Vienna City Marathon – Running Travelog

A Race through History and Beauty

A spectacular running event through the heart of Austria’s capital city, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and musical legacy

The Vienna City Marathon is a vibrant celebration of running that attracts around 30,000 participants from over 40 countries each year. Held in early April, this marathon offers a unique opportunity to explore Vienna’s stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage while tackling the 42.195 km course.

The flat and scenic route is designed to accommodate both seasoned athletes and beginners, making it an ideal event for anyone looking to achieve personal bests amidst breathtaking views.

On April 23, 2023, I joined over 30,000 runners in the 40th edition of Vienna City Marathon. It was a great day to run, even though the weather was a bit on the warmer side. The highlights of the race included the stretches in Prater park where Eliud Kipchoge ran his sub-2-hour marathon; and, of course, the beautiful sights along Ringstraße in the Vienna historic center Innere Stadt.

Vienna in April

April in Vienna marks the beginning of spring, with the city coming alive after the winter months. The weather is generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from 6°C (43°F) at night to 15°C (59°F) during the day. While there’s a chance of occasional rain, with about 12 rainy days expected in the month, runners can typically enjoy pleasant conditions for the marathon.

The Marathon Course

The Vienna City Marathon offers a unique blend of historical landmarks, modern architecture, and natural beauty.

Let’s take a virtual tour of this captivating route:

Start to Prater
The race begins at Alte Donau and quickly crosses the Danube River via the Reichsbrücke.

Runners cross the Danube over Reichsbrücke

Runners then enter the famous Prater park, following the same path where Eliud Kipchoge set his unofficial sub-two-hour marathon record.

Along the Donaukanal
After exiting Prater, the course follows the Donaukanal for several kilometers, offering runners scenic views of the waterway.

Ringstraße and Opera House
The route then turns onto the iconic Ringstraße, passing by the Vienna State Opera House. Here, runners are treated to a unique spectacle as young couples dance the Blue Danube Waltz, adding a touch of Viennese charm to the race.

Schönbrunn Palace
A highlight of the course is the approach to Schönbrunn Palace. This magnificent 1,441-room Baroque palace was once the summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. With its beautiful gardens and rich history spanning over 300 years, Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Vienna’s most important cultural monuments.

Marathon course leaving the Schönbrunn Palace entrance

Northern Neighborhoods
After a u-turn at Schönbrunn, the course heads back towards the city center along Mariahilfer Strasse.

The full marathon route then splits from the half-marathon, taking runners through the northern neighborhoods of Josefstadt, Alservorstadt, and Alsergrund.

Dividing point of Vienna Marathon from Half Marathon — Right to the half marathon finish, straight for the second half of the marathon

Back to Prater
The course returns to Prater park, passing by the Ernst Happel Stadium before heading to the Lusthaus restaurant.

Runners on Hauptallee, part of Eliud Kipchoges course — Runners on the Prater Hauptallee, part of Eliud Kipchoge’s course

After a u-turn, runners enjoy a straight run along Hauptallee, retracing Kipchoge’s record-setting course.

On the Pratter, along Eliud Kipchoge's record-setting course — Albert on the Pratter, along Eliud Kipchoge’s record-setting course

The course exits Prater and enters for a second time the Innere Stadt city, or Vienna historic center. At this point in the race, the higher-than-normal temperature starts to take its tall.

A hotter day than expected for this marathon

Final Stretch
The race enters its most beautiful section along Ringstraße for the final kilometers.

Runners pass by numerous iconic landmarks, including:

Stadtpark with the famous Johann Strauss statue
Musikverein, home of the renowned New Year’s Concert
The State Opera building
Burggarten with Mozart’s monument
Maria Theresia Square, surrounded by world-class museums

Ringstraße along Maria-Theresien-Platz, Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna — Ringstraße along Maria-Theresien-Platz, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna

On the Ringstraße, on the final stretch of the race — Albert on the Ringstraße, on the final stretch of the race

Finish Line
The marathon concludes with a grand finale, passing the Austrian Parliament and crossing the finish line in front of the Burg Theater.

Drum band in front of Burg Theater, near the finish line

Finishers collect their well-earned medals in Rathausplatz and can begin their recovery in the beautiful Rathauspark.

Medal collection area — Signs to the medal collection area

The Vienna City Marathon is more than just a race; it’s a journey through the heart of one of Europe’s most beautiful and historically rich cities. From the banks of the Danube to the grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace, and through the music-filled streets of the Inner City, this marathon offers an unforgettable experience for runners and spectators alike.