Czech guys, though rivals Petr Pechek, Robert Míč and another České Budějovice local David Vaš will all want * to give it their best shot The main star among the Czech women is local runner Ivana Sekyrová. Rivals Dagmar Rychnovská, Tereza Ďurdiaková and Radka Churáňová won’t want to make it easy for * her, however Other personalities to watch out for include Dalibor Gondík participating as a pacemaker in the & Johnson Women’s Challenge as well as singer from the band Skyline * and fitness trainer Jacob Bína. Former Czech National Bank governor Zdeněk Tůma is also up for a slice of the running action along with motorbike racers Jakub and * Matěj Smrž running for the Bazalka Centre Also forming part of the half marathon weekend are the dm Family Run as well as the Marathon Music Festival featuring bands and DJs along the course RunCzech collaborates with fifty charity organisations. Last year a total of 5 287 runners generated a sum of almost ten million Czech Crowns for the Run for a Good * Cause project. The Bazalka Centre is the main charity partner to the Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon Spectators can also look forward to seeing battles play out between football, ice hockey and floorball relays as part of the race. Radek Prokeš, Jakub Doktor, Jakub * Káník and Stanislav Dosek will be running on behalf of Motor and Petr Žáček, Michael Kudláček, Lukáš Froněk and Lukáš Malý will be representing Štíři The greatest number of foreign runners taking part hail from Austria, Slovakia, Germany, Russia, Poland, Hungary, Great Britain, Spain and the United States The top level of medical care offered along the course will see some new features this year. Four mobile AED cycle patrols furnished with an automatic external * defibrillator linking up to medical professionals will move in among the runners. 15 AID Stations (labelled as such) will also be dotted around the course České Budějovice hosts two Mattoni FreeRuns – five kilometre circuits open to everyone whenever they feel the urge to get out for a run. The courses are located in * Stromovka and Nábřežní The official race hashtag is #CBHalf Interesting statistics: Capacity for the Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon is 3 500 runners Capacity for the dm Family Run is 3 000 participants 250 four-member relays (3 × 5 km + 1 × 6,0975 km) 300 two-member 2Run relays (1 × 10 km + 1 × 11,0975 km) A total of 37 nationalities are expected to appear at the start line 69 % of runners are men, 31% women The average age of women taking part in the half marathon is 36.1 years, for men it’s 38.8 years On average women manage the Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon in 2:07:35, men in 1:50:39 Three runners will be celebrating their birthdays on race day The most common names of male runners taking part are Jan, Petr and Martin. For women it’s Lenka, Jana and Martina The vast majority of long-distance runners are university educated (58 ), with school leavers making up 34 and the remaining 8% made up of those with only basic * level education On average a runner has to take 17 216 steps to complete the whole 21,0975 km The oldest male participant: Jaroslav Putschogl (CZE), 78 years The oldest female participant: Miromila Sobotová (CZE), 70 years 760 volunteers will be helping out on race day Almost twenty thousand people from all over the world will access www.runczech.com on race day (18 971 on 2016) Almost 100 000 users (97 312 in 2016) will receive messages on social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) from RunCzech channels on race day Used during the race: 479 traffic signs 21 540 safety pins 42 356 cups 17 360 freshening up sponges 3 500 thermal insulation sheets 6 500 medals 3 591 m of fencing 92 portable toilets Drunk: 18 682 l of Mattoni water 5 942 litres of Gatorade (hypotonic drink) Eaten: 1 321 kg bananas 842 kg oranges 17 kg salt 22 kg sugar Records: World record – men: 0:58:23 (2010) Zersenay Tadese (ERI), Lisbon World record– women: 1:04:52 (2017) Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN), Prague* Czech record – men: 1:01:31 (1997), Jan Pešava Czech record – women: 1:11:02 (1994), Alena Peterková Race record – men: 1:01:01 (2015),Elijah Serem (KEN) Race record – women: 1:09:07 (2016), Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) Fastest Czech man: 1:06:51 (2016), Milan Kocourek Fastest Czech woman: 1:17:57 (2014), Ivana Sekyrová world record still awaiting validation §staticmap(11388,5,800,200)

Credit : RunCzech The Mattoni Ceske Budejovice Half Marathon turned into a battle of attrition. Barselius Kipyego, the talented young Kenyan, was able to stay on pace over the second half of the race while the other lead runners faded. He was rewarded with the win and one of the fastest times in the last four years on this course, 1:00:30. In the elite women’s competition, it was Ashete Bekere of Ethiopia that struggled the least, pushing herself to a new course record of 1:10:40. The thunderstorms that were part of the forecast held off, although a short rain shower just before the start of the race did add humidity to the air and some puddles to the asphalt. That didn’t stop the large Kenyan contingent from starting off with a quick pace, although runners started falling off by the 5K. The lead group was down to four runners (two of them pacesetters) by the 10K mark, still on target for 60 minutes. When they came to the course’s only real hill (a long, gradual burner), the attrition began in earnest. One of the pacers stepped off the course, while Kipyego first moved to the front of the group and eventually made his breakaway. Henry Kiplagat was the only runner to try to stay with the eventual winner, but by 18K it was clear that the youngest runner in the elite field would be the winner. Kipyego had used most of his energy on his final breakaway, and he was not able to kick himself under the 1 hour mark. Kiplagat finished second, also under 1:01, and pacesetter Geoffrey Koech ended up taking third. In the women’s race pre-race favorite Risper Chebet struggled early, the first to fall off the lead group of three. Sarah Jebet, making her half-marathon debut, only made it a few minutes longer before she also fell back, leaving Bekere by herself in the lead. Although it was clear that she did not feel good for most of the race, she had the encouragement of the crowd and her hard-working pacer to push her. Bekere gutted out a very good performance, taking 14 seconds off the previous race record (which was set on a faster, double-loop orientation). Chebet was able to steady herself and move strongly into second, while Jebet held on to complete the podium trio. Though she does not speak much English, Bekere did express that she felt confident before the race that she could win. The race did not go exactly according to her plan, but she is proud to have the new race record despite struggling and having to run alone for the last 10K. Credit : RunCzech Though only 22, Kipyego is currently ranked 6th in the world with his 59:30 in Prague earlier this year and he seems to have a very clear plan for the future. “I will go back to Kenya to train, then return to Prague in September for the Birell Prague Grand Prix 10K. My full marathon will also be in Prague next year.” Kipyego was among the pacers for the 2016 PIM, and he certainly seems to have the potential to be a contender there in May. He clearly enjoys running in the Czech Republic and appreciates the support of the RunCzech organization. In addition to the winner’s prize, he earned a bonus for leading at the 18K mark, an innovation that helps provide incentive to stay up front in the middle portion of the race. There was also a young talent that stood out in the women’s field: Japan’s Ai Utsunomiya, only 20, finished fourth in 1:13:57. Unfortunately, Geoffrey Mutai was not in the lead group for very long in his first race back from a seven-month layoff. Despite his conservative early running, there was a positive takeaway for the New York Marathon course record holder: he was able to rally late in the race to finish 6th in 1:04:28. It wasn’t quite as fast as he envisioned, but Mutai should be encouraged by his ability to close out the race well and is looking forward to his next race (a 10K). It was a rough day for the top Czech runners, who both said they simply did not feel well for most of the race. "It was not my day. I honestly felt quite bad for most of the race, and I was not able to run as fast as I had hoped,” said Jiri Homolac, the top male Czech in 13th place. Longtime competitor Petra Kaminkova echoed that sentiment: “I don’t think the weather was the problem. I just didn’t have a very good day, and I hope I will feel much better in Olomouc [in three weeks].” There she will face Eva Vrabcova, who is bound for Rio to represent the Czech Republic in the marathon.