Come give your body a workout!
Czechia lives for sport and is a haven for anyone who loves active leisure. From horse races, through marathons to prestigious athletic events and world cups, sporting opportunities abound for amateurs and professionals alike – all in beautiful historic and natural settings.
Horse race with the world’s hardest jump
Czechia has a long tradition of horse racing. The highlight of the horse lovers’ year is the Grand Pardubice Steeplechase, the oldest horse race in continental Europe, attracting riders from all over the world. In addition to the Taxis Ditch, one of the world’s hardest jumps, the horses must overcome 31 obstacles. This prestigious event in Pardubice, home to delicious gingerbread, is an easy drive or train ride away from Prague.
For water lovers
Watersports enthusiasts flock to one of the biggest sporting events in the south of Czechia, around the romantic town of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Get ready for the Krumlov River Marathon, the perfect opportunity to sail through all Krumlov’s famous weirs. Further north, the Canoe Slalom World Cup is held in Prague.
A night run through Prague
Athletics are big in Czechia. The Ostrava Golden Spike is one of the oldest athletic meets in Europe. Spring attracts marathon runners who take part in the Prague International Marathon. Avid trail runners will be in their element during the Run through the Forests series, which goes around Karlštejn Castle and through the Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape. Hardier athletes can give themselves a real workout during the Seven Beskydy Peaks. Another treat for runners is the Urban Challenge Prague Night.
Bikes of all kinds
One less conventional sport is motorcycle speedway racing. The top cities for this are Prague, Pardubice and Plzeň. The Czechs are some of the best in the world at cycle-ball, a sport similar to indoor soccer , only the players ride bikes. You can watch the races in cities such as Prague, Olomouc, Plzeň and Brno. If you like fast bikes, you’re sure to love the Barum Czech Rally Zlín and the European Truck Racing Championship.
Biathlon and dog sledding
Winter sees the Biathlon World Cup in Nové Město na Moravě, which takes place in early March. Another winter hit is the Jizerská 50, the legendary cross-country ski race. Don’t forget the Šediváček’s Long, one of the toughest dog sled races in Europe.
And finally, a bit of fun…
For those who want to relax and have a laugh, Czechia has the Neckyads – a crazy raft race with all kinds of different craft (such as in Písek on the Otava River). The Tractoriada in Horní Plana is just as wacky, held at Lipno, Czechia’s largest reservoir. The Silly Walk marches, inspired by Monty Python, are also a real blast.
Come and have some fun in Czechia!
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Veka Pardubicka Great Pardubice Steeplechase
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Český Krumlov water marathon
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Prague International Marathon
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Barum Rally Zlin
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ČEZ Jizerská 50
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Šediváčkův long, Orlické mountains
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