Running News Daily

The Vienna City Marathon delivered a dramatic day of racing as Ethiopia’s Tigist Gezahagnshattered the course record and Kenya’s Fanny Kiprotich pulled off a surprise victory in the men’s race.

Gezahagn ran 2:20:06, slicing through the previous course record while also setting a personal best. The 26-year-old, who is visually impaired and a Paralympic 1500m champion, showed remarkable strength in the closing stages. Locked in a tight battle with fellow Ethiopian Haftamnesh Tesfaye, she made her decisive move inside the final kilometer, pulling clear in the last few hundred meters. Tesfaye, returning to the marathon after maternity leave, ran 2:20:18 to match her personal best from seven years ago. Kenya’s Hellen Chepkorir finished third in 2:23:48.

The women’s race quickly turned into a two-runner contest. Gezahagn and Tesfaye broke away early, hitting 10K in 33:30 with a growing gap. After a 70:24 half marathon split, the pace intensified. Tesfaye briefly fell near 30K after clipping Gezahagn’s heel but quickly rejoined the lead. The race remained close until Gezahagn surged again at 41K, creating a gap she would carry to the finish.

“This is a huge victory for me,” said Gezahagn. “The atmosphere was great. The warm temperatures did not bother me, but there was some wind.”

In the men’s race, few expected the outcome that unfolded. Fanny Kiprotich, a relative newcomer on the international stage, delivered a breakthrough performance, winning in 2:06:53 and improving his personal best by more than four minutes.

Pre-race favorite Oqbe Kibrom finished second in 2:08:10, while Kenya’s Charles Mneria took third in 2:08:42.

The early pace suggested a fast race, with the lead group hitting halfway in 63:06. After the pacemakers dropped out around 25K, four athletes remained in contention. Kiprotich made his first decisive move around 28K, and only Kibrom could respond. Passing 30K in 1:30:14, the race was still wide open—but Kiprotich surged again with about 10K to go and broke the race apart.

“I was confident because I was well prepared,” said Kiprotich. “My training was very good. I hope to improve significantly again in my next race.”

The 24-year-old had run just one previous marathon—winning in Tallinn last year in 2:11:21—making this performance all the more impressive.

The race also featured strong local performances, with Andreas Vojta finishing ninth in 2:15:07 as the top Austrian man, and Eva Wutti leading the Austrian women in 10th place with 2:42:37.

Now in its 43rd edition, the Vienna City Marathon continues to grow as one of Europe’s premier road races. A record 12,995 runners entered the marathon, while a total of 49,379 athletes from 150 countries participated across all weekend events.

One of the weekend’s standout performances came on Saturday in the Vienna 5K, where Austria’s Lisa Redlinger set a national record of 15:34, breaking the previous mark by six seconds.

Men

Fanny Kiprotich (KEN) – 2:06:53

Oqbe Kibrom (ERI) – 2:08:10

Charles Mneria (KEN) – 2:08:42

Samwel Kiptoo (KEN) – 2:09:03

Simon Mwangi (KEN) – 2:09:05

Tafese Delegen (ETH) – 2:09:55

Mica Cheserek (KEN) – 2:12:15

Adam Lomb (HUN) – 2:12:48

Women

Tigist Gezahagn (ETH) – 2:20:06

Haftamnesh Tesfaye (ETH) – 2:20:18

Hellen Chepkorir (KEN) – 2:23:48

Faith Chepkoech (KEN) – 2:28:10

Tegest Ymer (ETH) – 2:28:15

Mary Granja (ECU) – 2:28:29

Lindsay Flanagan (USA) – 2:28:34

Vaida Zusinaite (LTU) – 2:35:29

The stage is set for an electrifying edition of the Vienna City Marathon as an impressive field of international stars prepares to take on the streets of Vienna. With proven champions, rising contenders, and elite distance specialists all confirmed, fans can expect a thrilling battle from start to finish.

Leading the spotlight is Kenya’s Betty Chepkemoi, who returns as defending champion determined to protect her crown after last year’s triumph. Her experience on the Vienna course makes her one of the standout names in the women’s race.

She will face fierce competition from Ethiopia’s talented duo of Haftamnesh Tesfaye and Tigist Gezahagn, both eager to challenge for top honors and continue Ethiopia’s proud tradition of marathon excellence.

The international women’s field is further strengthened by American standout Lindsay Flanagan, whose consistency and strength over the marathon distance make her a serious contender for the podium.

In the men’s race, Eritrea’s Oqbe Kibrom brings major championship pedigree and determination, while Kenya’s Stanley Kurgat and Mica Cheserek add more firepower to an already loaded field.

Beyond the elite competition, the atmosphere in Vienna promises to be unforgettable, with thousands of spectators expected to line the route and cheer on runners from around the world. The race has built a reputation for fast times, passionate crowds, and unforgettable moments—and this year looks no different.

With so much talent assembled on one start line, the Vienna City Marathon is ready to deliver another chapter of world-class road racing. All eyes now turn to Vienna for what could be one of the season’s most exciting marathon battles.

Big Event, Global Field

Around 13,000 runners will take part in the marathon, with a total of 49,000 participants across all events, representing 150 countries

Elite Field (Personal Bests)

MEN

Oqbe Kibrom (ERI) – 2:05:37

Tafese Delegen (ETH) – 2:06:11

Stanley Kurgat (KEN) – 2:07:05

Albert Kangogo (KEN) – 2:07:26

Charles Mneria (KEN) – 2:08:54

Micah Cheserek (KEN) – 2:09:26

Samwel Kiptoo (KEN) – 2:09:45

Aaron Gruen (AUT) – 2:09:53

Paul Tiongik (KEN) – 2:10:25

Abel Sikowo (UGA) – 2:10:33

Mogos Tuemay (ETH) – 2:10:33

Fanny Kiprotich (KEN) – 2:11:21

Andreas Vojta (AUT) – 2:13:43

The Vienna City Marathon returns on April 19 with a deep elite field and the promise of fast racing on one of Europe’s most scenic courses. Now in its 43rd edition, the race continues to grow in stature, drawing top international talent alongside strong national contenders.

Organizers have recorded a record 49,000 entries, with 13,000 runners set to tackle the classic marathon distance—further cementing Vienna’s place as a major destination on the global running calendar.

Women’s Race: Record in Sight

The women’s race could be historic. If conditions cooperate, the field may challenge both the course record and potentially break 2:20:00 for the first time on Austrian soil.

Four years ago, Kenya’s Vibian Chepkirui set the current course record of 2:20:59. This year, a trio of standout contenders could push the pace even further.

Ethiopia’s Haftamnesh Tesfaye leads the field with a personal best of 2:20:13. She is joined by compatriot Tigist Gezahagn (2:21:14), making Ethiopia a strong force at the front. Tesfaye also brings added intrigue as the sister of rising star Fotyen Tesfay.

Defending champion Betty Chepkemoi returns after a gritty win last year in difficult conditions, where she clocked a personal best of 2:24:14. Should the weather turn cold again, it could once more play to her strengths.

American Lindsay Flanagan adds further depth to the field. With a personal best of 2:23:31, she begins her comeback following injury and will be one to watch.

Men’s Race: Depth and Local Ambition

The men’s race features exceptional depth, with four athletes holding personal bests under 2:08:00.

Eritrea’s Oqbe Kibrom leads the field with a standout best of 2:05:37 and enters as the clear favorite. He will face strong competition from Ethiopia’s Tafese Delegen (2:06:11), along with Kenya’s Stanley Kurgat (2:07:05) and Albert Kangogo (2:07:26).

Beyond the front group, the race includes several sub-2:10 performers, ensuring a competitive and tactical contest.

A major storyline for the host nation centers on Austrian record holder Aaron Gruen. He surprised many last year by setting a national record of 2:09:53 and will now compete in Vienna for the first time, aiming to improve further on home soil.

Elite Fields – Personal Bests

MEN

Oqbe Kibrom (ERI) – 2:05:37

Tafese Delegen (ETH) – 2:06:11

Stanley Kurgat (KEN) – 2:07:05

Albert Kangogo (KEN) – 2:07:26

Charles Mneria (KEN) – 2:08:54

Mica Cheserek (KEN) – 2:09:26

Samwel Kiptoo (KEN) – 2:09:45

Aaron Gruen (AUT) – 2:09:53

Paul Tiongik (KEN) – 2:10:25

Abel Sikowo (UGA) – 2:10:33

Mogos Tuemay (ETH) – 2:10:33

Fanny Kiprotich (KEN) – 2:11:21

Andreas Vojta (AUT) – 2:13:43

WOMEN

Haftamnesh Tesfaye (ETH) – 2:20:13

Tigist Gezahagn (ETH) – 2:21:14

Lindsay Flanagan (USA) – 2:23:31

Betty Chepkemoi (KEN) – 2:24:14

Mary Granja (ECU) – 2:26:34

Faith Chepkoech (KEN) – 2:26:22

Hellen Chepkorir (KEN) – 2:27:17

Tegest Ymer (ETH) – 2:29:11

Caroline Korir (KEN) – 2:29:46

Abigail Jepkemboi (KEN) – 2:29:56

Eva Wutti (AUT) – 2:30:43

Aiwa Sakaguchi (JPN) – 2:31:50

Hanne Maridal (NOR) – 2:32:14

Vaida Zusinaite (LTU) – 2:32:50

Susanna Saapunki (FIN) – Debut

The Tallinn Marathon, held on Sunday, was won by Kenyan runner Samwel Kiptoo. Tiidrek Nurme was crowned Estonian champion, finishing fourth overall.

Thirty-year-old Samwel Kiptoo finished the race with a time of 2 hours, 13 minutes and 48 seconds. The last time a Kenyan marathoner did not win in Tallinn was in 2018 when Roman Fosti claimed first place.

The second to cross the finish line was Ethiopian Geleto Barecha Tolosa, trailing the winner by 22 seconds. Kenyan Ishmael Chelanga Kalale came in third, finishing 51 seconds behind Kiptoo.

Tiidrek Nurme, running his first marathon on home soil, was the fastest Estonian, placing fourth overall with a time of 2:15:04. He missed out on third place by just 25 seconds.

Leonid Latsepov secured the silver medal in the Estonian championships, finishing fifth overall (+2:56). Bert Tippi took the bronze, placing eighth overall (+13:54).

In the women's race, Kenyan runners swept the podium. Mercy Kwambai claimed victory with a course record of 2:31:09, breaking the previous mark set two years ago by fellow Kenyan Pauline Thitu by 20 seconds. Kwambai also finished 10th overall.

Hildah Jepkogei Cheboi took second place with a time of 2:31:29, while Euliter Jepchirchir Tanui secured third with a time of 2:31:48.