Experience
the race
The Vienna City Marathon offers a fast, attractive, and varied urban course, ideal for chasing personal bests. It’s a run through Vienna’s modern and classical highlights and finishes right in the heart of the city on the magnificent Ringstraße.
The race weekend offers running events for all ages and ambitions. In addition to the marathon, there’s a half marathon and a relay marathon, as well as 10K and 5K races, kids’ runs, and an inclusion run.
Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply want to enjoy the atmosphere, there’s a distance and format for everyone.
KEY FIGURES & STATISTICS
Number of countries represented
146
Number of participants
46,000 total, of which 13,000 marathoners
Fun facts / statistics:
The day before the marathon, the Wiener Symphoniker and VCM participants unite as a joint classical orchestra, bringing runners and musicians together on the stage of the Golden Hall, Vienna Musikverein.
Weather conditions
Average temperature
Average daytime highs are around 16°C with nighttime lows around 6-7°C.
Average wind speed
Moderate breezes are common, which can make the air feel crisper than the thermometer suggests.
Average rainfall
Roughly 45mm of precipitation occurs throughout the month, typically spread over 8 days.
Weather conditions
April in Vienna is known for "changeable" weather, offering 14 hours of daylight and a moderate UV index.
Course Description
The route starts at the Vienna International Centre – UNO-City, crosses the river Danube, passes the giant Ferris Wheel, and leads through the Prater Hauptallee, a World Athletics Heritage site and the famous 1:59 location. From there, runners continue past the Vienna State Opera and Schönbrunn Palace before reaching the finish line on the Ringstraße, framed by the Burgtheater and City Hall. It’s a true sightseeing run through Vienna, the city of music and culture.
The difference between the lowest and highest points of the route is 44 meters, with a total elevation gain of 106 meters.
Tourism & Destination Highlights
Perfect host
Vienna is a vibrant city with excellent infrastructure in the heart of Europe. It is host to many international organisations such as the UN. It is easy to reach and has a vast experience in delivering perfection in international events.
Most liveable
Vienna has been ranked as the city for the highest quality of living for many years in a row.
Event History
Vienna runs on music – and so does the Vienna City Marathon. Since its first edition in 1984, the race has grown into one of Europe’s most inspiring marathon experiences. Set in the very heart of Europe, it brings together endurance, energy, and Vienna’s unique cultural diversity.
The course is a journey through time and styles: from the modern skyline along the Danube and the United Nations Offices to iconic landmarks such as the Vienna State Opera and Schönbrunn Palace, finishing right in the city centre. Runners follow in the footsteps of Eliud Kipchoge on the Prater Hauptallee, where he made history by breaking the two-hour marathon barrier at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge.
Music is a part of the marathon’s DNA. Classical marathon concerts by world-renowned orchestras like the Wiener Symphoniker, combined with vibrant support zones along the course, create an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. This is Vienna at its best: a city that knows how to move, dance, and celebrate – and that truly lives and breathes its marathon.
Race Director’s Quote
Kathrin Widu and Dominik Konrad, CEOs Vienna City Marathon
„The Vienna City Marathon is a journey through the world’s music capital – a weekend packed with energy, rhythm, and shared excitement. We’re thrilled to bring this spirit to the European Marathon Classics. Marathon running, rooted in European history and legend, is a global symbol of joy and determination. We celebrate it in a unique, modern way for a new generation of runners chasing thrills, achievement, and connection.”
Transport & race tips
Vienna is in the heart of Europe and easy to get to from many places. To make your trip to the Vienna City Marathon more climate-friendly, we suggest taking public transport – buses or trains work perfectly!
Vienna has an excellent public transport system with subways, trams, and buses. The subways are super fast and will get you anywhere you need to go – especially straight to the race start!
Best way to get to the start is the underground line U1 with the stations “Kaisermühlen / Vienna International Centre” and “Alte Donau”. It will run very frequently at two-and-a-half-minute intervals on race day.
Don’t take a private car on marathon day – it won’t make things easier for you.
Vienna International Airport is directly connected by trains, buses, and the CAT. The ride to the city center takes only about 20 minutes.
Get ready for waltz music at the start. Johann Strauss’ Blue Danube Waltz will carry you across the Danube as your race begins.
Run through the flat, green Prater Hauptallee and feel the spirit of Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-2-hour marathon. This is where speed meets history.
Along the course, 45 cheering zones are waiting for you – with live music, drummers, and running crews bringing the energy. They’re loud. They’re proud. And they’re there for you.
After you cross the finish, head to Rathausplatz. Grab your medal, refreshments, and clothes – then stay and celebrate. Soak up the vibe, enjoy great food and drinks, and connect with runners who just shared the same unforgettable journey.
Want to cheer on your friends? These hotspots are easy to reach by subway:
Prater Hauptallee (km 3 / 27), Vienna Opera (km 11), Museums (km 20), Ringstraße (km 9–11 & 40–42), and of course the finish line.
Ways to get involved
REGISTRATION
CHarity ENTRY
Tour operator
looking for more details about the race?
Race Website
Media gallery
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