The Wachau Marathon (stylized as WACHAUmarathon) is a 26.2-mile foot race on paved roads along the
Danube River from
Emmersdorf to
Krems an der Donau in
Wachau,
Austria, usually held in September. The race was founded in 1998, and its course is certified by
World Athletics.
It has hosted the Austrian National Championships thrice before.
The event also includes a half marathon, a race of length , and races for children. There were more than 7,000 participants in total for 2019.
History
The marathon was first held in 1998.
After
Helmut Paul led the event for ten years, another company under the leadership of
Michael Buchleitner
Michael Buchleitner (born 14 October 1969 in Mödling) is an Austrian long-distance runner.
Up to 1999 he specialized in the 3000 metres steeplechase. He finished tenth at the 1993 World Championships in Athletics, 1993 World Championships and c ...
took over the responsibility for the run in 2008.
The Austrian National Championships have been held three times as part of the Wachau Marathon. In 2002, the Austrian marathon champions were
Max Wenisch (2:27:48, 7th overall male) and
Veronika Kienbichl (2:53:09, 8th overall female). In 2007, the Austrian half marathon champions were
Eva-Maria Gradwohl
Eva-Maria Gradwohl (born March 29, 1973 in Weiz) is a retired Austrian long-distance and marathon runner. She is also four-time Austrian national champion in half-marathon, three-time in marathon, and two-time in 10-km road run. In 2010 Gradwohl ...
(1st overall female) and
Martin Pröll
Martin Pröll (born 21 March 1981, in Freistadt) is an Austrian track and field athlete who mainly competes in the 3000 metres steeplechase.
Achievements
References
*
*
1981 births
Living people
Austrian male middle-distan ...
(1:05:31). In 2010, the Austrian half marathon champions were
Andrea Mayr
Andrea Mayr (born October 15, 1979) is a female long-distance runner from Austria. She also competes in mountain running and cycling. She set her personal best (2:30:43) in the women's marathon on April 19, 2009, winning the Vienna City Maratho ...
(1:14:21, 3rd overall) and
Günther Weidlinger (1:04:59, 7th overall).
The 2020 edition of the race was cancelled due to the
coronavirus pandemic, with registrants receiving a refund via a voucher.
Course
The course is described as fast and flat with beautiful scenery. The route first leads upstream on the left bank of the Danube, turns and then runs downstream to the center of Krems for the finish. The half marathon starts in Spitz, Austria, Spitz, and the "quarter marathon" in Dürnstein.
Other races
During the race weekend, there is also a half marathon favored by competitive runners that often has a deep international field. The shortest race is long, marketed as a "quarter marathon". On the preceding day, children's runs are held over different distances.
From 2004 to 2007, an ultramarathon of length was offered, which was part of the European Ultramarathon Cup.
Winners
Course records
Marathon
: Men: 2:12:32, John Kipngeno Rotich (KEN), 2003
: Women: 2:33:32, (POL), 2002
Half Marathon
: Men: 59:53, Peter Cheruiyot Kirui (KEN), 2016
: Women: 1:09:21, Perendis Lekapana (KEN), 2018
Marathon
Half marathon
"Quarter marathon"
Ultra marathon
: Held from 2004 to 2007
Notes
References
External links
* {{Official website
Marathons in Austria
Tourist attractions in Austria
Athletics competitions in Austria
Recurring sporting events established in 1998
Inline speed skating competitions
Half marathons