Emil Zátopek Golden Marathon Returns to Ostrava for Second Edition—Internationally Certified Course Poised for New Records

The second edition of the Emil Zátopek Golden Marathon, named after the Czech Olympic legend of the century, will take place in Ostrava once again. The race will be held on a single loop course that is even faster than last year’s, with elevation reduced by another nine meters. The event will also host the 13th edition of the Czech Women’s Run Ostrava, which has attracted more than 15,000 participants since its inception. On Saturday, October 25, the Městský Stadion in Ostrava-Vítkovice will host a total of nine races, ranging from children and family runs to beginner women’s events and elite marathon competition. Team relays will also feature. The start and finish lines will be on the stadium oval, a world-class venue regularly graced by the world’s top athletes. Alongside the races, a full day of sport-related activities is planned, including workshops, concerts, and children’s entertainment. Organizer SSK Vítkovice builds on the legacy of the renowned Golden Spike meeting, which has been held 64 times in Ostrava.

“Emil Zátopek Golden Marathon is not just for professional runners but also warmly welcomes amateurs and anyone eager to experience the thrill of a major race — even for first-timers. We offer a broad range of distances, from 2.5 kilometers up to the full marathon, so everyone can find a race that suits their level and enjoy the day free of pressure. We provide a professional set-up along the entire route for all participants,” said Executive Director Šárka Mokrá.

The inaugural race showcased the potential of the course’s fast, favorable profile. Kenyan star Kennedy Ronoh delivered a stellar performance, winning in 2:10:05. The fastest Czech runner was Lukáš Kučera, finishing in 2:31:10. Among women, Kenyan Pascaline Jelagat took the crown with a time of 2:32:28, while Czech runner Barbora Macurová impressed with a 2:46:02 finish. The improved marathon course has now been added to the World Athletics international calendar, with ambitions to achieve a higher category in the future.

“Our goal for the second edition is clear — to push the performance limits. For men, we want to break 2:10; for women, under 2:30. Kennedy Rono came within five seconds of this target last year, so he’ll be back to claim it. He will be joined by other African talents, including Godfrey Musamba, who will make his marathon debut here in Ostrava. We are also excited to welcome ambassadors ranging from Colin Jackson to Nikola Ogrodníková. We are doing everything possible to establish the Emil Zátopek Golden Marathon as a key autumn marathon in the Czech running calendar,” said Alfonz Juck, event sports manager and organizer of Golden Spike Ostrava.

In the women’s field, the sub-2:30 challenge will be led by Ethiopian duo Hirut Atsbeho and Workye Takele, both arriving in strong form from their recent domestic races and preparing for their first European marathon. Home favorites include Petra Pastorová of the Petra Pastorová Running School, who continues to deliver impressive results at 48 years old. This year, she has already completed seven marathons with top times of 2:43:24 in Rome, 2:40:52 in Krakow, and 2:42:45 in Prague. Her personal best is 2:36:44.

This year’s event will also mark the debut of British two-time world champion and former 110m hurdles world record holder Colin Jackson, a passionate ambassador for athletics. New ambassadors include Paris Olympic bronze medallist javelin thrower Nikola Ogrodníková and Czech middle- distance star Jakub Holuša, a local athlete and multiple national medalist. Sprinter Pavel Maslák, world indoor champion and European champion over 200m and 400m, also hails from the region and is involved. Long-standing ambassadors Alena Peterková and Karel David, Czech marathon record holders, remain prominent figures. Meanwhile, current Czech record-holder Moira Stewartová, preparing for the World Championships in Tokyo, is connected to the event from afar.

“Ostrava is not only a city of football and hockey but also of many other sports — athletics with the Golden Spike and Emil Zátopek Golden Marathon definitely among them. Both nationally and internationally, we are known as a city of sport. Unlike passive spectating, the October marathon and the 13th Czech Women’s Run offer residents of Ostrava, the region, and beyond a chance to race, engage actively with our top sporting and transport infrastructure — investments that the city and region make proudly — and enjoy them just like elite athletes. At the same time, we jointly honour our city’s sporting traditions and the legacy of Emil Zátopek, an inspiration for generations,” said Ostrava Mayor Jan Dohnal.

The event is supported organizationally and financially not only by the city of Ostrava but also by the Moravian-Silesian Region. Jan Veřmiřovský, Deputy Governor for Education and Sport, highlighted the event’s regional significance: “The Emil Zátopek Golden Marathon aims to become a major sporting event not just for Ostrava but for the whole Moravian-Silesian region. I appreciate how it connects elite athletics with opportunities for active participation from amateurs to professional runners. Such events encourage athletes from abroad to visit our region, while also motivating local residents to stay active and healthy. The combination of top-level sport and amateur runners is key to strengthening our region’s sporting tradition and overall appeal.”

The race benefits from an experienced organizational team behind the Golden Spike and several major European and global athletics events. The course is fast and well-supported with outstanding facilities for runners, their entourages, and spectators both in the stadium and along the route. In addition to an extensive accompanying programme including an expo and quality refreshment options, top-level medical and safety services, physiotherapists, massage therapists, and more will be provided.

Entry fees start at 850 CZK depending on distance, with registration open until September 30. Each participant receives an original Macron technical race shirt and a finisher’s medal. Family runs and accompanying activities are free. Registration and full information are available via the official channels.

Hundreds of women will also take to the start line at the unique women-only event of the Czech Women’s Run, now in its 13th year. Originally founded in Ostrava with a strong tradition, it will again form part of the running super day alongside the Emil Zátopek Golden Marathon. Following last year’s successful move to autumn, the start and finish will be in the professional environment of the Městský Stadion rather than city center. The race welcomes girls and women of all ages, from granddaughters to grandmothers, with a stylish race shirt and full professional support.

Back to Articles