Kwizera set to attack European 10km record in Prague

One of the world’s fastest and most popular road races returns to the illuminated streets of central Prague on Saturday, September 5, 2026. The Birell Prague 10K Night Race will feature the adidas Women’s 5km Run and the headline Birell 10km Night Race, with both events completely sold out. More than 13,000 runners representing 98 nationalities are expected to participate—a record turnout for the event—while a world-class elite field targets fast times on the streets of the Czech capital.

The Birell Grand Prix Prague continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Central Europe’s leading mass-participation sporting events. More than 9,000 runners will contest the 10km, representing a 30% increase from last year, while another 4,000 women will take part in the 5km. The event also makes a significant economic contribution to Prague and the Czech Republic, generating an estimated CZK 161.5 million in 2025.

The 29th edition of the Birell 10km Night Race will begin at 7:30 p.m. outside the Municipal House on Náměstí Republiky in central Prague. The fast and flat course passes through Karlín, crosses the Vltava River twice and offers impressive views of Prague Castle.

The route has been slightly modified from the 2025 edition. The hairpin turn on Nábřeží Kapitána Jaroše toward Holešovice has been removed, while the section along Nábřeží Edvarda Beneše toward Malostranská has been extended.

Kwizera targets European record on Spanish debut

Rodrigue Kwizera headlines the men’s elite field and will represent Spain for the first time since acquiring Spanish citizenship. The Burundi-born distance runner arrives in Prague with a clear objective: breaking the European 10km record of 26:43 held by France’s Yann Schrub.

Kwizera has already enjoyed success in the Czech capital this year, winning the 2026 Generali Prague Half Marathon in a course-record 58:16. His official 10km personal best stands at 26:54, set last year, although he covered the distance in 26:01 in Madrid on a course that did not meet record-eligibility requirements.

He will face strong opposition from Kenya’s Isaac Kibet Ndiema, who owns a personal best of 26:55, and Victor Kipruto Kiprono, who has clocked 27:10. Uruguay’s Santiago Catrofe, a 27:16 performer, will also be among the leading contenders, while French debutant Romain Legendre could emerge as the race’s dark horse.

The international field also features four accomplished Japanese distance runners. Tomoya Ogikubo has produced strong performances over distances ranging from 5km to the half marathon, while compatriot Shunya Kikuchi is best known as a marathon specialist.

Maki Izumida brings considerable experience over 5,000m and 10,000m to the women’s race. She will be joined by the highly regarded Koharu Chugo, one of Japan’s most promising young distance-running talents.

Ndiwa leads high-quality women’s field

Kenya’s Clare Chemtai Ndiwa will start as the leading contender in the women’s race after recording a 10km personal best of 29:49. Ethiopia’s Chaltu Dida Diriba is expected to provide a major challenge, having run just one second slower with a best of 29:50.

Kenya’s Miriam Chebet adds further strength to the field, while Germany will be represented by European stars Konstanze Klosterhalfen and Alina Reh. Austrian record-holder Carina Reicht is another athlete capable of challenging near the front.

The leading Czech contenders include Damián Vích, who set a Czech race record of 28:46 in 2025, Patrik Vebr and new RunCzech Racing team member Bára Stýblová. Tereza Hrochová will begin as the clear favourite among the Czech women.

Men's Elite Field

Women's Elite Field

• Watch Birell Prague 10K Night Race

Article Source: Run Czech