A healthy holiday with the Prague marathon

If you have already conquered the streets of London in the marathon, perhaps it is worth considering testing your steel through the gothic grandeur of Prague.

The largest annual sporting event in the Czech Republic, the Prague International Marathon on May 14th is a festival of sporting activity.

Around 6,000 runners, from professionals to amateurs, will take part in the marathon, launching from the starting pistol in the Old Town Square, before taking in Prague's unique cityscape.

If the thought of a full length marathon is a little too much for you, there is also the popular, more easy-going consideration of the eight kilometre city run, and healthy family fun can be had in the four kilometre family run.

Spectators will also be treated to the exhilarating sight of the five and 15 kilometre in-line skating races, a popular feature of the Prague event.

Entertainment is not restricted to Prague's streets either, as the event prides itself on its carnival atmosphere. Runners and spectators will participate and watch the races to the sound of the live music festival.

All kinds of music will be on offer, including the samba sounds from a Latin American carnival procession.

The day before the marathon itself, there will be a pasta party, where athletes and tourists can build up their energy with plenty of free, locally-cooked food, and sample some quality Czech beer – though perhaps not too much if you are running. XXX