Running News Daily

RunCzech keeps spreading health. This time at Mattoni Liberec Nature Run

Sunday, the 4th of October, was the last day before the start of the new stricter measures adopted by the Czech Government against the coronavirus, which is about to limit the organization of mass participation events in the near future.

Fortunately for RunCzech, it was a last minute occasion to deliver 23km and 12km Mattoni Liberec Nature Run. Accompanied by a 2,5km dm Family Run, as usual.

2067 runners in total enjoyed a sunny day in the beautiful city of Liberec in the north of the country. Soon after the start on the main square, the runners found themselves in a natural park, running up to a steep first half of the race, and rushing back to a downhill finish. 

The event was organized according to the actual health regulations. On top, the organizers implemented additional preventive actions for extra comfort and security for the runners. Participants had their masks on just before the start and immediately after the finish.

Everyone’s body temperature was checked. Corridors were limited to 50 people at a time. Disinfection stations were placed everywhere around. And some of the services such as massages or showers were abandoned in order to preserve social distancing. 

"It’s pleasing to see how runners quickly adapted to this new reality and they are careful and disciplined to follow our advices. The same way, we are very satisfied with everyone that took part in the organization of this event. The city, the region, and many others. It’s far from easy to stage a race for thousands in this period. There are many uncertainties and few last minute decisions.

Nevertheless, it is important to show capacity and willingness and demonstrate that sport events are spreading health and positive messages”, says Igor Murko, the project manager.Sportswise, the race was dominated by some of the finest Czech athletes.

Vit Pavlišta won the 23km race in a time of 1:23:47 and Zuzana Kocumová was the fastest woman with 1:43:47. The shorter 12km distance was fastest conquered by Jáchym KováÅ™ in a new course record time of 0:43:23.

Tereza Hrochová won the women’s category, same as the year before, in 0:48:47.“If all went according to our schedule for this Autumn, I would’ve been inviting you to Olomouc, Karlovy Vary, and Ceske Budejovice now.

Events that were supposed to take place in the next few weeks. Unfortunately, hereby I have to conclude our RunCzech season 2020 with hopes and with promise that we will come back soon with an interesting program for the next season. It’s our job.

"It’s our civic duty to try to spread health, to spread joy”, concludes Igor Murko.