This first RunCzech event of 2020 organized in the Czech Republic, the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon was scheduled for Saturday, 28 March. The expected participation was 11,500 runners plus thousands of volunteers and fans. After long internal debates, it was decided to postpone the race to another date later this year. The new date will be announced as soon as possible on the official website www.runczech.com and other RunCzech channels.

“Due to recent circumstances around the world and in the Czech Republic, to limit the spreading is the appropriate effort taken. Health is always the priority. I thank to my colleagues, volunteers and everyone involved in the race preparation for their enthusiasm. Mainly enormous thanks go to all the runners. I wish we can meet soon” said RunCzech race director Václav Skřivánek. The organizers have been preparing the race since last year’s June, when the registrations opened.

Runners that are registered for the race do not have to report anywhere or confirm their participation in the postponed race – all start numbers together with the additional services like T-shirt or medal engraving will be automatically transferred to the new date.

The next RunCzech race – Volkswagen Prague Marathon – remains as it was scheduled for May 3. RunCzech will provide updates latest on 31 March.

The new date of the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2020 will be announced on www.runczech.com, on social media and all registered runners will be notified by e-mail.

This week it was also announced that one of the biggest half marathon races in the World, Lisbon Half, has also been postponed.

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The post 22nd Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon postponed appeared first on Fast Running.

After the race, Jepkosgei sat down and shared her thoughts on her amazing achievements.

The post Joyciline Jepkosgei shares her thoughts after setting four world records appeared first on Fast Running.

Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya has set four world records including a new world half marathon record at the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon on April 1.

Early in the race, it was clear that something special was about to happen when Jepkosgei set a world record time at the 10km mark. The previous 10km world record, set by Britain’s Paula Radcliffe had stood since 2003.

Jepkosgei did not slow down and set further world record times at 15km and 20km. The Kenyan athlete’s split times were 30:05 at 10km, 45:37 at 15km and 1:01:25 at 20km.

The defending champion Violah Jepchumba was close by though and stuck with Jepkosgei until 18km into the race.

In a stellar performance, Jepkosgei crossed the finish line in 1:04:52, breaking the previous world record by 14 seconds, set by compatriot Peres Jepchirchir.

The women’s final places were: 1st place – Jepkosgei: 64:52, 2nd place Jepchumba: 65:22 and 3rd place Chemutai: 66:58.

Also a worthy mention was the performance of USA’s Jordan Hasay. In only her second half marathon she finished in sixth place with a time of 67:55. A new personal best for the US athlete and the third fastest ever time by an American female – previously belonging to Kara Goucher.

Wow, what a run by @JordanHasay in 67:55! Moves in front of Kara Goucher for US#3 all-time. Only behind Kastor (67:34) & Huddle (67:41) pic.twitter.com/JoSzebwpG9

— Ryan Fenton (@ryanmfenton) April 1, 2017

In the men’s race, Olympic 10,000m bronze medallist Tamirat Tola won in a time of 59:37.

The Ethiopian finished ahead of Kenya’s Josphat Tanui (60:38) and third to cross the line was Geoffrey Yegon in 60:41.

Continuing his build up to the Boston Marathon next month USA’s Galen Rupp crossed the line in 61:59 to finish in 11th place.

Rupp will have to go again as he aims to better his personal best time of 61:29.

The post Joyciline Jepkosgei breaks four world records at Prague Half Marathon appeared first on Fast Running.