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Prague International Marathon one of the top ten world marathons

The main criterion for being selected as one of the ?jewel marathons?, as the authors choose to call them, is their popularity. And the popularity of the Prague International Marathon (PIM) www.pim.cz, www.praguemarathon.com, which is scheduled this year for May 22nd 2005, has been growing steadily. The PIM organizers are expecting a record number of contestants this time around. Both athletes and spectators alike are attracted to the Prague event because of its atmosphere which is a unique cocktail of sport, music, enthusiasm and a historic setting.

This year, contestants may look forward to a number of new touches that the PIM organizers have prepared for them. For example, the route of the race has undergone an interesting change. The runners no longer spend the majority of the race on roads outside of Prague, but the larger part of the race is now in the city centre, with the start of the race on Old Town Square. The change of the course will be a completely new experience for the contestants, who can now enjoy running through the unique scenery of Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in the world ? cheered on by thousands of fans and well-wishers. Another pleasant touch is the fact that the first 1 000 entrants to sign up for the half-marathon or marathon this year will be registered for free. Each registered contestant will also get a starting number for one of the non-competitive runs.

In addition to all this, the entire run will be accompanied by the music of an open-air music festival, which will be heard at virtually every corner. The Marathon Music Festival (21. ? 22. 5.) has already become a traditional event, inseparable from the marathon itself. The race is also accompanied by a number of other cultural and social events. These include for instance the carnival (21. 5.), featuring samba dancers whose exotic rhythms are guaranteed to make every visitor want to dance. Another event is the popular Pasta Party (21. 5.) with its free tastings of pasta specialties, washed down by delicious Czech beer. The Marathon Party which begins right after the race (22. 5.) and continues until the wee hours of the morning will be flavoured with Brazilian samba this year. Another attraction is the planned attempt to break the world massage record ? which will involve 150 masseurs. The programme also includes a number of non-competitive races which are not designed for the marathon participants themselves but rather for families with children and generally people who only run for fun and relaxation after their hard working days have finished.

All the competitions, organized by the Prague International Marathon will be accompanied by the traditional Marathon EXPO (15. 5. ? 22. 5.). This serves as a central registration point for all contestants and also provides high-quality display panels, where the partners of the Prague International Marathon may sell and promote their products.

For more information please contact:
Michal Křeček, Prague International Marathon
e-mail: michal@pim.cz,
www.pim.cz, www.praguemarathon.com

Czech Tourist Authority ? CzechTourism, PR Dept
Veronika Procházková
e-mail: prochazkova@czechtourism.cz
www.CzechTourism.com

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