Prague half-marathon

In 2024, Prague hosted a half-marathon with a record 13,500 participants, 57% of whom were foreigners. The race, part of SuperHalfs, faced hot weather at 28°C. Despite the challenging conditions, the writer finished in 2:14. Unfortunately, many participants suffered due to the weather, with 102 falling and 36 requiring hospitalization. The race's organization had some issues, such as long waits for medals and water shortages at the finish line. Despite this, baggage handling was well-organized. Suggestions for improvement included providing bottled water and better managing the finish area. After a hectic schedule, the writer plans to rest before the next half-marathon in Helsinki in May.

Grenke chess tournament 2024

Five years after playing in the Grenke chess tournament, it finally resumed after being canceled due to COVID-19. With around 2600 participants, it became the largest chess tournament globally, thanks to the rising popularity of chess. The festival featured four tournaments catering to players of different skill levels. The event's unique atmosphere was highlighted as players from various backgrounds gathered to compete. Notably, the tournament had outstanding playing conditions but suffered from noise issues. Although the author felt satisfied with their performance, they offered constructive criticism to the organizers. Ultimately, they expressed a desire to return due to the tournament's positive energy and atmosphere.