Prachov (Czech Republic), Sunday 9 August 2015

With 57 finishers last year, the Maraton Českým rájem is a rather small running event, held in the stunningly-beautiful Český ráj (‘Bohemian Paradise’) in the Czech Republic.

There's no point in trying to set a personal marathon record in the race as the route is a bit longer than the classic marathon distance of 42.2km, and it features more than 500m of ascent (and more than 500m of descent).

Instead, participants are well advised to enjoy the scenic run on mixed terrain (mainly on asphalt) through lovely rural areas, dense forests and pretty villages.

The route passes many sights such as the Gothic Valdštejn Castle, the spectacular ruined castle of Trosky, or the bizarre ‘rock city’ of Hruboskalsko (pictured).

Country: Czech Republic

Venue (Map): Prachov (Jičín 5km, Liberec 46km, Hradec Králové 53km, Prague 92km)

Date: 9 August 2015 (Sunday)

Race distance: ca. 43km

Start: at 10.00 at the Lepařův památník (František Lepař Memorial, ca. 800m from the finish area)

Finish: Muzeum přírody Český ráj (Bohemian Paradise Nature Museum)

Race centre: Muzeum přírody Český ráj (on the day 8.00-9.30)

Entries: online or by e-mail or phone (payment in cash on the day); late entries on the day

Entry fees: 200 CZK (entries up to 7 August 2015), 300 CZK (late entries)

Exchange rate (July 2015): 100 CZK = ca. 3.70 EUR

You get: six or seven aid stations along the route

Number of finishers 2014: 57

Event website: www.mpcr.cz/ostatni/maraton

No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or thoroughness of the information on this page.