International Students Take up the Challenge of Volkswagen Prague Marathon ****************************************************************************************** * International Students Take up the Challenge of Volkswagen Prague Marathon ****************************************************************************************** Everyone who enjoys sport or be physically active admits that a big part of it is the chal marathons have always been considered a top target amongst sportsmen and women. Whether yo old, experienced or totally new, the challenge of training for and completing a marathon b everyone who embraces the joy of running and of achievement. This year, at the Prague Mara clear in the self-motivation, determination and cheerful smiles of all its participants at line. And, amongst these thousands of people, 10 exchange students of Charles University i over the world decided to show what they are capable of and be a part of the Volkswagen Ma 2014, which was celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The first 20km were okay. I had a good pace and breath it went worse. I was really tired and after finished, I felt so relieved.

Joao
From the early morning hours, Old Town Square was crowded and preparations were in full sw supplies of energy drinks, nutritious food and setting up various health related stalls an Everywhere you looked, there were runners warming up with their supportive friends or fami the event had something for everyone including a full marathon, a relay, team competitions marathon and even a dog walking race – the only thing required was some energy and encoura Four enthusiasts from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports – Spanish students Osca Alberto Cuadrado, French Morgan Zugasti and Canadian Colin Davey – did us proud by trainin and taking up the relay marathon, which entailed teams of 4; 3 of which were running 10 km last finishing off the final 12.195 km. When I asked the students what were their motivati said: to be a part of it and to try something new and ambitious during their Erasmus stay something to remember”, commented Alberto. Each of them have their sporting interests in different fields including rugby, football a Previously, their only experience of relay races were at school and some of them hadn’t ev km distance before! Nevertheless, they had their fitness behind them from their regular sp and time as Physical Education students, and the opportunity to participate seemed to exci more than achieving a world record breaking finish. “I just want to take some pleasure in lot people and to benefit from this beautiful city that is Prague”, said Morgan. Still, th team appeared more than happy with their 10th best finishing time of 03:15:33, completing relay in 43-54 minutes, by vocally encouraging each other along the way and keeping up a f throughout.

I was actually quite tired after the run; however, I d an excuse because everyone around me had just completed a full marathon… which was much lo km I completed!

Colin
Another amazing international team of Charles University consisted of six friends from six European countries, all hosted by the First Faculty of Medicine – Florian Wartenberg (Germ Popadic (Austria), Louise Lenoble (France), Joao Carvalho (Portugal), Francesco Antolini ( Boschung (Switzerland), who all decided to take on the whole 42.195 km distance and have b preparing since the early spring, training 2-3 times per week. Florian and Kyril held the in the group from their previous marathons, but the rest of the team were sure used to end – Branko plays basketball, Francesco enjoys swimming and water polo, Joao is keen of skiin already had a half marathon under her belt. For them, the marathon was an irresistible opp Erasmus for furthering their personal endeavours and creating unforgettable memories. Unfo the team didn’t quite finish as it started, as Branko had an injury during his training an to participate. But this still didn’t stop him from turning up and cheering on his friends later had to stop due to an injury she had not recovered from, so the remaining four pione the rest of the crowd, taking 15 minutes to depart from the starting line due to the volum They finished to the sound of applause, overwhelmed from their accomplishment of 03:47:43, predicting a finish in 4-5 hours. Happy with their result, they said they can’t wait to do With high emotions, a sensational atmosphere, and cheers all around from friends and famil been truly inspirational. It was a pleasure to see such passionate people running for both success. Congratulations to both international teams and good luck with your future sporti you’ve convinced me to get my running shoes on now! By: Edvinas Vensas is a 3rd year BA student in Physical Education from Lithuania currently journalistic skills. Proofreading: Poppy Gerrard-Abbott is an Erasmus student studying BA Humanities at the Fac learn more about Czech culture and life in Prague through attending local events and resea Poppy saw the iForum as an exciting opportunity to pursue her interests in politics, cultu such placements to future students.