Wachau Marathon targets new records with 8,000 runners
Thursday 3rd September 2026 on 19:45 in
Austria
Organisers expect the Wachau Marathon to attract about 8,000 participants and top Kenyan athletes when the race returns for its 26th edition on September 13, ORF reported. A new route in Krems will be used because the Mautern Bridge is closed.
The event follows a successful anniversary edition last year, when both the men’s and women’s half-marathon course records were broken. Kenya’s Mkulia Kipkandie won the men’s race in 59 minutes and 48 seconds, just three seconds outside the fastest half-marathon time ever recorded in Austria. Cynthia Chepkwony set the women’s record in 1 hour, 8 minutes and 33 seconds.
Kipkandie will return to defend his record, while the women’s race is expected to feature times well below 1 hour and 10 minutes. Organiser Michael Buchleitner said new records were theoretically possible in both races, but that the priority was for all participants to enjoy the weekend.
Three distances and starting points
The full marathon covers 42.195 kilometres and starts in Emmersdorf. The half-marathon covers 21.1 kilometres and begins in Spitz, while the quarter-marathon covers 11 kilometres and starts in Achleiten. All three races follow the Danube through the Wachau and finish in Krems.
The flat route, with only minor changes in elevation, allows runners to maintain a steady rhythm and is intended to appeal to elite and recreational participants alike.
In the Krems city area, the route has been slightly changed this year because the Mautern Bridge is closed. The quarter-marathon, half-marathon and marathon will use a shared route through the city to keep private traffic moving. The old town will not be affected, and the start and finish areas will remain in their previous locations.
Race to be broadcast live
ORF will broadcast the Wachau Marathon live for the first time on ORF 1 and stream it on ORF ON from 9:40 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 13. The coverage will focus on the elite half-marathon and the attempt to set new course records, while also following the marathon and quarter-marathon.