Wilson Kipketer as one of the Emil Zátopek Golden Marathon’s Ambassadors

“Ostrava has a great reputation in the world of sport and inspires confidence both in terms of athletics and organizing skills. And the name Emil Zátopek resonates in the world community of runners possibly even more than in the Czech republic. These are all assets that help us attract very good runners. Because those do not choose based on money but based on the overall conditions of the race. And we believe we can offer them in such quality that both casual and professional athletes will keep coming back to us. One compact track with a good composition is especially charming.” explains Alfonz Juck, the event’s manager and the manager of the Golden Spike. “I think it was one of the reasons why stars like Wilson Kipketer and Agnes Ngetich accepted the roles of ambassadors and will be present.”

Czech ambassadors will be another marathon legends – Alena Peterková and Karel David. Both are former Czech representatives, Olympians, and national record holders – Alena Peterková until 2018 and Karel David until now. Alena Peterková, born in Ostrava, holder of the Czech 10 000 metres record, represented the Czech republic at the 1994 Summer Olympics in Barcelona where she was the first Czech female runner to finish marathon under 150 minutes. In 1994, in Boston, she ran the marathon in a time of 2:25:19 and placed 4th among women. Karel David, born in Nový Jičín, represented the Czech republic at the Soul Olympics and the Barcelona Olympics. He still holds the record with the fastest time of 2:17:57 set in 1993. Wilson Kipketer, born in Kenya, but competing for Denmark, became the European Athlete of the Year and the World Athlete of the Year in 1997. He is a three-time world champion, silver medallist at the Sydney Olympics, bronze medallist at the Athens Olympics, European indoor champion, and European champion. Agnes Ngetich from Kenya is the first woman in the world to run 10 000 metres under 29 minutes (Valencie, January 2024.)