Vienna City Marathon 2026 Vienna, Austria
Overview
The Vienna City Marathon is Austria’s largest and most iconic sporting event, celebrated for its unique blend of athletic excellence and imperial grandeur. On April 19, 2026, the 43rd edition of the race will welcome over 45,000 participants from across the globe to run through one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals. The event is world-renowned for its “Blue Danube” start, where runners cross the 864-meter-long Reichsbrücke bridge to the strains of Johann Strauss’s famous waltz, creating an emotional “goosebump experience” that sets the tone for a monumental race.
The 2026 marathon is an Elite Label event that highlights Vienna’s rich cultural heritage, with a course that serves as a high-speed sightseeing tour. Participants pass the Prater Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel), the Vienna State Opera, and the stunning Schönbrunn Palace before reaching the grand finish line on the Ringstraße boulevard, positioned between the Burgtheater and City Hall. Known for its impeccable organization and high-energy cheering zones, the Vienna City Marathon offers a flat and fast track that is perfect for both elite competitors chasing course records and recreational runners seeking a personal best in a legendary setting.
Event Highlights
- Imperial Course Sightseeing: Run through the UNESCO World Heritage city center, passing major architectural landmarks like the Votiv Church, Parliament, and Heldenplatz.
- Vienna Sports World: Access the massive pre-race expo at Marx Halle on April 17-18, featuring over 100 brands, race bib collection, and the latest in athletic technology.
- VCM Saturday Events: Join the community spirit a day early with the Vienna 5K, The Daily Mile for children, and the Inclusion Run, making it a full weekend for the whole family.
- Prater Hauptallee Segment: Sprint through the historic Prater Hauptallee, the world-famous “World Heritage Site of Athletics” and the venue where the first sub-two-hour marathon was achieved.
Why Attend
The Vienna City Marathon is a must-attend for any runner who appreciates a race with a deep sense of history and “Imperial” flair. It is particularly well-suited for international visitors because the city’s compact nature allows you to stay in world-class hotels and walk or take short tram rides directly to the heart of the action. The mostly flat course, with a maximum elevation change of only 44 meters, provides one of the best opportunities in Europe to set a new personal record while enjoying a festive atmosphere fueled by classical music and cheering crowds.
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This event is also ideal for social runners and groups who can participate in the Relay Marathon, allowing teams of four to share the 42.195 km distance and cross the same grand finish line. Whether you are aiming for the full distance, the half-marathon, or simply enjoying the 5K on Saturday, the VCM community ensures a welcoming environment for all skill levels. Beyond the race, the timing in mid-April allows you to enjoy Vienna in the peak of spring, with its famous coffee houses, museums, and parks providing the perfect recovery environment.
Date & Duration
- Main Event Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026.
- Duration: The main race starts at 9:00 AM with a 6-hour official cut-off time.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Vienna, Austria.
- Venue: Start at Wagramer Straße (Reichsbrücke); Finish at Ringstraße (Burgtheater).
- Google Maps Address: Universitätsring 2, 1010 Wien, Austria.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are sold online via the official VCM Registration System; places are limited and often sell out months in advance.
- Admission Type: Paid registration for runners; viewing for spectators along the entire route is completely free.
- Ticket Pricing: Marathon entry fees are approximately $125 to $165; Half-marathon fees range from $112 to $135 depending on the registration contingent.
- Admission Type: Relay Marathon teams (4 runners) typically cost around $210 to $260 total.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: The VCM VIP Experience ($135) offers exclusive access to the Finisher Lounge at the Burgtheater with premium catering and prime finish-line views.
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Contact Information
- Email: office@vienna-marathon.com
- Phone: +43 1 606 95 10
- Website: https://www.vienna-marathon.com/
- Social Media:
- https://www.instagram.com/vienna_city_marathon
- https://www.facebook.com/vienna.city.marathon
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCceU4F1W2qQGdcKaMe-FyCA
- https://twitter.com/vienna_marathon
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Vienna International Airport (VIE), 18 km from the city center (~16 minutes by City Airport Train or 25 minutes by taxi).
- Public Transport: Use U-Bahn Line U1 to Alte Donau or Kaisermühlen-VIC for the start line; U2 and U3 serve the finish area at Rathaus/Volkstheater.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Use Bolt or Free Now; a taxi from the airport to the city center costs approximately $45-55.
- Parking: Use Park & Ride facilities like P+R Erdberg (~$5/day) as street parking is extremely limited and many roads are closed for the race.
- Other Access: Runners can use public transport for free on race day in certain zones (check your bib conditions for details).
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Hotel Sacher Wien (5-star, 1 km, world-famous historic luxury, ~$550-850/night); Arcotel Kaiserwasser (4-star, 0.2 km from start, overlooking the Danube ~$180-300/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Austria Trend Hotel Rathauspark (4-star, 0.3 km from finish, perfect for recovery, ~$160-250/night); Hotel Elaya City West (4-star, 2 km, stylish and central ~$130-190/night).
- Budget Stays: Motel One Wien-Staatsoper (3-star, 1.2 km, trendy and high-value, ~$100-160/night); Ibis Wien Messe (3-star, 1.5 km, close to the Prater park area ~$85-130/night).
Reviews
- Crossing the Reichsbrücke with the Strauss waltz playing was the most emotional start I have ever experienced.
- The course is very flat and fast, and the finish line area in front of the City Hall is absolutely spectacular.
- Great support from the locals and plenty of water stations, though the wind can be a factor near the river.
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FAQ's
How does the wardrobe/bag drop service work for the 2026 race?
For 2026, you must pre-book the wardrobe service in your personal VCM account by March 16 for a fee of approximately $3.30. You no longer drop bags at the start; instead, you must drop them at the Expo on Friday/Saturday or at the finish area on Sunday morning. This change ensures that your belongings are waiting for you immediately after you cross the finish line near the City Hall.
Can I switch from the full marathon to the half-marathon during the race?
Yes, if you are registered for the full marathon but feel unwell or unable to continue, you can finish at the half-marathon mark. You will still receive a finish time and a medal for the half-marathon, but please note that no price difference will be refunded. However, it is not possible to do the reverse; if you are registered for the half-marathon, you cannot continue onto the full marathon course.
Is there a specific time limit for the marathon and half-marathon?
The official cut-off time for the full marathon is 6 hours from the start of the last wave, typically around 3:00 PM. The half-marathon has a tighter window and is expected to be completed by approximately 11:15 AM to allow the marathoners through. Participants who fall significantly behind the pace may be asked to move to the sidewalk for safety as the roads begin to reopen.
What is included in the runner's "goodie bag" and finisher pack?
Every finisher receives a high-quality medal, a digital certificate, and a refreshment pack containing water, fruit, and energy snacks. The official VCM event t-shirt is not included in the basic entry fee but can be pre-ordered during registration for approximately $35. At the finish line, you can also enjoy a free cup of non-alcoholic Erdinger beer, which has become a beloved tradition of the Vienna race.
What happens if I need medical assistance during the event?
The VCM Medical Center is a world-class facility with mobile teams and fixed stations located every few kilometers along the entire course. Special "Medical Support" flags mark these stations, and there are defibrillators and ambulances stationed at all critical points and the finish. If you have a pre-existing condition, you can fill out a medical form in your runner profile to help the emergency teams assist you better.
