Graz marathon triggers widespread road closures

The Graz Marathon will bring extensive traffic restrictions this weekend, with the city centre becoming a running zone, ORF Steiermark reported. Drivers are advised to expect delays and use alternative routes.

The Burgring and Opernring will close from Saturday morning for event preparations and preliminary races. From 7 a.m. on Sunday, restrictions will apply across the city.

The marathon route, running from the city centre over the Kepler Bridge to Weinzödl, will be closed to traffic until 5 p.m. Vehicles can enter the restricted area only until 7 a.m. On designated exits along the runners’ route, drivers may leave until 9 a.m.

The ÖAMTC motoring club advises avoiding non-essential trips into the city on Sunday. Drivers who need to cross Graz are urged to take a wider detour via the Bahnhofgürtel and Eggenberger Gürtel in the west, or the Südgürtel.

Spectators are advised to leave their cars at a park-and-ride facility. Graz Linien services will also be affected, with diversions and shortened routes for trams and buses.