Adidas ‘Runbase’ project opens this week in Prague’s Karlín district – Expats.cz

Non-competitive distance running has steadily gained popularity in the Czech Republic in recent decades. The capital and numerous other Czech cities now host a number of marathons and half marathons annually, due largely in part to the RunCzech initiative, currently headquartered in Holešovice.

This month, another Prague district will get a running center of its own. Adidas Runbase is due to launch in Karlín on September 26th. The concept, somewhat of a branded locker room where runners can convene before going the distance, has taken off in 64 other cities around the world including New York, Berlin, Los Angeles, and Tokyo.

“With Runbase Prague, a whole new era of Adidas runners begins in the Czech Republic,” says Adél Blahovcová, captain of Adidas Runners Prague.

“Now we have many more options that will be interesting not only for runners but for all lovers of the active lifestyle,” she says. “It is not just an ordinary gym, but above all the background for our community…This is as important to us as running itself.”

The new premises covering almost 540 m2 at Pobřežní 78 will include an area for strength training and yoga, exercise equipment, dressing rooms with showers, and a chill zone. Organizers say the Prague location will be unique in that it’ll provide all of its services for free.

Design-wise, the Prague location is also a stand-out in Europe. “It is the most original. It was created in a completely new space, which was adapted specifically for Runbase. It is also in a great location and has the largest indoor space in Europe,” says Blahovcová.

The opening ceremony will take place at 18:30 on Thursday. Visitors to opening weekend September 27th-28th will be able to try the workouts that will normally be scheduled during the week: regular running and strength training sessions led by professional coaches, yoga classes, and nutrition workshops.

The only requirement for using Runbase Prague is membership in the Adidas Runners Prague group and registration for training through the free Runtastic application. For more details see the Facebook page for the event.

The Running Mall in Holešovice (another branded running center sponsored by marathon-organizer RunCzech) also hosts regular running outings, including a Thursday Mattoni FreeRun in Letná Park as well as public yoga and plogging sessions. For details see their calendar. To go it on your own, Prague’s best running routes can be found at www.mapmyrun.com.