Press Release - Prague International Marathon - 11/11/11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                 Marathon World Record Holder Patrick Makau 
                      Introduces RunCzech.com in Prague

The newly crowned World record holder in the marathon, Patrick Makau 
(2:03:38 in Berlin 2011), christened the new RunCzech.com race series in 
Prague today. Six races in the RUNCZECH.com series next year should help 
attract foreign runners to the Czech Republic.  The series includes 
extensive charts to allow runners to compare their performances with others 
according to age and profession. for the Hervis Prague Half Marathon, the 
Volkswagen Prague Marathon, the Mattoni Grand Prix, the Volkswagen Olomouc 
Half Marathon, the Volkswagen Usti nad Laben Half Marathon, and the Ceske 
Budejovice Half Marathon. "Support from such a star is a huge encouragement 
for us," said Carlo Capalbo, chief organizer of the RUNCZECH.com races.

Makau also took part in a unique meeting at the cross-country tracks in 
Stromovka Park.  The session started when Patrick met Dana Zátopková the  
widow of legendary Czech runner, Emil Zatopek, who completed a historic 
hat-trick of gold medals in the 5000 meters, 10,000 meters, and the 
marathon in six days at the Olympics in Helsinki almost 60 years ago. Mrs. 
Zatopkova is herself an Olympic Gold Medalist in the Javelin.  After 
jogging a short warm-up with the Czech Marathon Hopes (young Czech runners 
Agnes and Elizabeth Drahotova and Linda Vitova) who are supported by 
RUNCZECH.com Patrick was also joined by a group of Prague Marathon veterans 
for for an easy workout of jogging, stretching and strength training tips.  
"He was very nice, we talked about running", said Agnes Drahotova.  The 
Czech Marathon Hopes then received new adidas running gear from the record 
holder along with an autographed t-shirt.

The Kenyan star was visiting Prague for the first time. In the morning he 
stopped by the offices of the Prague International Marathon where he viewed 
the operations of the PIM team.  He then visited the historic Old Town and 
Charles Bridge.  in addition to sightseeing and leading Czech runners in 
training he held a press conference at the adidas Concept Store where he 
said cheerfully  "Prague is a beautiful city. I'd really like to look at it 
first then, when I finish running, admire the monuments. It depends on the 
Kenyan Athletic Federation, but if I am chosen for the Olympic Team I would 
like to attend some RUNCZECH.com events and spend a few weeks in Prague 
training.

On Thursday Makau travels to Monte Carlo to receive an award from the 
International Association of Athletic Federations - IAAF.

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