Over 19,500 participants registered and tackled the individual events of the 14th Borealis Linz Marathon. This was an absolute record in the history of the Linz Marathon in terms of participants. More than 130,000 spectators cheered on the athletes along the course. In total, athletes from over 90 different nations took to the starting line at the Linz Marathon.
Not only the athletes needed a lot of patience, but also the helpers and logisticians around the Linz Marathon. Five tons of bananas, 15,000 energy bars and 35,000 bottles of isotonic drinks were handed out at eleven aid stations. 250 police officers, 200 Red Cross paramedics and around 250 volunteer stewards ensured that everything ran "smoothly" at the Borealis Linz Danube Marathon.
Mayor of Linz takes part in relay race as start runner
Klaus Luger, the mayor of Linz, also took part in the Linz Marathon as a runner. As the starting runner in the relay competition, he was able to deliver a passable time. "This is an absolutely great celebration for the city. You are literally carried by a wave of enthusiasm," said Luger, who visibly enjoyed his run. "The city is 100% behind this marathon and thanks all the "enablers", the media partners and of course sponsors to implement such an event and create such a great atmosphere. This is a celebration for the whole city," Luger continued.
Spread out starting field guaranteed optimal conditions
For the third time already, the starting times in Linz, which were pulled apart, turned out to be a perfect measure. The quarter marathon started one hour before the other running events. "With this measure we were able to guarantee an optimal competition for all runners. With these crowds, we also had to pull the start times apart for safety reasons," says LIVA board member Wolfgang Lehner, expressing his satisfaction with the organization.
The winners so far
- 2002 John Kiproni from Kenya
- 2003 Joseph Mereng from Kenya
- 2004 John Kiprono cheered for the second time
- In 2005 the winner was Ernest Kipyego from Kenya
- 2006 Benjamin Itok also from the East African state of Kenya
- In 2007 there was the only victory of a European so far. Ukrainian Alexander Kuzin won in the still valid record time of 2:07:33.
- In 2008 followed the first victory of Elisa Kiptum Maindi
- In 2009, Kenya's Elisa Kiptum Maindi won a second time
- 2010 Jason Mbote from Kenya was unbeatable
- 2011 Nixon Kipkoech Machichim from Kenya
- In 2012, Josephat Keiyo from Kenya secured the victory
- In 2013, Robert Kwambai from Kenya was unbeatable.
- 2014 Kenyan Laban Mutai wins with the second fastest time ever run in Linz of 2:08:03
- 2015 Kenyan Anthony Maritiem wins with 2:09:39
