Prague International Marathon To Open “Running Mall”

Committed runners or anyone who seeks a new fitness challenge will appreciate the next big thing on the local runner’s circuit: Prague International Marathon’s Running Mall. The three-level running center, located in leafy Letná, itself a runner’s paradise, is among the first of its kind worldwide and positions the Czech capital one step farther in its quest to become a major European marathon destination.

Zdenka Pecková, a member of the PIM’s public relations staff, recently gave us a tour of the newly opened Running Mall facility, which now serves as the organization’s refurbished headquarters. While such centers do exist elsewhere for professional runners, Pecková says that everyone from running newbies to regular marathoners are welcome here. “PIM’s goal clientele is every sport lover; really just anyone who wants to live an active lifestyle and share his or her experiences with like-minded people.”

To that end, the ground floor of the Running Mall features a Water Bar, where runners can sip, socialize, and compare notes. The modern changing rooms and showers also make it easy for members to arrive straight from work and safely store their belongings before heading out individually or in groups for a run in the neighboring parks. An adjacent conference room provides a space for workshops and seminars on all topics running-related.

Guests will have the chance to try out all the latest running technologies, fitness fashions, and, of course, lace-up the perfect pair of shoes at the Running Mall’s exclusive Adidas store. While the center is meant to be a launch pad for group or solo runs in Stromovka or Letenské sady, the Sports Lounge incorporates treadmills and training equipment for rainy days.

Pecková credits Italian entrepreneur and Volkswagen Prague Marathon founder Carlo Capalbo with the surge in running enthusiasm in the Czech Republic over the past years; 9,500 runners participated in the Volkswagon Prague Marathon this past May (half the participants came from abroad to run and enjoy Prague, half were Czech locals), while the Hervis Prague Half-Marathon in April attracted 12,500 runners. His vision inspired the Running Mall, an exceptional place that brings runners together to coach them, offer new challenges, and help them hit their goals. In-house PIM running expert and coach Michal Vítů will be on hand at the Running Mall to train anyone who wants to give it a go. PIM-devised target challenges are intended to further motivate guests.

Membership fees will be at their best prices during the opening in September. Monthly memberships will be offered as well as daily ones for those coming from out of town or who just want to get their feet wet before diving in.

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