The capital of Austria should be on every runner’s bucket list. It is a place of contrast and a true feast for the eyes. While running, you can explore both sides of Vienna: the century-old buildings in the city centre, but at the same time the urban, hip and modern parts of town. By now, the city has definitely made its mark on
Main Vienna Running Races 2020
Vienna City Marathon
Date: 19th April 2020
Start Time: 9:00 AM
The biggest of all the Vienna running races with over 40.000 runners last year alone. You have the possibility to either run the full distance of 42.195 KM, the half distance of 21.0975 KM or relay distances. For the last couple of years, there has also been a 10k, as well as a 2k and 5k kids run as part of the VCM. The route itself is amazing and rich in variety, since it starts at the Danube, continues to Prater and from there in and out of downtown Vienna with the finish line being in the first district right between city hall and “Burgtheater”. Despite Austria being the country dominated by the Alps, the city of Vienna is comparatively flat, so it’s easy to run. Definitely, a must run for every marathon fan.
VCM Winter Series
Date: 15th December 2019, 26th January 2020, 23rd February 2020, 29th March 2020
Start Time: Varies
Each year before the marathon, runners have the chance to train with like-minded runners during the VCM winter series. It starts at Prater and you can choose the between the distances of 7k, 14k and half marathon. A very fun run, but bring some more layers.
Wings for Life World Run
Date: 3rd May 2020
Start Time: 13:00
A global charity race, in which you will run with fellow athletes from all over the world. You can run any distance between 1k and 100k, you just have to be faster than the Catcher Car. All in all, a very nice race with a different concept and for a very good cause – 100% of the earnings go directly to the spinal cord research foundation.
Halbmarathon
Date: April 2020
Start Time: 10:00
The half marathon in Vienna is exactly 21k and consists of three circles along the old parts of the Danube. Compared to the VCM it’s a little more cozy with around 1000 runners. You can also run shorter distances like 7k and 14k.
Smaller and Club Races
Vienna Night Run
Date: September 2020
Start Time: TBA
The Vienna Night Run is a 5k long charity run along the Ring Road on a pleasant late summer evening. No cars, no stress, just the old buildings in the middle of Vienna with music and drums on the side. One of our favorite Vienna running races.
Vienna Three Parks Run
The perfect way to experience the urban diversity and green side of Vienna – a guided run that will show you just why Vienna is considered one of the world’s most livable cities.
X Cross Run
Date: June 2020
Start Time: 8:00 AM
The X Cross is an obstacle race taking place in Prater. You can choose between doing one round with 5k or two rounds with 10k in total. While conquering the 16 obstacles, it’s not about competition, but about fun and costumes. So take your time, some friends and some old (!) running shoes and gear in order to get dirty. Also: Fellow runners are always glad to help if you should struggle with some obstacles.
Business Run
Date: 3rd September 2020
Start Time: 17:30 PM
A race for company teams consisting of 3 people each. Of course you can have more than one team. With the distance of 4.1k through Prater it’s a great run for beginners as well seasoned runners, and overall a great teambuilding opportunity.
Wildsau Dirt Run
Date: 1st August 2020
Start Time: TBA
You can take the Wildsau (wild boar) Dirt Run literally, because you will probably need a new set of clothes and certainly a long shower after this one. The track is 5k and you can choose to run it one, two or even four times. Be prepared for woods, streams and hills.
Vienna Trail Run
Date: 16thAugust 2020
Start Time: TBA
This one is less dirty than the previous one, but not less fun. It takes place in the Viennese Woods and you can choose between the “Light Trail” with 6.4k and 290m of vertical climb and the “Classic Trail” with 14k and 590m of vertical climb. So better pack your surefootedness and be ready to gain some altitude.
Of course this is just a small selection of the many Vienna Running Races. If you are looking for a rather individual running tour, you can always book one of ours. For more information on running in Vienna you can check out my guide to running in the city here. So put on your sneakers and have a good run!
Happy Running
Steffen
IBIZA RUNNING RACES 2020