3rd VCM Winter Run Delivers Top Performances and Record Participation in Vienna
The 3rd VCM Winter Run featuring the Vienna Calling Half Marathon on Sunday, March 8 in Vienna raised anticipation for the Vienna City Marathon to a new level.
- Cordula Lassacher (1:12:15) and Larissa Matz (1:12:41) impress with outstanding half marathon times
- Successful VCM test run for Andreas Vojta in 1:03:31
- Switzerland’s Fabienne Vonlanthen sets a personal best of 1:10:48 and a new event record for the VCM Winter Run Series
- Record participation, premiere of the mile race, and an inspiring atmosphere six weeks before the Vienna City Marathon
Congratulations to all finishers!
Thank you to everyone who took part – our team, the fans, and all runners!
Six weeks to go until the Vienna City Marathon!
With a spectacular start on the Reichsbrücke, the half marathon victories went to Switzerland’s Fabienne Vonlanthen in 1:10:48 and Austria’s national record holder Andreas Vojta in 1:03:31.
Vonlanthen improved her personal best by almost two minutes and collected valuable points for European Championship qualification. “The conditions, the course, the atmosphere – everything was perfect today,” she said at the finish.
Andreas Vojta delivered a strong solo performance and was pleased with a successful form test ahead of the Vienna City Marathon in six weeks, on April 19. “It was a very good indicator of where I stand. My form is good and I’m confident it will improve further before the marathon,” said Vojta.
Cordula Lassacher and Larissa Matz shine with 1:12 half marathons
On International Women’s Day, alongside Vonlanthen’s top performance, two young Austrian runners made headlines. The 22-year-old Cordula Lassacher (ATUS Knittelfeld) improved her half marathon personal best by more than four minutes to 1:12:15, moving up to third place on the Austrian all-time list.
“I knew I was in good shape. The race was really fast, and I’m very happy that everything worked out so well,” said Lassacher, who has already set personal bests over 10 km and 15 km this year. During Vienna City Marathon weekend she plans to compete in the Vienna 5K on the Ringstraße course.
Only Julia Mayer (1:11:09) and Andrea Mayr (1:11:34) have run faster half marathon times in Austrian athletics history.
Larissa Matz (ULC Riverside Mödling) also delivered an impressive solo performance, lowering her personal best to 1:12:41. “It got tough toward the end, but I’m very satisfied with the race. It was a great event with excellent conditions,” said the two-time Austrian half marathon champion, who finished seventh at last year’s Universiade. She now ranks fifth on Austria’s all-time list.
In the men’s race, Simon Wieser (LSV 1990 Kitzbühel) from Lienz surprised with a personal best of 1:06:38 ahead of Mario Bauernfeind (ProTeam Vienna) in 1:07:10. Bauernfeind also claimed victory in the Vienna regional championships held as part of the event. Katharina Kiesenhofer (LG Wien) secured the women’s title in 1:19:45. Both athletes also led their clubs to victory in the team standings.
Mile premiere creates heartwarming atmosphere
In addition to the half marathon, the 3rd VCM Winter Run also featured races over 5 km, 10 km, and one mile.
The mile (1,609 meters) made its debut at the event and attracted many children, teenagers, and families preparing for one of the VCM youth races. The atmosphere was heartwarming and highly motivating for all participants. Marco Ballesteros of Bratislava won in 4:41, while Michaela Papankova, also from Bratislava, clocked 6:12.
Comeback for Thomas Messner
In the 10 km race, Thomas Messner (KLC), winner of the Wiener Städtische Half Marathon at the Vienna City Marathon 2025, celebrated a successful comeback after a long injury break. He won in 30:11 ahead of Felix Geieregger (run2gether) in 30:45 and Klaus Vincent (LC Wolkersdorf) in 31:40.
Nicole Bauer (ULC Riverside Mödling) impressed with victory in 34:28. The U23 runner broke the 35-minute barrier for the first time, improving her personal best by one and a half minutes. Her clubmate Lena Millonig ran a solid test race in 35:36, while Bernadette Schuster (SK Vöest) delivered a remarkable performance in the W45 age category with 36:40.
Over 5 km, Dominik Ivancik (Triproject) won in 14:42 and Bernadette Dick (Asics Frontrunner) in 18:17.
Crews of the Day
As usual, the largest teams of the day were invited onto the podium. For the first time, an international club topped the ranking: the Redway Runners from Milton Keynes, Great Britain, brought 54 runners to the start and created a fantastic atmosphere. They spent an extended running weekend in Vienna from Thursday to Tuesday, with the VCM Winter Run as the sporting highlight.
Vienna Running Collective enthusiastically supported their 30 participants, while AK Perpetuum Mobile placed third with 19 runners.
With 2,340 finishers – including 1,318 in the half marathon alone – the event set a new participation record for the VCM Winter Run Series, which has been held with three to four events per season since 2009. The previous record stood at 1,815 finishers in March 2025.
