Marathon training: athletes deliver their favorite routes in the state capital.
Many are currently preparing intensively for October 24 to show their best form on the various distances at the Linz Danube Marathon. Some passionate runners present their favorite training routes in the state capital, which have a lot to offer in terms of variety.
Grazyna Brandstätter, a frequent runner from Linz, enjoys running on these three routes. "I really enjoy running on different surfaces. When I want to run a varied route during my training session, my choice usually falls on the Pfenningberg with its three peaks. There is a mixture of asphalt, gravel and forest trails to conquer here, plus about 440 meters of elevation gain for added challenge. The start and finish is at Pleschinger See." She also has two options for shorter sessions. "I prefer to do intervals outdoors because the headwind is the best opponent. For fast units, I therefore choose the section of the Danube Cycle Path from Lake Weikerl to the Abwinden power plant," says Brandstätter, who then uses the trails in the Traun-Donauauen Natura 2000 areas to run out. Her favorite route for short workouts with inclines, forest trails and asphalt begins and ends at Lake Pichling. "I warm up by running around Pichlinger See and then I continue towards Ebelsberg via the Schilternberg-Linz AG running route. I run the short but challenging asphalt section on the Schilternberg along the cross path inaugurated in 2004 up to the highest point. There I turn into the forest. Back I go on detours via the Danube cycle path and Schweigau."
OÖN columnist and pacesetter on the Marathon OC team, Günther Weidlinger, has the following favorite route in Linz ready. "The Wasserwald is the green oasis in the middle of the city and the marathon also passes by there every year. It's best to start from Sportpark Lissfeld, where this year the Junior Marathon will also take place the day before," says the former top runner.
Christian Schwarz, head of the ÖSV cross-country skiing team, lives in Linz and also likes to refuel his fitness there. "My favorite route is along the bike path to Puchenau, then up to Koglerauer Spitz and on along the hiking trail to Pöstlingberg. The route is varied, you have beautiful viewpoints and a long run to boot."
A diligent participant of the LIVA running club, who did not want to be named, gave this classic route tip. "The start is at the Linz Parkbad. Past the Brucknerhaus, it goes along the Danube over the Voest Bridge to the Urfahran side of the Danube. The route then continues along the Danube embankment, always flat, to the Steyregger bridge. There we turn around and go back to the Parkbad. The route is about 16 kilometers long and can be varied by crossing the Danube over the Nibelungen Bridge or the New Railway Bridge. It is worth noting that you always walk along the Danube in the greenery. An optimal supply is guaranteed by drinking points even on hot days."
Source: OÖN/LIVA
Photo: Erwin Pils
