Vienna City Marathon
The Vienna City Marathon begins at the Vienna International Centre, crosses the Reichsbrücke, and concludes at Heldenplatz in the historic center. It has been Austria’s largest road running event, held annually in Vienna since 1984. Alongside the main marathon, the event includes a half marathon, a team relay, a short fun run, and children’s races held the day prior. Over 30,000 participants typically register for one of the weekend's events, ensuring a diverse field beyond just the elite runners. The course offers participants an extensive tour of the city, starting near the Danube, passing through Praterstern, proceeding along the Ringstraße to the State Opera, heading towards Schönbrunn Palace, and then returning through central Vienna. Half-marathon participants finish at Heldenplatz, while marathoners proceed past the Rathaus, Alsergrund, Friedensbrücke, the Prater, Ernst-Happel-Stadion, and Lusthaus before reaching the same finish line. The event originated as the Frühjahrsmarathon with under 800 competitors. Its history features notable Austrian performances by Gerhard Hartmann, early victories by Antoni Niemczak and Renate Kieninger, and participations by Haile Gebrselassie and Paula Radcliffe.
