At the Oberbank Linz Danube Marathon all "pacesetters" are in the starting blocks.
Just under eight thousand registrations have arrived at the office of the Oberbank Linz Danube Marathon after the last entry deadline.
Although this is a drop of about fifty percent compared to the last edition of the major event in the "pre-Corona era", it is quite acceptable compared to other running events. "Organizationally and budget-wise, the situation is challenging, but the most important thing is that running is happening. A cancellation like last year would have been fatal," says head of organization Günther Weidlinger, who, like all the other pacesetters, is already in the starting blocks so that everything can go according to Plan A on October 24. Plan B, a "virtual" run without a mass start, will remain in the drawer, that much seems clear two weeks before the Linz Marathon weekend.
"For us, the same rules of the game will apply as for the Vienna Marathon. That means no restrictions as far as the number of participants is concerned and a 3-G rule for everyone who runs in the race," says Linz Mayor Klaus Luger, who will himself be in action on October 24 as the starting runner of a relay team. He does not believe that the rules will change in the coming days. Luger: "The forecasts that the number of occupied intensive care beds in Linz would rise sharply have thankfully not come true, there's no reason to tighten the measures for the marathon now."
What is clear is that, in the interests of the participants, the organizers will do everything they can to play it safe. For example, there will be no finish line as before at the Lentos or on Pfarrplatz on October 24 at the 19th edition of the Oberbank Linz Danube Marathon. Weidlinger: "In addition to the finisher's medal, each runner will receive everything at the finish line that he or she would otherwise receive at the finish line, but we are switching to a take-away operation so that no large groups form." Anyone who is not vaccinated or has not recovered will have to present a negative test at the start number distribution that is still valid at the time of the start.
Oberbank pushes the pace
Whereas the number of registrations for the quarter marathon in particular has dropped significantly - the organizers are, however, expecting numerous late registrations from many last-minute deciders - the marathon over the classic distance is well booked with 763 starters. In addition to the mass, there will also be class. Main sponsor Oberbank has made the commitment of some elite runners possible. The target time for the men is around 2:10 hours, and the women are also aiming for a time close to the course record. Details about the elite runners will be announced only a few days before the marathon. The names are not as important as the fact that the marathon will be held in Linz again this year.
Source: OÖ Nachrichten
