The wide variety of activities associated with Český Krumlov also features major sports competitions, one of which certainly is the river marathon, with the largest number of contestants in the Czech Republic. Every year, the river marathon attracts hundreds of water sports enthusiasts, ranging from pure amateurs to the international elite. The first edition of the Krumlov Water Sports Marathon took place in 2003. The organizers were inspired by the water sports marathon in the Ardèche Canyon in France, but they brought it to South Bohemia on the Vltava River.
The marathon always starts in Vyšší Brod or Rožmberk nad Vltavou and ends in Český Krumlov, where participants pass all the famous weirs of Český Krumlov to the finish line on the riverbank by the Krumlov brewery. Competitors cover 36 or 26 river kilometers. Participation in the race is not limited, and anyone can join the race alongside top athletes. On the Vltava, competitors race in kayaks, canoes, as well as rafts, prams and paddleboards.
The Český Krumlov River Marathon offers an abundant accompanying programme for the general public and does not forget the youngest visitors, too.