I'm thinking of doing the Prague marathon in 2002. Someone told me it's hard to get in, but I see they have a website. If you've done it: Is it fun? What all do you get for your entry fee? How does it compare to other Euro Marathons you've done?

I'm bumping this to the top with a more general question: has anyone here gone to Europe to run a marathon, particularly in a country where one's command of the language was only so-so?<BR>I ask because my husband is contemplating running the Reims marathon in October 2002. Would appreciate hearing anyone's experiences.

Lynn - <BR><BR>You posted a similar question directly to me about the Dublin Marathon and I'm not sure what it is that you're asking. You mentioned a concern about the language difference. Is this your concern or your husband's? It doesn't sound like a question a runner would ask when considering which marathon to run. I've run Rome, Paris, London (not on point here), and done a number of shorter foot races abroad. I have friends who have competed in races all over the world, and to be honest, I've never heard anyone even raise the issue of language differences. It just doesn't seem to be something that runners focus on. We're usually more interested in the course (flat or hilly course, scenery, spectators, water stops, mile markers) and the expo (goody bag, t-shirt, medal) and general organization). Another thing that I'm sure your husband realizes is that you can't make a generalization about the quality of marathons based upon whether they are in the U.S., Europe or elsewhere. There are some poorly run races in this country where the fact that the race organizers/volunteers speak English doesn't make things any better. <BR><BR>www.marathonguide.com has info on marathons all around the world, including runner comments and links to websites. I don't think I've ever seen a comment about language concerns on this site, so while it's helpful, it probably won't address your question.

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Holly - what I meant by language problems is just managing the registration process, knowing where to go for the expo or other events, understanding where and when to show up for the race, etc. Once that's out of the way, a race is a race and language is irrelevant, obviously. I've been to marathonguide.com, and it's very helpful.

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Lynn, I've run the Paris & Vienna marathons and I don't speak much outside of English! But I managed OK.

Thanks, Melissa. That's good to know. I can wing it in a few languages, but worry sometimes about not being fluent.

Anyone can apply and I think it is a half marathon. It usually ends mid sunday morning on the Old Town Square so you might find some disruption in this area.<BR><BR>You'll find this link (http://www.geocities.com/jasoncholt/praha.html) very useful. It is the result of 5 years of living here and has hundreds of tips and a lot of info in it's pages, You are welcome to take a look.<BR><BR>Jason

Hi Jason, and thanks! Something loopy is going on with the browser. I plugged in the URL you just provided, and my browser keeps changing it to<BR>http://www.geocities.com/jasoncholt/style.css<BR>(Which does not exist)<BR>I don't know why it's doing this. Is there another way into your Survival Guide?