This Sunday, the city of Prague prepares for one of the biggest running events of the year – the Prague International Marathon 2024. The marathon will attract more than eight thousand runners, turning the city into a sports hub. However, this sports festivity will also significantly impact vehicles and public transportation within the city.
The marathon will kick off at 9 am from the Old Town Square, with a 42.195-kilometer route awaiting the runners. The course will predominantly cover areas around the Vltava within Prague 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8. The race is expected to conclude at 4 pm, again at the Old Town Square. The police and city officers will manage the transportation during the race. From 8 am to 4 pm, streets and intersections along the race course will gradually be closed and opened.
In addition to the marathon timings, regular traffic rules will apply, except for Pařížská, Old Town Square, and Wenceslas Square. A complete overview of the traffic restrictions is available online. A parking ban will also be enforced along the entire race course on Saturday and Sunday. Vehicles not complying with this ban will be towed away.
Furthermore, the marathon will also affect the routes of several public transportation lines from the early morning hours on Sunday. Almost all tram lines and several bus lines will see changes in their usual routes. The public transport company recommends using the metro lines, which will potentially be bolstered for capacity.
In conclusion, while the Prague International Marathon 2024 promises to be a grand sports celebration, residents and visitors in the city should be prepared for significant transportation disruptions. The public is encouraged to support the runners while adhering to the traffic and transportation changes to ensure a successful event.