The young athletes showed a lot of joy and ambition.
They kicked off the 2019 marathon weekend, where the fun of exercise was the main focus for the "Minis" at the OÖGKK Junior Marathon powered by Radio OÖ in the Linz stadium. They are all winners. 2300 children and young people who were enthusiastic about running gave free rein to their urge to exercise at the completely booked-out OÖGKK Junior Marathon, powered by Radio OÖ, in the Linz Stadium on Saturday - one day before the main competition of the 18th Oberbank Linz Danube Marathon. The new concept of a mini arena without timekeeping for the youngest participants, developed by sports scientists two years ago, ensures maximum fun. And without any pressure at all. Since 2017, the Upper Austrian Regional Health Insurance Fund, which previously provided support for many years, has been the main sponsor of the Junior Marathon powered by Radio OÖ. "Countless experts explain how important sufficient exercise is for health. As OÖGKK, we go one step further: children who exercise a lot lay the foundation for a later active and healthy lifestyle at an early age. We want to actively support this and will continue to do so in the coming years," says Albert Maringer, chairman of OÖGKK, who is pleased with the high level of participation in the youth competition.
Children having fun moving
Accompanied by the Marathon Expo sports fair taking place at the same time in the TipsArena and bib distribution for the main event on Sunday, the OÖGKK Junior Marathon was held on Saturday afternoon in four events and 15 age groups in the Linz stadium. In the specially constructed running oval, the "Mini Arena", the "Minis" of the 2016, 2015 and 2014 age groups first tested themselves in small groups on course lengths of 60 to 180 meters in cloudy but optimal running weather and temperatures around 8 degrees starting at noon. The concept, which was developed in accordance with sports medicine and psychological criteria and does not involve timekeeping or award ceremonies, focuses on the fun of moving together. Because being there is everything. The little ones don't need any timekeeping. Voices of parents and little winners: "Everything is really well organized here for our children, and it's very relaxed and easy-going." "This was Sebastian's third time taking part. It's really great that even the little ones get a medal without timekeeping. That way everyone feels like a winner." "It was really cool, mom and grandma were keeping their fingers crossed for me." "It's really fun. Next year we'll definitely take part again." "It's important that the kids are encouraged to exercise. At the same time, however, little pressure should be put on them. The mini-arena offers space for this and is obviously fun for the children. The little ones are just as happy, even if the clock is not running. In this way they are slowly introduced to competition and stay with the Linz Marathon and the sport of running. Happy and enthusiastic children's faces are the best reward for the efforts made in the run-up to the event in terms of organization," emphasizes Linz Marathon coordinator Günther Weidlinger. Starting at 1 p.m., the "Kids" of the 2013 to 2010 age groups followed on a course length of 210 meters, ahead of the "Juniors" of the 2009 to 2006 age groups with 420 meters. The last event was run by the young "Teens" (born 2005 to 2002) at 3:30 p.m. with a 2.1-kilometer lap out of the stadium onto the Linzer Gugl and back. At the finish line, a great refreshment station, a participation medal and certificate as well as a T-shirt sponsored by the OÖGKK awaited all participants.
To the results
To the press photos Photos (c) Klaus Mitterhauser, fee-free, naming requested. For further information: Gerald Kneidinger, MBA, Tel. +43 / 664 / 54 85 067 on behalf of Linz Marathon Organisation, A-4020 Linz, Roseggerstraße 41, Tel. +43 / 732 / 603 412, presse.linzmarathon@liva.linz.at
