The first edition of commemorative Zane’s Run took place in Prague

The run on September 8 was very special. Not only because of the twenty elite athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia and Japan, who stayed in Prague between the two RunCzech races, the Birell Prague Grand Prix (September 5) and Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon (September 12).

The run had a deeper meaning. It was dedicated to the memory of Zane Branson, manager of elite athletes, who had been one of the closest fellow workers of RunCzech and co-founder of the RunCzech Racing Team. He died suddenly at the age of 57, following a training in Iten, Kenya. This unexpected loss is deeply felt, so we gathered to honor and remember our dear friend.

Zane’s Run is a 5km course of the Mattoni FreeRun.

It took place in Prague’s Stromovka Park, but by using the RunCzech application anyone could join with some of the best long distance runners in the world to celebrate Zane Branson. Both winners of the Birell Prague Grand Prix, Daniel Chebii and Peres Jepchirchir, participated in the run. Daniel Chebii, a triple winner of the RunCzech Running League races, who finished the Birell 10km Race with 27:42, was one of Zane Branson’s runners.

Zane Branson contributed to the success of many runners whose names are famous in the athletics world: Patrick Makau, the former world marathon record holder, Mary Keitany, double winner of the London marathon, Edna Kiplagat, double world champion in the marathon, Wesley Korir, Emily Chebet, Joyce Chepkirui and many others. Many of them have participated in the RunCzech Running League races.

„Zane Branson was not only an excellent manager and prominent figure in the athletics world, but also our close friend,“ confided Carlo Capalbo. Capalbo attended the funeral on August 15 in Kenya and on behalf of the whole RunCzech team and several close friends donated a defibrillator to the running center in Iten.

„Until now there was no defibrillator in Iten. I believe it will help to save many lives,“ said Capalbo.

No registration was needed to attend Zane’s Run.
 
Zdenka Pecková
Prague International Marathon