Running News Daily

The spotlight may shine brightest on the women’s race at the Vienna City Marathon on April 19, where a deep Ethiopian lineup is ready to push the pace. Haftamnesh Tesfaye and Tigist Gezahagn lead the elite field, with organizers targeting not only the course record of 2:20:59 but potentially the first sub-2:20 performance in race history.

They will be challenged by Kenya’s defending champion Betty Chepkemoi, who returns with confidence after a breakthrough victory last year.

A record 46,000 athletes are entered across the two-day event, including 13,000 marathon runners, reinforcing Vienna’s position as one of Europe’s premier spring marathons and a World Athletics Elite Label Road Race.

Could Vienna see a Tesfaye breakthrough moment

Earlier this month, Foyten Tesfaye shocked the marathon world with a stunning 2:10:51 debut in Barcelona, becoming one of the fastest women ever. While that level may be out of reach here, her older sister Haftamnesh Tesfaye arrives as a serious contender.

Now 31, Tesfaye ran 2:20:13 in her 2018 Dubai debut, which remains her personal best. After stepping away from the sport in 2020 and becoming a mother of two, she returns to the marathon stage in strong form and well prepared.

She has been training in Addis Ababa under Gemedu Dedefo alongside a world-class group that includes Olympic silver medalist and former world record holder Tigst Assefa, Chicago Marathon champion Hawi Feysa, and Dubai and Berlin winner Tigist Ketema.

Tigist Gezahagn, 26, has already won a marathon this year, taking victory in Doha in January with a personal best of 2:21:14. She now sets her sights on Vienna’s course record.

Her manager Tadesse Abraham said her recovery from Doha has gone well and that she is capable of a very strong performance if conditions are favorable. Gezahagn trains in Addis Ababa under coach Getamesay Molla.

Defending champion Betty Chepkemoi may not top the start list, but she brings momentum. Last year, in freezing conditions, she surged to victory in 2:24:14, improving dramatically in just her second marathon.

She said her training has gone well and that she hopes to improve her personal best and defend her title. Chepkemoi trains in Kapsabet under Claudio Berardelli.

American Lindsay Flanagan is the fastest non African woman in the field with a personal best of 2:23:31 from Chicago. After a long injury break, Vienna will mark her return to the marathon distance.

Another athlete to watch is Kenya’s Faith Chepkoech, who made a strong impression here two years ago when she finished second in her marathon debut with 2:26:22. She returns aiming to go even faster.

With a fast course, deep international field, and favorable expectations, Vienna is set up for a high level race. If conditions cooperate, the women’s field could deliver one of the most exciting performances of the spring season.