Prague Half – more than just the time on the clock

To the quickies among us, you’d probably turn your nose up at a 1:36. But this one wasn’t about chasing seconds. It was about the journey, the experience, and reminding myself why events like this stay with you long after the Garmin’s been uploaded.

Some years ago, after watching John Philpott and a group of Harriers head off to run an overseas race, a few of us were inspired to do the same. That spark led to entering the Lisbon Half. COVID put paid to it initially, but a few years later I finally got my chance – running Lisbon on my 50th birthday.

It was unseasonably hot. The fire brigade were out spraying runners to keep us going. I had an awful run and finished somewhere around 1:41. Not exactly one for the scrapbook… or so I thought. Because what Lisbon did give me, alongside a brilliant city break, was my introduction to the SuperHalfs.

For anyone unfamiliar, the SuperHalfs are a series of six European half marathons – Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Valencia. Complete all six and you earn the SuperMedal. At the time it felt like a nice idea rather than a firm goal.

Fast forward to 2022 and stamp number two came at the Cardiff Half. I was deep into training for the Lakeland 50 that year and without forcing anything, had the best running year of my life. I went into Cardiff feeling strong and confident and came away with a PB of 1:28:58. It felt effortless in the best possible way.

Then life happened. Work, family, studying – all the usual juggle. The SuperHalfs slipped quietly into the background (along with everything else), and it was a genuine surprise when an invite landed for my third of the six: the Prague Half.

The experience

Learning from past large participation events, I was at the expo as soon as it opened at 10am on the Friday. Registration was slick and stress-free. What stood out was the level of choice: pick-your-own rucksack colour, headband options, and even different t-shirt colours. It all felt premium and thoughtfully done – though, as I later read, that same choice caused some hefty queues later in the day.

This race was always about the experience. Prague really doesn’t disappoint. Charles Bridge at sunrise, the Castle looming above the city, the Astronomical Clock, great coffee and even better food. Race-eve nutrition came courtesy of what may well be the best Detroit-style pizza I’ve had. Job done.

Race day

Fitness-wise, I’m not quite where I’d like to be right now. The miles are going in, but largely to support family and friends training for ultras. And with Lisbon still fresh in the memory, this needed to be a sensible, ego-free run.

The plan was simple: start steady, settle into roughly 7:20 pace, and run the race I had on the day, not the one I fancied. The morning couldn’t have been better – bright sunshine, 3-4 degree temperature, music pumping, 17,000 runners buzzing with energy. Pen B turned into a warm-up track of its own, everyone jogging in circles, chatting and soaking it in. It reminded me a lot of Chicago – that same sense of shared excitement.

I stuck to the plan. The course weaved through stunning parts of the city: running alongside the Vltava River, under historic bridges, past grand buildings and cheering crowds that didn’t let up. If there was one downside, it was the cobbles – especially in the final couple of miles where they felt relentless.

Still, I held form, kept on pace and closed strongly – the final stretch coming in at 6:48. I crossed the line in 1:36:21.

And honestly? I couldn’t be happier.

A time is just a number. What mattered more was that I ran within myself, executed the plan, and came away feeling proud. For that reason alone, Prague will go down as one of my most memorable races.

Afterwards (because this matters too)

We made the most of the rest of our time in Prague. As tradition demands, post-race steak was non-negotiable – a shared platter featuring seven cuts, from rump through to fillet. Perfect.

While the SuperHalfs haven’t been a major focus, with World Marathon Major places becoming increasingly hard to secure (hello New York and Tokyo…), the half marathon distance feels refreshingly accessible. So the seed has been planted again.

As of this morning, I’ve entered the ballot for the Berlin Half.

Three down – three to go.

If nothing else, Prague was a reminder that not every run needs to be a PB – sometimes it just needs to be memorable.. and their slogan  which I happen to agree with.. All Runners Are Beautiful

Thanks,

Matthew