Second stop of the Series: Music in the DNA of the marathon

The Vienna City Marathon, one of Europe’s most recognisable races, will be the second event in this year’s European Marathon Classics series. On Sunday, 19 April, the streets of Vienna will once again fill with thousands of runners, combining sport, music and the unique atmosphere of the Austrian capital.

Since its inaugural edition in 1984, the Vienna City Marathon has grown into one of the most inspiring marathons in Europe. Held in the very heart of the continent, it brings together all aspects of running with the city’s unique cultural diversity.
This year’s event will welcome 49,000 participants from 150 countries across all races held during the weekend, including 13,000 in the marathon distance. The younger age categories are particularly popular, with the 25–29 age group representing the largest segment, while female participation continues to grow steadily.

Running through Vienna

The Vienna City Marathon will start on Sunday, 19 April at 09:00. The course, which runs through the city centre, is one of the most attractive in Europe. It is a sightseeing run through Vienna, a city of music and culture. Participants will start near the United Nations headquarters and cross the Danube. Along the way, they will pass iconic landmarks such as the Vienna State Opera and Schönbrunn Palace. 

Runners will also follow in the footsteps of Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge on the Prater Hauptallee, where he made history in 2019 by breaking the two-hour marathon barrier (1:59:40) during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge. The finish line of the Vienna City Marathon will be located in the very centre of the city, on the Ringstrasse.

The flat course profile, along with long and wide stretches, is conducive to fast running, as confirmed by the current course records of 2:05:08 (men) and 2:20:59 (women). The organisers have invited elite athletes to compete and aim to improve these results.

Music in the DNA of the marathon

Along the Vienna City Marathon route, 65 cheering zones will be set up to energise participants and transform the Austrian capital into a multi-dimensional sporting and cultural space on marathon day.

An integral part of the marathon weekend will be the “Concert for the Marathon”, taking place on Saturday, 18 April at 11:00 in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna. 

The renowned Vienna Symphony Orchestra will perform on one stage together with 42 VCM runners selected through video applications. Among them will be Aaron Gruen, Austrian marathon record holder (2:09:53), who will perform selected pieces on the cello. The musicians will present works by Strauss, Schubert, Brahms, Suppé and Lehár, creating the perfect warm-up for the Vienna City Marathon. 

“Vienna City Marathon brings together all the elements that define the European Marathon Classics: a high-quality race course, a strong urban experience, and the integration of sport with culture. In Vienna, it is particularly evident how naturally running fits into the rhythm of the city, with music in the DNA of the race”, says Kathrin Widu, CEO of the Vienna City Marathon.

The Vienna City Marathon will take place on 19 April. A live broadcast of the event will be available online on the European Marathon Classics YouTube channel.

Second stop in the European Marathon Classics series

The Vienna City Marathon is the second race in the European Marathon Classics calendar, a series combining eight marathons held from March to October in Rome, Vienna, London, Madrid, Copenhagen, Warsaw, Lisbon and Frankfurt.
The project was officially launched on 25 February 2026 in Vienna, at Schönbrunn Palace. It goes far beyond a running series, functioning as a platform that promotes healthy lifestyles and sustainability. It also encourages people to push their limits and brings together runners and local communities across Europe.

Interest in the European Marathon Classics is growing rapidly. Seven weeks after opening registration on the EMC platform, nearly 14,000 runners from 112 countries have joined the challenge. After the first race in Rome, more than 2,300 e-coins have been issued to runners’ EMC profiles.

How to earn European Marathon Classics Medal?

To earn the title of “European Marathon Classics Finisher” and a commemorative medal with collectible magnetic coins, participants need to complete five marathons in five different cities. There is no time limit to complete the challenge.
Registration for the series is free at www.europeanmarathonclassics.eu. Fees apply only to individual races, in accordance with the organisers’ rules.

From the third quarter of 2026, in partnership with LetsDoThis.com, runners will be able to submit historical marathon results dating back to 1978 from EMC courses. Each completed or approved historical marathon will earn an e-coin displayed in the participant’s EMC profile.

For registration and more information please visit: www.europeanmarathonclassics.eu 


EMC Media Release