RACE COURSE INFO 💙

Dear runners,

 The race is just around the corner! So it’s time not only to tune into the right Vltava Run mood, but also to go over a few logistical rules so we can all enjoy the race atmosphere to the fullest – and avoid issues on the way to the handoff points. Plus, we’ll give you a sneak peek at what to look forward to along the course. Let’s go!

CARS ON THE COURSE

Each team has registered a set number of team vehicles – and that number must be respected. All vehicles must be clearly marked with the assigned parking permits for the entire duration of the race.

Each permit must visibly display the driver’s phone number – this is really important. In case a vehicle is blocking access or there’s a need to reach you, we can’t do that without a contact number.

Please remember that minibuses, buses, and RVs are not allowed in the race. But as the saying goes – every rule has its exceptions:

  • The Leontinka Foundation bus, joining us for the 10th year! You can read more about their journey HERE.

  • The caravan of our production manager Míša, who – thanks to Karavany Česko – can follow the race day and night from the course and ensure everything runs smoothly on the ground.

The organizing team vehicles will be easily recognizable as DACIA cars with Vltava Run markings. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

VEHICLE TIMING & PARKING

Vehicles must not arrive at the handoff point earlier than 20 minutes before the expected arrival of your runner – this applies even to the major exchange zones.
At the finish line, please park only in designated parking areas – you’ll find your assigned spot marked on the back of your parking permit.

Please follow the recommended vehicle transfer routes between exchanges as outlined in the race guide. When you scan the QR code, the route will open in Mapy.cz.
Even if it’s not the shortest route and your GPS suggests a different one, trust us – it’s the best option. 😊

WHAT'S NEW ON THE TRACK THIS YEAR

We’ve made a few route changes for 2025 – nothing major, but good to know:

  • Leg 4 – Kubova Huť: We’re returning to the 2023 route

  • Leg 16 – Plešovice: Back on the red trail before Boršov; all good, no need for a detour

  • Leg 17/18 – New handoff in České Budějovice: Kaufland location

  • Leg 18/19 – New handoff in Hluboká nad Vltavou: Sport & Relax area
    (If parking at the venue is full, use the roadside parking – marked in the guide. Do not park at the golf lot!)

  • Leg 28 – Solenice: We’re returning to the 2023 route and exchange point.

Additional notes:

  • Leg 7 – Nová Pec: Construction in the village may affect parking

  • Leg 10 – Milná: Two traffic lights on the way to Lipno may cause delays

  • Leg 15 – Vežovatá Pláně: Runners will cross highways 157 and 39 – extra caution advised

  • Leg 17 – Boršov: In good weather, the trail follows the riverside path

  • Leg 21 – Hněvkovice: in Týn nad Vltavou, bridge reconstruction in progress. Please follow the signage carefully.

FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS MOST – YOUR EXPERIENCE! 📸

 Along the route, you’ll spot the Vltava Run communications team, photo and video crews, and – new this year – four photographers from our partner Xiaomi. Armed with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, they’ll be ready to capture your best moments at the most beautiful spots.

Whether you're laughing, focused, or flying over roots – Xiaomi camera phones with Leica optics deliver crisp shots in any lighting. So when you see the Xiaomi flag, you know it’s time to push, smile, and create a memory worth keeping!

DON’T LET THOSE KILOMETERS CHEW YOU UP – FUEL UP INSTEAD! 🍽️

The track has a generous serving of kilometers in store – so it’s only fair you get something equally tasty in return. That’s why we’ve put together a list of handoff points where you can grab a bite, recharge, or treat yourself just for the joy of it:

➡️ Vyšší Brod, Věžovatá Pláně, Plešovice, Hluboká nad Vltavou, Purkarec, Chrášťany, Květov, Kostelec nad Vltavou, Klučenice, Solenice, Kamýk, Líchovy, Štola Josef, Rabyně, Slapy, Vrané nad Vltavou

Then you’ll be ready to bite off a few more sections with renewed energy! 😄


And one more thing – just when you think you’ve packed everything, make sure you’ve also packed… cash! 💸
You’ll need it at these handoff spots to enjoy all the tasty treats waiting for you.

ONLY THE BEST VIEWS AHEAD!

Once again this year, you’ll find a photo point along the Vltava Run route, brought to you by our partner Kooperativa, who helps ensure not just beautiful scenery, but also a safe race for everyone. 💚
Make a quick stop at Štola Josef and capture that one moment that makes every step worth it – because sore legs fade, but memories last.

And remember: Left is right!
As a runner, you should always stick to the left side of the road. Look out for green arrows marked #bezpecnostmazelenou ("safety goes green") – but be aware that they’re not everywhere, so make it a habit from the start. Deal? 😊

GREAT RUNNING STARTS WITH PROPER HYDRATION! 💧

That’s why you’ll find Rajec refreshment stations along the track. The smaller ones will help you refill with fresh spring water, while the larger stops also offer recovery zones – the perfect place to stretch, relax, and regain strength. Look out for them in Stožec, Černá v Pošumaví, Vyšší Brod, Rožmberk, Klučenice, Solenice, and Živohošť.
In Rabyně and Slapy, there’ll be a water truck from Česká voda – MEMSEP! The kind of refreshment money can’t buy. :-)

EVERYONE WILL WANT TO BE IN ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE!

Budějce are back and better than ever! Saurus, the Red Bull music truck, will be bringing the ultimate sound and vibe to the relay. You’ll also be able to grab Red Bulls to help you power through the night legs – a whole tray for your team (you’ll get a voucher at the start). 🎶

WHERE TO REST YOUR HEAD? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.

There are official sleeping spots again this year in Hluboká nad Vltavou (new at the sports facility right by the handoff), Týn nad Vltavou, and Vrané nad Vltavou. You’ll find the exact addresses HERE.
Please be considerate to other runners and the locations themselves – let’s make sure we’re welcome back in future years too.
Prefer sleeping under the stars? That’s cool – just remember to prioritize safety.

THE SOLENICE BRIDGE IS BACK – AND SO IS A SURPRISE FROM PUMA!

We’re returning to the Solenice handoff, and it’s going to be anything but ordinary. Puma has a special surprise in store – something that’ll make every runner smile.

LOST AND FOUND

Toilets at handoffs are provided by DEK, and all materials and also production gear are transported between the warehouse, start, and finish by DEK’s iconic red vans – thank you, DEK, we couldn’t do it without you!
And not only do they move our gear – every year, our closing team also gathers up forgotten treasures from handoffs and the starting area: from shoes to sleeping bags. If you’re missing something after the race, check out the album on our Facebook page – we’ll post photos of everything there!

And much more!
 There’s plenty waiting for you on the course, so enjoy every moment – and if anything doesn’t seem right, report it via the Vltava Run app, and we’ll take care of it! (Available on Google Play and the App Store.)

One last official important note:
 Even though we’re in full-on race mode, we must respect the rules. In forests, it is forbidden to: disturb peace and quiet, alter terrain, damage soil cover, build paths, fences, or any structures, remove seedlings or saplings of forest trees or shrubs, cut or damage trees/shrubs, collect forest tree seeds, mistletoe or lichens, harvest forest fruits in ways that damage the forest, drive or park motor vehicles, enter fenced-off or restricted areas, enter sites where timber harvesting, transport, or handling is underway, ride off-road (on bike, horseback, skis, sleds), smoke, light fires, camp outside designated areas, discard burning items, disturb water regimes, rake litter, graze or allow livestock into forests, and pollute the forest with waste.

We can’t wait to see you!
 Your Vltava Run Team