Kenyan Elite Runners Prepare for the Vienna City Marathon
The anticipation surrounding the 42nd Vienna City Marathon is palpable, as a trio of elite Kenyan runners gears up to claim victory in this iconic event. Scheduled for Sunday, the marathon promises to be a fast race, with Justus Kangogo, Asbel Rutto, and Stanley Kurgat set to challenge their personal bests. Leading the charge is Kangogo, boasting an impressive personal best of 2:05:57, making him a formidable contender in this World Athletics Elite Label race.
The Vienna City Marathon has established itself as Austria’s premier road running event. This year, a record-breaking total of over 45,000 athletes have registered for various running events, including more than 13,000 competitors in the marathon itself. This surge in participation reflects the growing popularity of the race, marking a significant milestone in its history.
Dominik Konrad, General Manager of the Vienna City Marathon, highlighted the event’s economic impact on the city. “The marathon has become a major draw for runners from 146 nations, reflecting its global appeal,” he stated at the press conference. This year’s event is expected to enhance the vibrant atmosphere of Vienna, which is known for its historic charm and stunning architecture, making it an attractive destination for both runners and spectators alike.
Race organizers have high hopes for an exhilarating competition, with expectations set for the leading group to aim for a half marathon split time of 62:30 to 62:45. However, the weather forecast presents a challenge, as conditions are anticipated to be cold, with temperatures just above freezing at the start time of 9:00 AM. This factor will play a crucial role in whether the existing course record of 2:05:08 stands strong.
In the absence of a clear frontrunner, organizers are optimistic about witnessing a thrilling contest among the elite runners. Both Asbel Rutto and Justus Kangogo have expressed their intent to push the pace early on in the race. Rutto, who set a remarkable personal best of 2:06:24 during a solo run in Rome last year, stated, “When you are staying behind, you cannot win the race! On Sunday, I will aim to run a personal best.” His determination could very well set the stage for a competitive marathon.
Kangogo is equally motivated. Reflecting on the course, he said, “I looked at the Vienna City Marathon route online. It looks attractive, and if the weather cooperates, I hope to run a personal best here.” Alongside these two prominent names, Stanley Kurgat, who has previously served as a pacemaker in Vienna, carries the advantage of familiarity with parts of the course. Kurgat’s personal best stands at 2:07:05, and he is keen to utilize his knowledge of the terrain to enhance his performance on race day.
Additional notable participants include Douglas Chebii, who boasts a personal best of 2:06:31, and Bernard Muia, who was last year’s runner-up. Muia’s recent 2:09:17 performance in Munich positions him as a potential dark horse. Meanwhile, Wisley Kibichii, making his marathon debut, stands out with an impressive half marathon record of 59:57, adding an element of unpredictability to this year’s race.
Impressive Elite Field: Personal Bests
- Justus Kangogo (KEN) – 2:05:57
- Asbel Rutto (KEN) – 2:06:24
- Douglas Chebii (KEN) – 2:06:31
- Stanley Kurgat (KEN) – 2:07:05
- Charles Ndiema (KEN) – 2:08:12
- Benard Kimeli (KEN) – 2:08:34
- Bernard Muia (KEN) – 2:09:17
- Mica Cheserek (KEN) – 2:09:26
- Kipsambu Kimakal (KEN) – 2:09:41
- Geoffrey Koech (KEN) – 2:10:12
- Haftamu Abadi (ETH) – 2:10:33
- Lemawork Ketema (AUT) – 2:10:44
- Gadisa Tajebe (ETH) – 2:11:02
- Edward Koonyo (KEN) – 2:11:24
- Evans Yego (KEN) – 2:12:56
- Henry Kichana (KEN) – 2:13:06
- Andreas Vojta (AUT) – 2:13:43
- Andrew Davies (GBR) – 2:14:23
- Daverso Ramos (PER) – 2:14:25
- Wisley Kibichii (KEN) – Debut
- Mogos Tuemay (ETH) – Debut
This weekend, all eyes will be on the streets of Vienna as elite runners aim to showcase their talents in pursuit of personal bests and an unforgettable marathon experience. With a strong lineup of athletes, the 42nd edition of the Vienna City Marathon promises to be a highlight of the running calendar.
