Your Start on VCM Sunday

All information for a smooth start on VCM Sunday

To create a great running experience together, we ask for your help in preparing the starting lineup on Sunday, April 19.

9 a.m.:
Start Marathon, Wiener Städtische Half Marathon & Powerade Relay Marathon

Most Important Info

  • Until March 16 you can check and adjust your target time in your VCM account.
  • If necessary, change your target time—only indicate realistic times!
  • Fast runners (3:40 marathon and 1:50 half marathon) must upload a performance verification by needing to March 16. ⓘ
  • You will be assigned to a starting block from A to F based on the time you specify.
  • Without verification, we must assign you to a rear block.
  • You will find out your assigned starting block when collecting your bib number—it is printed on your bib.
  • No changes possible to your starting block afterwards, neither online nor at the expo.
  • Starting blocks will be checked on site.
  • You are welcome to voluntarily start from a rear block, e.g. to run together with a friend.
  • Timing only starts when you cross the start line (net timing).
This way, things work well for you and the entire running community. A suitable starting order ensures a smooth run.

Thanks for the support!

Start Blocks

  • Each block has its own color and is marked on site with colored beach flags.
  • On the front of your bib you will find your block letter (A to F) and a dot in your block's color. An additional symbol is printed if you have booked the baggage service.
  • The block plan is printed on the back of your bib.
  • The entrance to your block is always at the rear of the respective block.
  • Sometimes runners with similar target times are assigned to different blocks. That’s because all starting blocks should be the same size.
  • Toilets are located in the area and also inside the start blocks.
     

Start Block A1, A2, A3 and Superfast Runners

The A block for the faster runners is divided into several separate sectors. 
 
  • Access is from 8:15 a.m. because the Tchibo Coffee Run 10K starts first here.
  • The accesses are marked with their own beach flags.
  • Championships & Superfast Runners: This is where the participants of the Hungarian Marathon Championships and especially fast runners (marathon and half marathon), some of whom perform at a near-elite level, start.
  • A1, A2, A3: With three further sectors within Block A, we fine-tune the lineup so that runners with the most similar pace start in each area.
  • Assignment is based on your performance verification.
  • Why do we do this: There is a growing number of ambitious and fast runners for whom we want to create good conditions. The start phase is particularly important here. Since the running speeds within Block A can vary widely, we divide the block into several sectors.
  • Note: Do your warm-up outside of the start block. In sectors A1, A2 and A3, there is very limited space for warming up.
     

Start Times

  • Block A 9:00
  • Block B 9:06
  • Block C 9:13
  • Block D 9:19
  • Block E 9:26

  • Block F 9:33

    The starting process ends at 9:40 a.m. Participation is not possible after that.

Graphical representation of the starting blocks at the Vienna City Marathon 2026 on the Reichsbrücke. Color coded starting zones (A–F) and an elite starting area. Entrances, underpasses, subway stations (U1 Kaisermühlen VIC & Alte Donau) and bag drop for 21K/42K are marked. The Danube surrounds the area.
Enlarge start block graphic 🔍

Arrival | Subway Stations

The start is located on Wagramer Straße, accessible via U1 subway line.
Learn more about arrival here.


Use the U1 station "Alte Donau"
  • if you are starting in blocks E or F
  • if you want to drop a baggage bag, regardless of your start block
  • For block C: Go via Kratochwiljestraße directly to the block entrance.
Use U1 station "Kaisermühlen / Vienna International Centre"
  • if you are starting in blocks A B C D and don't want to drop a bag.
  • For blocks B and D without bag drop: Take the “Donau-City-Straße” subway exit to reach your start block through the underpass.

Baggage Deposit

Last baggage drop-off 8:30 a.m.
The baggage trucks are located at the rear of the lineup.
No liability for loss or theft. Leave valuables at home.
The drop-off cannot be available for longer because the trucks will not be able to find a route through the city later to get to the finish in time.

Find all info about booking & using the bag deposit service.
Without booking by March 16, it is not possible to hand over baggage.

8 a.m.:
Start Tchibo Coffee Run 10K

Most Important Info

  • The Tchibo Coffee Run 10K starts at 8:00 a.m. from a single starting block - right at the front of the lineup on Wagramer Straße, to the right in the running direction.
  • Sort yourself according to your running pace, so that everyone gets off to a smooth start.
  • Timing only starts when you cross the start line (net timing).
  • If you have booked the bag service and want to drop your bag, use the U1 “Alte Donau” station.
The Tchibo Coffee Run 10K starts one hour before the marathon, half marathon, and relay marathon. There will already be many people in the start area. Be attentive and look forward to a great running experience.

Thanks for the support!
Graphical representation of the starting blocks at the Vienna City Marathon 2026 on the Reichsbrücke. Color coded starting zones (A–F) and an elite starting area. Entrances, underpasses, subway stations (U1 Kaisermühlen VIC & Alte Donau) and bag drop for 21K/42K are marked. The Danube surrounds the area.
Enlarge start block graphic 🔍