On Wednesday, January 27, 2016, the starting signal was given for the 2016 marathon season!
In the Oberbank Forum on Linz's Donaulände, almost none of the 700 chairs lined up remained empty on Wednesday evening. Quite the opposite: numerous sporty guests even stood so as not to miss the kick-off event for the 15th Borealis Linz Danube Marathon on April 3. At the latest after the exciting lecture by Runtastic founder Florian Gschwandtner, each of the visitors was motivated to lace up their running shoes. Perhaps also in 64 days at Upper Austria's largest sports event. Already, around 8000 runners have submitted their entries for the Linz Marathon presented by OÖN. "Realize your goals," was the title of Gschwandtner's presentation. He put this motto into practice professionally with three other Runtastic founders six years ago. The global company now employs 160 people and the app has been downloaded 160 million times. A success story. Whereby Gschwandtner gave tips at the Oberbank Forum that also apply to sports at any time.
- First, "It's all about basic motivation and attitude."
- Second, "Use your imagination. It's the same in running. We can accomplish a lot through the mind."
- Third, "Whatever the challenge is, be part of the solution."
- Fourth: "The biggest challenge is the deadline. That's 64 days away in the Linz Marathon."
- Fifth, "Be a role model."
- Sixth: "If you fall down, I'm there: the ground."
- And last but not least: "Laugh, no matter how hard it is."
The "Marathon Song"
The cabaret artist "Blond Angel" also made the visitors laugh on this entertaining evening, he even presented a "marathon song". Also on stage were host Franz Gasselsberger, running legend Günter Hartmann, Wolfgang Lehner, Thomas Ziegler (LIVA) and marathon organizer Ewald Tröbinger.
