One of the greatest, most extraordinary runners and Olympic heroes of all time.
On the track, his running made him a legend; off it, his charisma and humanity made him a hero No runner has generated myth like Emil Zatopek.
He set 18 world records. He won five Olympic medals, three of them during Helsinki Olympic Games 1952. For 5,000 m, 10,000 m and the marathon. No runner managed to do it!
He redefined the boundaries of endurance, training in Army boots, in snow, in sand, in darkness. But his toughness was also matched by a strong spirit of friendship that cost him a heavy price sometimes…

Emil Zátopek helped found the Prague Marathon, being a great supporter of the race until his last days.

Thank you for everything, Emil.

“If you want to win something, run a mile. If you want to experience a new life, run a marathon.” - Emil Zátopek

Find out more about Emil Zátopek here.