Prague Half-Marathon to Use Lottery for 2027 Race Entries — image accompanying Marathon Handbook's report. Image accompanying Marathon Handbook’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Prague's 2027 half-marathon will use a lottery to select participants, ending the previous first-come, first-served system. The ballot attracted over 70,000 applications in three weeks. The draw aims to create fairer conditions for runners.
The lottery will determine who gets to run in the April 3, 2027, event. Successful applicants must pay a fee within seven days. The exact number of available spots is not disclosed, with some reserved for charity, partners, and others. Read more culture coverage.
The race has grown significantly since its inception in 1999, with the 2026 edition reaching a record 17,000 runners. The lottery system was introduced to address issues with the previous registration method, which often favored those with faster internet connections. Related: Marathons and Half-Marathons Without Lotteries Still Available.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about Prague Half-Marathon to Use Lottery for 2027 Race Entries?
Over 70,000 applicants vie for spots in the first-ever ballot for the event. Prague's 2027 half-marathon will use a lottery to select participants, ending the previous first-come, first-served system. The ballot attracted over 70,000 applications in three weeks. The draw aims to create fairer conditions for runners.
When did Runner World publish this culture brief?
Runner World published this brief on August 14, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated August 14, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
THE WEEKLY BRIEFING
Start the week a step ahead.
A concise edit of the running stories worth knowing, sent every Monday.
