Two decades of the Linz Marathon are celebrated with a new course record. In the supreme discipline of the marathon, the best time of Ukrainian Alexander Kuzin from 2007 (2:07:33) is pulverized six times after 15 years. The winner Fikre Bekele from Ethiopia reached the finish line in a sensational top time of 2:06:13 and is thus the new record holder in Linz. Optimal running conditions made for a perfect running festival. Despite the new record times, Linz wants to remain a marathon for the masses and continue to impress with its high quality.
Perfect running conditions, a new course record, five more top times under the record from 2007 and an anniversary. The marathon stronghold of Linz puts a new exclamation mark on its 20th anniversary with a new and impressive course record in the men's race and autumn-sunny running conditions as well as thousands of spectators along the course. Fikre Bekele from Ethiopia brings a new course record to the finish line in 2:06:13 and is thus the new record holder in Linz. After 15 years, the former record of Alexander Kuzin (2007: 2:07:33) was beaten five more times for the anniversary. Thewomen's race was won by Andrea Haslinger of Austria in a time of 3:07:49. In total, exactly 10,047 participants from almost 60 nations made the 20th Oberbank Linz Danube Marathon an anniversary celebration for all sports enthusiasts at temperatures around 12° Celsius.
The marathon city of Linz presents itself with an impressive new course record and no less than five other top times on the occasion of its round anniversary, all of which are below the record set in 2007! A particularly dense and top-class elite field characterized the entry list for the 20th Oberbank Linz Danube Marathon. The entire elite field included 14 runners and four pacemakers, led by Ethiopian Ayele Abshreo with a personal best of 2:04:23 and Ugandan Filex Chemonges (PB 2:05:12). The top line-up was made possible by a recent major commitment from main sponsor Oberbank Linz and the parallel signing of international athlete manager Christoph Kopp.
After 15 years, the best time of 2:07:33, which was set by Alexander Kuzin in 2007, has been broken. Fikre Bekele (ETH) crossed the finish line in a time of 2:06:13 after an impressive run in autumnal conditions. For the second time, the holding of the competitions moved to the cooler half of the year, and the voest freeway bridge also provided fresh perspectives at the spectacular start. "A highlight of this year's anniversary marathon was definitely the men's elite race, which was able to show enormous potential thanks to our main sponsor Oberbank," says an overjoyed head of organization Günther Weidlinger. Main sponsor Oberbank made it possible to sign up a number of elite runners who once again ensured top times in Linz.
Sunshine and temperatures around 12° provided optimal conditions for the 20th anniversary marathon in the Upper Austrian capital. Exactly 10,047 running enthusiasts from nearly 60 nations took to the starting line and once again made Linz the center of running. Compared to the previous year, there were 20 percent more participants in the running events. Supported by "Lauffeuer LIMA," the Linz Marathon mascot, and numerous spectators, the starting shots for a total of six events were fired on Linz's voest freeway bridge between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m.
"I'm delighted that after 15 years we can finally present a new course record in Linz. And on the 20th anniversary, that really rounds off the victory," says an overjoyed race director Günther Weidlinger.
Ethiopian Fikre Bekele was the first to cross the finish line at Linz's main square in 2:06:13, pulverizing Akexander Kuzin's record by one minute and 20 seconds. Winner Bekele: "It was optimal running conditions. I am very satisfied with my performance in Linz. It was optimal preparation and perfect support. I am very happy about my victory here. The crowd was just great and my colleagues pushed me to a top time." His opponent Bethwel Chumba (KEN 2:06:23) immediately delivered the second best time ever run in Linz but could not stop Bekele and finished second. Kenyan Douglas Chebii was third with 2:06:27, followed by Moroccan Othmane El Goumri (2:06:30), Berhane Tekle (ERI, 2:07:20) and Kenyan Noah Kipkemboi (2:07:20). They all ran record times, which were below the previous best of 2:07:33. Best Austrian was Philip Horwarth (bib number 518) from Timelkam with rank 15 (2:37:06).
The 2022 marathon winner is Andrea Haslinger. She proved her strength in a time of 3:07:49 and took an impressive victory in Linz. Followed by Sandra Vlasich (3:07:57) and Anna Panholzer (3:11:23), three Austrians impressed in the women's marathon competition. "The Oberbank 'Frau läuft' campaign has been very popular for years. We can also see that in black and white from the starter numbers," said race director Weidlinger. "It is all the more pleasing that this year there are three Austrian women among the best marathon runners," says Weidlinger.
The winner of the half marathon is Filmon Teklebrhan from Germany and impresses in an impressive winning time of 1:02:56. At the state championships in the half marathon it became exciting. Three top runners with similar best performances, all set in 2022, competed. The fastest in the field Andreas Vojta with a time of 1:03:18 from the Prague Half Marathon in April. Out of training, Andi finished second in 1:09:10 at the Munich half marathon two weeks ago. Vojta holds three Austrian records (1000m indoor & outdoor, 5km road race), was named "Austria's Track Athlete of the Year" four times and "Vienna's Athlete of the Year" in 2021. In Linz, he confirmed these impressive achievements with a second place in the half marathon, which also secured him the state championship title. With 1:03:19 Vojta clearly showed up and confirmed his high level.
Just behind Vojta, Dominik Stadlmann finished second in the state championships and third in the half marathon with 1:03:22. Third place at the state championships went to European police champion Mario Bauernfeind with 1:05:05.
A close race for the state championship and half marathon title was delivered by the ladies. Three Austrians were among the winners. Sandrina Illes from Union St. Pölten won the half marathon and state championship title with a top time of 1:14:11 and at the same time beat her previous personal best of 1:15:12. Her opponent Eva Wutti from SU TRI Styria came in second and with 1:14:41 was also well below her personal best of 1:15:11. Third place went to Lisa Oberndorfer of LCAV jodl Packaging from Upper Austria, who posted a time of 1:17:35 in her half marathon debut.
"It's a pleasure to see such a close race in the women's division as well," said Weidlinger.
Kevin Kamenschak from Linz finished the quarter marathon in an impressive time of 34:06 to take first place. The Linz native, who had his first running experience in 2009 at the children's marathon, was in a class of his own. Second place went to Vitalii Kapitanets from Ukraine (34:13) ahead of third-placed Austrian Philipp Gintenstorfer (35:01).
The Linz Marathon was also a marathon of women's victories. In addition to the half marathon, there were also feasts for Austrian women in the quarter marathon. Kerstin Sprenger won in an impressive time of 38:50 ahead of Christina Traxler (40:55) and Lena Lechl (41:12).
In the half marathon of the handbikers Florian Brungraber won in the time of 30:40, second place went to Walter Ablinger with 36:22 followed by Christoph Stadlbauer (37:55). The performance of the women was also extraordinary. Here the victory went to Conny Wibmer in 39:48 ahead of Elisabeth Egger, who finished in 50:32.
Born in 2013, the youngest participants are Lukas Laindlbinder (half marathon), Katharina Humer, Daniel Kenau and Max Eilmannsberger (all quarter marathon). Born in 1939 and thus the oldest participant in the quarter marathon is Gottfried Hoser. Impressive was the participation of Heinrich Pilch, Heinz Jagemann, Ewald Eder, Klaus Nöckler, Alois Grillneder and Wolfgang Tronegger. They started as Super Golden Runners and have already run all 19 Linz Marathons over the full distance. One Super Golden Runner in particular stood out: Herbert Orlinger has already finished almost 200 marathons in his running life! The sponsors were also at the start: the title sponsor Oberbank was represented by its general manager Dr. Franz Gasselsberger with bib number 2000, who started in the half marathon. For half marathon sponsor Borealis, Managing Director of Borealis Agrolinz Melamine, Dr. Jürgen Mader, also started in the half marathon.
Apart from the many best performances in the competitions, the 20th Oberbank Linz Danube Marathon was once again inspiring as a great sports festival, providing an opportunity for hobby running enthusiasts to connect with top world-class athletes. This provided unique moments and emotions for all participants. "As a relay runner, I was able to see this for myself. All in all, the Linz Marathon has become a celebration for the entire city and it's hard to imagine Linz without it. My thanks go to all the helpers who looked after the safety, physical and sporting well-being of the runners," said Linz Deputy Mayor Karin Hörzing. She and Mayor Klaus Luger each entered the race as starting runners in the relay event.
Once again, the Oberbank Linz Danube Marathon had people excited. Not only the runners put in top performances, but also the spectators along the course. "The atmosphere was simply great," said Wolfgang Scheibner, Head of Human Resources & Organization LIVA. The right mix is what makes Linz so successful and brings the crowds to the city. The fact that we were able to beat the record time from 2007 a total of six times is simply sensational. None of us expected that! Linz is uncomplicated and service-oriented, and that's what makes Linz so popular with athletes.
The mayor of Linz, Klaus Luger, who was at the front of the relay team for the anniversary, was able to experience the unique atmosphere on the running course at first hand: "With a sensational elite field, fantastic running conditions and enthusiastic participants, a fantastic anniversary marathon has succeeded. It is simply great to finally be able to present a new course record and five other top times after many years. It's wonderful to welcome so many enthusiastic runners to Linz on such a beautiful autumn day and to be able to set a new record time. Linz is once again moving more into the center of the international running community."
Race director Günther Weidlinger: "I am really overjoyed today. You can't ask for more than that. With such a top elite field, a dream time and optimal running conditions, all the wishes of a race director have come true. A big thank you to the entire team!"
Satisfied, relaxed faces after the race also at the organizing team: LIVA procurator Wolfgang Scheibner says: "The work of our small team today has once again brought the high professionalism to the fore. A new course record is of course great and sensational. But the winning time alone was not decisive. It was important that we could offer a super experience to all running enthusiasts, especially on the occasion of our 20th anniversary. However, despite a new record time, we still want to remain an event for the masses and impress with high quality. I am confident that the work with our young, powerful group can be continued successfully in the coming years."
The date for the 21st Oberbank Linz Danube Marathon is already fixed at Sunday, April 16, 2023.
What began in 2002 with 5,000 sports enthusiasts has long since grown into Upper Austria's largest running event. With around 20,000 participants and 100,000 spectators from almost 80 nations, the multiple award-winning "Marathon of the Year" in Austria now also represents a significant economic factor and tourism magnet with thousands of overnight stays in the region every year.
The fast course - with its new course record 2:06:13 by Fikre Bekele (ETH) - past the most beautiful places in the city with the spectacular start in the middle of the voest freeway bridge in the center of Linz make the Oberbank Linz Danube Marathon a popular destination for both professional athletes and amateur sports enthusiasts, who can compete here once a year with the fastest runners in the world.
Despite its enormous growth in size, participants still value the Linz Danube Marathon as a running festival with heart and a family feeling. The organizing team attaches great importance to individually tailored service from individuals to large groups, optimal support before and during the competitions and the excellent price/performance ratio that goes with it. The Oberbank Linz Danube Marathon is AIMS certified and classified as a 5 star European Athletics Quality Road Race.
The previous winners Marathon 42,195 km
Men
2022 Fikre Bekele (ETH) 2:06:13
2021 Ezekiel Kiprop Koech (KEN) 2:09:43
2019 Merhawi Kesete (ERI) 2:09:06
2018 Robert Kipkemboi (KEN) 2:10:23
2017 Anthony Maritim (KEN) 2:09:11
2016 Edwin Koech (KEN) 2:09:07
2015 Anthony Maritim (KEN) 2:09:39
2014 Laban Mutai (KEN) 2:08:33
2013 Robert Kwambai (KEN) 2:09:21
2012 Josephat Keiyo (KEN) 2:11:18
2011 Nixon Machichim (KEN) 2:09:37
2010 Jason Mbote (KEN) 2:13:20
2009 Elias Kiptum Maindi (KEN) 2:11:22
2008 Elias Kiptum Maindi (KEN) 2:10:18
2007 Alexander Kuzin (UKR) 2:07:33
2006 Benjamin Itok (KEN) 2:10:47
2005 Ernest Kipyego (KEN) 2:13:10
2004 John Kiprono (KEN) 2:13:43
2003 Joseph Mareng (KEN) 2:13:37
2002 John Kiprono (KEN) 2:13:20
Women
2022 Andrea Haslinger (AUT) 3:07:49
2021 Jerotich Brenda Kiprono (KEN) 2:30:27
2019 Cornelia Moser (AUT) 2:40:03
2018 Eddah Jepkosgei (KEN) 2:31:11
2017 Nikolina Stepan (CRO) 2:43:56
2016 Hassen Beriso Halima (ETH) 2:38:14
2015 Sarah Jebet (KEN) 2:32:52
2014 Lydia Rutto (KEN) 2:34:19
2013 Natalia Cerches (MDA) 2:33:53
2012 Daneja Grandovec (SKV) 2:41:20
2011 Lisa-Christina Stublic (CRO) 2:30:45
2010 Eva-Maria Gradwohl (A) 2:34:10
2009 Eva-Maria Gradwohl (A) 2:37:26
2008 Eva-Maria Gradwohl (A) 2:30:51
2007 Eva-Maria Gradwohl (A) 2:37:36
2006 Olena Samko (UKR) 2:39:16
2005 Tatyana Bulyshenko (UKR) 2:46:21
2004 Elena Fadeeva (UKR) 2:34:17
2003 Emily Kimuria (KEN) 2:40:54
2002 Emily Kimuria (KEN) 2:43:18
