The countdown to the anniversary is on! With a star-studded kick-off event, the Linz Danube Marathon will kick off the final preparations for its 25th edition on 28 January at the Oberbank Danube Forum. The focus of the evening will be on one of Austria’s most successful long-distance runners at present: Aaron Gruen. The Austrian record-holder in the marathon and half-marathon will talk about his journey to the top of the national rankings, his training philosophy and the challenges of international running.
In Aaron Gruen, the Oberbank Linz Danube Marathon is delighted to welcome a very special guest. Born in 1999, the long-distance runner has made a name for himself in the Austrian running scene in a very short space of time and has impressively demonstrated his potential by setting two national records.
Two Austrian records and an extraordinary running career
In March 2025, Gruen made Austrian running history when he completed the 42.195 kilometres at the McKirdy Marathon in the USA in 2:09:53. In doing so, he became the first Austrian to break the prestigious two-hour-and-ten-minute barrier. The next milestone followed in January 2026: at the Houston Half Marathon, he improved the Austrian record to 1:01:14, beating the nearly 19-year-old record set by Günther Weidlinger from Upper Austria by 28 seconds.
What is particularly remarkable is that Gruen combines his sporting career with a degree in medicine at the renowned Harvard University. His career path demonstrates just how much can be achieved through consistent training, clear goals and a professional approach to running.
At the kick-off event in Linz, Gruen will offer insights into his daily training routine and talk about how he prepares for major competitions, the role mental strength plays, and how he deals with setbacks and high expectations. This offers the local running community a special opportunity to meet one of Austria’s most successful endurance athletes in person and to gain valuable insights for their own marathon preparation.
Training healthily and effectively: expert tips from Kerstin Schneeberger
As well as insights into elite sport, the focus will also be on the right preparation for amateur and ambitious recreational runners. Kerstin Schneeberger, a physiotherapist at the Urfahr Therapy Centre, will explain what is important for a balanced and sustainable running training programme. “Successful running training starts with a clear goal and good planning. It’s not just about clocking up as many kilometres as possible: targeted strength training – ideally twice a week – is a key component in preparing the body for the stresses of running and preventing injuries,” explains Schneeberger. Particularly with the upcoming running season in mind, realistic planning, proper load management and targeted injury prevention are crucial for a running experience that is as injury-free as possible.
Heartrun Mühlviertel: When running moves more than just your own legs
Three days, around 150 kilometres, from the Dreiländereck to Hirschenau: Lukas Schauer ran across the Mühlviertel with Niko and Xaver to support three children from the region who face particular challenges. The initiative raised more than 16,000 euros in donations. At the kick-off event, Schauer explains how a shared idea gave rise to the Heartrun Mühlviertel running project, which has an impact far beyond the finish line.
An evening full of inspiration for the marathon anniversary
ORF sports presenter Alina Zellhofer will host this varied evening, talking to her guests about personal experiences, sporting challenges and the fascination of running. Top-level sport, training expertise and a regional running initiative all in one evening: whether you’re a marathon newcomer or a long-standing runner, the kick-off aims to motivate, inform and build anticipation for the Linz running anniversary.
“I’m looking forward to an informative and inspiring event, which will mark the start of our preparations for the 25th Oberbank Linz Donau Marathon. I am particularly proud that we are able to welcome Aaron Gruen, the current Austrian record-holder in the marathon and half-marathon, here in Linz. His achievements are impressive and demonstrate what is possible with passion, discipline and determination,” said Günther Weidlinger from the Linz Marathon organising team.
Kick-off for the 25th Oberbank Linz Danube Marathon
with Aaron Gruen, Kerstin Schneeberger and Lukas Schauer
Oberbank Donau Forum, Untere Donaulände 28, 4020 Linz
Thursday, 28 January 2027, 6.30 pm, free entry!
Register now
