24th Krumlov Water Marathon
Next edition of the popular river race for amateur and professional paddlers
One of the largest sporting events in South Bohemia attracts hundreds of water sports enthusiasts, from pure amateurs to the international elite, to Český Krumlov and its surroundings every year. The first edition of the Krumlov Aquatics Marathon took place in 2003. The organizers were inspired by the paddling marathon in the French Ardéche Canyon, which they transferred to South Bohemia, on the Vltava River. The Krumlov race thus joined the world series of river marathons and since the first year it has become the most visited race of its kind in the Czech Republic.
The marathon always starts in Vyšší Brod or Rožmberk nad Vltavou and its finishing station is Český Krumlov, where participants swim through all the famous Krumlov weirs to the finish on the embankment at the brewery. The competitors cover 36 and 26 river kilometres respectively. Participation in the race is not limited in any way and anyone can enter the joint race alongside the top competitors. On the Vltava River, competitors compete in kayaks, canoes, as well as rafts, prams and paddleboards. The compulsory crossing in the camp at Pískárna is also very popular among the spectators, from where the competitors of the pupil marathon regularly start.
