Only in Vienna: The VCM celebrates the ultimate running party in the spirit of waltz king Johann Strauss
Lightness, dynamism and joie de vivre: the Vienna City Marathon (VCM) celebrates an unforgettable ‘Marathon in Strauss and Braus’ with around 45,000 runners on 5 and 6 April.
Inspired by the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss, the biggest VCM of all time will be dedicated to the Viennese music legend. Together with Johann Strauss 2025 Wien, the city will be transformed into a stage full of rhythm and movement. The organisers presented the programme at a media event at Schönbrunn Palace.
A waltz record at the start
The marathon begins on the beautiful blue Danube with a unique highlight: a world record attempt in waltz dancing. Under the guidance of dance professional Thomas Kraml, more than 2,025 couples will attempt to experience one minute of waltz magic in front of the Reichsbrücke at 8.35 am on Sunday morning - twirl, smile, enjoy.
Classical music meets percussion power
The sound of the VCM is not only classical, but also modern. Multi-percussionist Martin Grubinger takes on the challenge of the marathon distance as a runner and at the same time provides musical goosebump moments. Together with amateur musicians from the MyGroove SUPERBAND, he will perform the Danube Waltz live on the drumset along the route during the run.
A city runs & celebrates - with music, fans and a party atmosphere
Whether DJs, live bands or enthusiastic running communities such as the adidas Runners, the Early Birds or the Vienna Running Collective - music and fans ensure an incomparable experience at the numerous Cheering Zones. The Vienna City Marathon will be the ultimate running party, combining sport, culture and community in a unique way.
Record numbers and boundless enthusiasm
The enthusiasm for running is greater than ever! With around 13,000 registrations for the marathon distance, the previous registration record of 11,138 runners from 2001 will be significantly surpassed. In total, the VCM is expecting around 45,000 registered runners on both days of the event - a new record!
‘The VCM is a festival for everyone!’
‘The VCM day is a day like no other in Vienna. We celebrate an event that puts sport, health and community at the centre. As a marathon in the city of music, we combine running with the world-famous sounds of Johann Strauss and create experiences that can only be found here,’ says VCM Managing Director Kathrin Widu.
VCM Managing Director Dominik Konrad is also delighted with the growing enthusiasm: ‘More participants mean more fans, more atmosphere and even greater appeal for our projects. The collaboration with ‘Johann Strauss 2025 Vienna’ and the cultural sector opens up new target groups and exciting, creative staging opportunities for us.’
Combining Strauss & sport
Whether waltz fans, amateur runners or professionals - at the Vienna City Marathon 2025, Vienna will become the stage for an unforgettable running spectacle and the sounds of Johann Strauss will resonate beyond the usual theatre and concert business, as Roland Geyer, Director Johann Strauss 2025 Vienna, emphasises:
‘Johann Strauss' music gets people moving - just like a marathon. We are all the more delighted that we are combining Vienna's cultural diversity with sport together with the Vienna City Marathon as the City of Vienna's festive year. In addition to the bat race for the little ones, the waltz world record at the start on the Reichsbrücke and a special Strauss classification among 200 runners, Austria's star percussionist Martin Grubinger will also provide a highlight: he will switch to his drumset twice during the 42 kilometres - a unique interplay of sport and music!’
Top marathon runner Andreas Vojta emphasises: ‘The VCM is a running festival with an incredible atmosphere. Especially as a home race for me and people from Vienna, it's a very special thing. The Danube waltz at the start is simply part of the VCM.’
