It's hard to imagine better running conditions and more motivation for the Vienna City Marathon. At the 2nd VCM Winter Run of the season in the Prater Hauptallee in Vienna, 1,200 runners gave their best on Sunday, 28 January - around 470 more than at the same event a year ago.
Running weather to fall in love with
5 km, 10 km, 15 km and a half marathon were on offer. Many participants ran in carnival costumes. Everyone was rewarded with doughnuts from the Müller & Gartner bakery at the finish line. And the weather was perfect: bright sunshine, 7°C, blue skies and no wind made for excellent conditions. This gave the preparations for the Vienna City Marathon in twelve weeks' time an effective boost.
A day for top performances
Perfect running conditions and athletic endeavour made many personal bests and pleasing results possible. Middle distance national champion Sandra Schauer (Union St. Pölten) in a personal best time of 16:31 minutes and steeplechase specialist Lena Millonig (ULC Riverside Mödling) in 16:40 even finished ahead of the men over 5 kilometres. Nevertheless, the first men were as fast as arrows: Axel Hagenauer (LC Mank) in 16:40 and Justus Schmidt (Team Vegan) in 16:41.
In the 10 km run, the top 2, Dominik Stadlmann (Kus ÖBV Pro Team) in 30:27 and Felix Geieregger (run2together) in 30:44 minutes, achieved personal best times. Women's winner Freya Liane Wenske (DSG Wien) was also faster than ever with a time of 36:30. Top performances also from Lola Servary (LG Wien) in 36:57 and Charleen Michaelis (LC Villach) in 37:12 in second and third place.
Lisa Reisch (DSG Wien) outpaced all the men over the 15 km distance in 54:39 minutes. Christian Gartner (Hoadläufer Frauenkirchen) took the win here in 55:15 - a good time for a Masters runner in the M50 age group.
Half marathon winner Moritz Keinath (International Running Club Zurich) came out on top in 1:10:54, ahead of Matthias Maldet (LC ASKÖ Breitenau - 1:12:16) and Lukas Gstaltner (Sports Monkeys - 1:13:24). The decision in the women's race was closer. Ultrarunner Michaela Portenkirchner (LAC Salzburg) took part in her first half marathon competition and won in 1:26:15 ahead of the multiple and versatile marathon state champion Karin Freitag (LG Decker Itter). Dressed up in a bee costume, she ran 1:26:33. Manuela Antosch took third place in 1:35:41.
Good vibes in the running community
The Wien Energie Boombox Runners, who ran along the route with a Radio Wien playlist, also created a great atmosphere. For the first time, Lusthaus was cheered on by a moderator, in addition to the tried-and-tested start-finish moderation. Colourful balloons and the winners' ceremony with goodies from Erste Bank & Sparkasse Running exuded joy and good humour.
Congratulations to all finishers!
>> ALL RESULTS
1,460 registrations, 1,197 finishers
Many runners took part in carnival costumes. The Wien Energie Boombox Runners, who ran along the route with a Radio Wien playlist, also created a great atmosphere. For the first time, a presenter cheered the runners on at the Lusthaus, in addition to the tried-and-tested start-finish presentation. Colourful balloons and the winners' ceremony with goodies from Erste Bank & Sparkasse Running exuded joy and good humour.
Your personal photos
The GetPica photo service was on site and captured all the runners and the event in the best possible way. The personal photos will be available on Monday. All finishers will receive an email with their pictures for viewing & ordering.
Next event on 10 March
The VCM Winter Running Series has been organised since 2009 to motivate the running community and as preparation for the Vienna City Marathon. More than 32,000 finishers have already cheered at the finish line at these events. Once again, an event organised by the VCM Group offered the best conditions for recreational and top-class sport.
The first VCM Winter Run of the current season took place on 17 December 2023. The third and final event before the Vienna City Marathon will follow on 10 March 2024 - the "Vienna Calling Half Marathon" starting on the Reichsbrücke.
VCM Winter Run, 10 March 2024
Distances: 5 km | 10 km | 21.1 km
8:00 am: Start of the "Vienna Calling Half Marathon" on the Reichsbrücke
11:00 am: Start 5 km | 10 km Prater Hauptallee, Meiereistraße area / Stadionbad car park
Finish for all events: Prater Hauptallee
All events of the VCM Winter Running Series are officially AIMS-measured and part of the World Athletics Global Calendar.
See you in the Hauptallee!
