Lemi Berhanu Hayle and Bertukan Welde Sura win the 30th ORLEN Prague Marathon

The 30th anniversary edition of the ORLEN Prague Marathon saw Ethiopian athletes dominate both elite categories.

Defending his title, last year’s winner Lemi Berhanu Hayle once again triumphed in the race that started and finished at Prague's Old Town Square. In the women’s race, his compatriot Bertukan Welde Sura claimed the overall victory.

Conditions were favourable for running on Sunday (May 4), with temperatures around 15C, although runners faced strong headwinds in certain sections of the course.

Lemi Berhanu Hayle broke away from his leading group about two-thirds into the race and crossed the finish in 2:05:14, the second-fastest time in Prague Marathon history — just five seconds shy of the course record.

“I’m very happy to win here for the second time. The wind was a bit of a challenge in some areas, but I tried to keep an optimal course,” said Hayle.

Felix Kipkoech of Kenya came second and Japan’s Tetsuya Yoroizaka placed third. The bronze medallist in the Asian Championships in 3000m and 10,000m managed to finish a full marathon in under 2:10 for the fourth time in his career.

The turning point in the women’s race came just ahead of the 30km mark, with a crucial breakaway. Bertukan Welde Sura, who ran much of the course alongside some of the top Czech male runners, won with 2:20:55, improving her personal best by 59 seconds. Second and third place went to Kenyan stars: Evaline Chirchir was second, followed by Pascalia Chepkogei in third.

The ORLEN Prague Marathon also hosted the Czech National Marathon Championship. Yann Havlena, 24, claimed his first national title in 2:21:12, narrowly edging out Vít Pavlišta, who earned his 38th national medal.

In the women’s race, two-time Olympian Tereza Hrochová dominated and win her first national championship marathon title in 2:34:04, finishing over eight minutes ahead of the field and placing seventh overall. Petra Pastorová secured silver, while Eva Filipiová took bronze.