Elite runners target course records at Lake Constance marathon
Friday 9th October 2026 on 17:15 in
Austria
The 3-Country Marathon weekend at Lake Constance has attracted a record 17,000 registrations, while several elite runners will target course records, ORF reports.
At the 19th edition, four African runners will try to beat the men’s marathon record of 2:09:15, set by Kenya’s Mark Kiptoo in 2023. Ethiopia’s Fikre Bekele Tefera has the fastest personal best among them, at 2:06:16. Kenya’s Robert Kipkemboi has run 2:07:09, Cosmas Lagat 2:08:14 and Kiprop Limo 2:11:18.
Organisers have assigned two pacemakers to help keep the leading group on record pace. The marathon starts at 9:45 a.m. in Lindau and finishes in Bregenz.
Schöneborn leads women’s field
Germany’s Deborah Schöneborn, 32, is among the favourites in the women’s race. Her marathon best is 2:24:54, faster than the course record of 2:26:08 set by Switzerland’s Helen Bekele in 2024. Schöneborn finished 18th in the marathon at the Tokyo Olympics, held in Sapporo, in 2:33:08. After months affected by injuries and setbacks, she hopes to rediscover enjoyment and ease in running.
Her twin sister Rabea, who ran the event last year, will support her. A pacemaker and several male runners are expected to help form a group aiming for a fast, even pace.
Half-marathon records also in range
Both half-marathon records could also be challenged. The men’s record, 1:03:13, was set by Kenya’s Joel Mwangi in 2011. Last year’s winner, Brian Kipchumba, has since recorded a personal best of 1:00:37.
Kenya’s Mercyline Cherono has a best of 1:13:31, putting her within reach of the women’s record of 1:15:06, set by Germany’s Bernadette Pichlmaier in 2009. The half-marathon starts at 10:30 a.m.
Record registrations
More than 3,400 people have registered for the marathon, a record for the event and the first time the number has exceeded 3,000. The half-marathon reached its 7,000-place limit, prompting organisers to close registration on August 1. They said the cap was intended to ensure a smooth event and maintain quality at the start in Lindau, along the route and at the finish in Bregenz. More than 2,700 have registered for the quarter-marathon.
ORF Sport+ and ORF ON will broadcast the event live for the first time, with coverage starting at 9:40 a.m. ORF Radio Vorarlberg will broadcast live from Bregenz from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both marathon days.