Archirun 2025: A run across Prague’s many historical sites
In its third year now, Archirun combines architecture and urban exploration in the heart of Prague, inviting participants to run or walk through some of the city’s most cherished locations. This year, the route also included several often-overlooked buildings. I spoke with Štěpán Bärtl, director of the Center for Architecture and Urban Planning (CAMP), to find out how the event has evolved and what runners can look forward to in the future.
Let's start with the inspiration behind Archirun. What inspired the event?
“Honestly, we're always looking for new ways to get people to go outside and explore Prague and its surroundings. This was just an addition to a series of camp tours we already offer: walking, biking, and other modes of transportation.
“Each year, we try to have a different theme. For the first year, it was 100 years of Karel Prager, the architect of our own headquarters, so we ran through his buildings. The second year, it was all about rooftop views, which was very popular.
“This year, we decided to show places you might know but have never actually visited. For example, the Czech Television building is obviously a huge complex, but most people haven’t been inside. Same with the Congress Center, which is a massive feat of late 20th-century architecture, but again, not commonly explored. Then there’s Vyšehrad Castle. Many people have been there, but we include the underground corridors used for military purposes. We’re also including future-facing locations, like the newly constructed Dvorecký Bridge, which is currently still being built.”
So it's not necessarily a theme each time, but more of a modern blend, maybe some brutalist architecture mixed with historical sites?
“Exactly. This year, it’s a mix of old and new buildings. There’s less of a specific theme and more of an emphasis on showing buildings, both historic and contemporary.
“Also, we made a conscious decision to move away from the city center this time. We’ve already done two city center routes, so now we want to highlight areas people often overlook. Everyone tends to run the same kinds of routes, but you rarely see runners in neighborhoods like Pankrác or Kavčí hory.”
Another unique aspect of the event is that it’s non-competitive, unless people choose to be competitive themselves, which I’m sure some do. But it’s also untimed. What’s the reason behind those choices?
“There are two reasons. First, we want the event to be as accessible as possible. You don’t have to run; you can walk, stop for coffee, take your time. It’s really meant for everyone.
“Second, we didn’t want to shut down the city. If we had a large number of runners and made it a timed race, we’d have to close roads, which doesn’t reflect the reality of the city. So instead, everyone is their own timekeeper. Just enjoy the route. Run if you want, just follow the traffic rules and regulation. It’s a race where you can go at your own pace.”
And related to that, I’ve heard there are a lot of young participants. Up to 300 under 15s, I’ve heard?
“Yes, definitely. While we cap the event at 1,000 runners, it’s more like a festival here at CAMP, the Prague Institute for Planning and Development.
“There are all-day activities for kids, adults, really anyone who wants to spend time with us. We offer workshops, competitions, and different things to do. It’s basically a one-day festival where we celebrate architecture.”
What about the future? Do you plan to explore different routes? You mentioned places like Pankrác or maybe even Holešovice?
“We're reaching the point where if we want to start and end at CAMP, we’ll either have to reuse some locations or routes.
“Of course, there are still tons of potential new spots. We’re also thinking about starting in one location and finishing in another. It’s more complicated logistically, but it would let us explore entirely new areas.
“The main idea remains the same: to take people inside places they normally wouldn’t have access to. And there’s still so much of Prague left to explore. So yes, I’m sure we’ll come up with something exciting.”
