The Prague Marathon (also known as Prague International Marathon (PIM) and Volkswagen Prague Marathon) is held in the city of Prague Czech Republic each May. It was founded in 1995 and has grown to became a significant marathon event, being awarded IAAF Gold Label status. According to media it is the world's most international marathon in the world with over 9 500 runners from 91 countries. Prague's marathon course is also the one of the fastest and has been voted one of the most beautiful in the world.
Since its inception in 1995, the men's race has been dominated by East African runners, with Kenyan athletes in particular winning 13 titles alone. Hélder Ornelas became the first and so far only European men's winner in 2007. The winners of the women's race have been mainly Russian and Kenyan. Elena Vinitskaya of Belarus is the most successful women's athlete however, with her three straight wins from 1996 to 1998. Eliud Kiptanui is the men's record holder with 2:05:39 hours while Lydia Cheromei has the women's course best of 2:22:34 hours.
Prague's Top Attractions
Visit the Old Town Square, with its world-famous astronomical clock. Built in 1490, it is one of the oldest in the world and provides a popular hourly show. Climb the Old Town Hall tower for magnificent views of Prague’s cobbled streets, castle, river and the magnificent Our Lady of Tyn church. The Charles Bridge is named after the countries most famous monarch and offers superb views and access to the castle side of the river. Friendly musicians and souvenir stallholders attract locals and visitors alike.
Named after the Holy Roman Emperor who emancipated the Jews, Joseph II. Josefov, or the Jewish Quarter, is the birthplace of the celebrated author Frank Kafka. It contains the remains of the historic Jewish slums and 20th century buildings, with its Old-New synagogue and the Jewish museum showcasing some of central Europe’s most important Jewish artefacts. It contains six synagogues and an old cemetery.
New Town’s most famous landmark is Wenceslas Square, filled with an enticing array of bars, shops and gathering crowds. This is also where you will find the National Theatre, U Fleku beer hall and the National Museum – whose vantage point encourages you to take in the ornate architecture that lies below. It’s also the Czech Republic’s oldest museum – showcasing everything from mineralogy and zoology to archaeology and anthropology.
Walk down the picturesque streets and enjoy its lively restaurant scene. In the evening walk through the quaint, quieter gas lamp-lit lanes. Take the funicular railway up Petrin Hill, then walk the leafy trails to Petrin Tower – a scale model of the Eiffel Tower built in 1891, providing spectacular views. Explore the maze and the Stefanik Observatory while you’re here too.
Containing the world’s largest ancient castle, this district lies to the left of the River Vltava, over the Charles Bridge. With cobbled streets and incredible views from the castle walls over Prague, this area is not to be missed. The Prague castle is over 1000 years old and has an hourly changing of the guard and regular exhibitions in the gallery. The Saint Vitus cathedral is located within the large castle walls.
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It’s my first time to visit this site & I’m really surprised to see such impressive stuff out there. mu online
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