#runthesteelcity: latest overview, marathon elite as guests and official lead car presented
A friendly welcome at the Hyundai dealership Lietz in Linz and live broadcast on ORF SPORT+, the traditional press breakfast this morning at Sankt-Peter-Straße 21 focused on a get-together with the marathon elite and a last look at the race action of the 24th Oberbank Linz Donau Marathon. The official lead car - the Hyundai IONIQ 9 - was also presented. The top favorites Julia Mayer and Mario Bauernfeind, among others, were available for interviews.
Kenyan Cheruiyot leads men's elite field
The 2026 Oberbank Linz Donau Marathon presents an exceptionally strong elite field. Top international athletes with championship experience meet Austria's current best long-distance runners! From Linz's point of view, the return of Abednego Cheruiyot from Kenya is extremely exciting - his PB comes from last year's 3rd place at the Oberbank Linz Donau Marathon 2025! World Athletics leads them with 2:08:04, making him the strongest runner in this year's field. He knows the course and the conditions and has proven that he can deliver absolute top performances in Linz. "Linz is a course where you can run boldly. I know I can be fast here and I'm coming back to achieve even more than last year. I want to secure the beautiful winner's trophy."
Shengo Kebede (ETH, 2:09:01), Victor Kipkoech Biwott (KEN, 2:09:05), Bernard Katui Muia (KEN, 2:09:17) and Stephen Kipkemoi Kibor (KEN, 2:09:33) also belong to the extended world class. All athletes have best times under 2:10, with Biwott and Kibor setting these times last year with podium finishes in Lens and Münster respectively. Both are regarded as classic speed runners who show their strength particularly in the fast initial phases. Sahlesilassie Nigussie (ETH, 2:10:10) and Josephat Gisemo (TAN, 2:10:23) complete a field that is exceptionally strong this year.
With Mario Bauernfeind, the local running elite is also very prominently represented. With a time of 2:12:49 (Frankfurt 2023), Mario currently has the best marathon time of any Austrian in the field. He stands for continuity and development. His recent performances - including last year's national title in Linz and his 2:15:30 at the Copenhagen Marathon - show that he is stable on the international stage. His strength lies in consistent race progressions and high endurance. "I've been working towards this level for years. I know that I can keep up and that I still have room for improvement. The minimum goal, however, is of course to defend the national championship title from last year."
Note: The announced first Linz appearance of former world champion Ghirmay Ghebreslassie unfortunately has to be postponed to a later date. Despite having a valid visa, the top star from Eritrea was unable to obtain an exit permit at short notice - we are sorry!
Austria in focus in the women's event
In the women's field, the focus from an Austrian perspective is clearly on Julia Mayer. The Lower Austrian holds the Austrian marathon record of 2:26:08 hours and has steadily worked her way up to the international elite in recent years. For Mayer, the start at the 24th Oberbank Linz Donau Marathon also marks far more than just another marathon at the highest level. The 22-time national champion and Austrian record holder in the marathon and half marathon is using Linz as the official kick-off for her Olympic project "Mission Los Angeles 2028". The road to LA begins on Upper Austrian asphalt - offensively and with a clear message. "Linz is the perfect place for me to open a new chapter. I want to run boldly and show that the road to Los Angeles starts now," says Julia Mayer in the run-up to the race.
Emission-free mobility with Hyundai
The lead car at the 24th Oberbank Linz Donau Marathon is the Hyundai IONIQ 9. Hyundai Austria will therefore remain the official mobility partner of the Oberbank Linz Donau Marathon in 2026. The brand new all-electric large SUV won the Women's World Car of the Year Award in the "Large SUV" category in 2026. The awards were given for design, comfort, technology and suitability for everyday use. With a length of over five meters, a weight of 2.7 tons and an 800-volt system, the IONIQ 9 is a driving superlative, impresses as a sustainable, versatile electric SUV for families and long distances and further strengthens Hyundai's position as a brand for well thought-out electric mobility with real utility value. In recent weeks, the organization team has once again been able to use Hyundai's innovative range of models for its daily needs. Thank you very much!
"The marathon is a special highlight every year - the biggest sports festival in our city, for running enthusiasts as well as for the international elite. The fast course and the rousing atmosphere along the Danube create the best conditions for top sporting performances. I wish all participants every success and an unforgettable running experience in Linz!" (Deputy Mayor Karin Leitner, Sports Officer of the City of Linz)
