2500 years after the legendary Phidippides ran from Marathon to Athens the Vienna-City-Marathon showed why these 42.195 kilometers still fascinate so many people.

Especially the first half is terrific:
Up to 30.000 participants leave the Vienna International Center to cross over the "Reichsbrücke" with a great view over the river Danube and the beautiful church "Franz von Assisi". Accompanied by thousands of spectators and cameras you turn left toward the "Prater" - Viennas green lung - passing the town's landmark - the "Riesenrad".
Then the course leads downtown, passing many famous streets and buildings, like the "Naschmarkt", "Urania" and the castle "Schönbrunn".
Then - as marathon-runner - you may watch the goal of the half-marathon behind the "Heldentor" and get a taste of what will expect you after the following 21 k's.
The second half is a little more quiet - but still very nice to run with bands and music and spectators to cheer you up and a long cut through the green alleys of the "Prater".
There was one very special thing to me: I really love drumming-bands at marathon-races but the sounds of the old austrian classical masters shortly before the goal of the vienna-city-marathon were fantastic!!

I consider this race as the most charming marathon - so if you haven't been there: Go for it !!