Around 30,000 runners from some 100 nations took part in the Vienna City Marathon and its smaller cousins, the half and junior marathons, in 2009. Naturally, the marathon route is a major sporting challenge, but it also runs past some of Vienna's most attractive sights. The route begins at the Vienna International Centre, crosses the Danube into the green of the Prater, winds along the Danube Canal to the Ringstraße, from the Vienna State Opera right out to Schönbrunn Palace, back again to the Ring and the Prater and finally to the finish line at Heldenplatz.

Those who not only peer at their personal best time, but also have an eye for the attractions of the city can be guided through the Vienna Marathon by a special running partner in 2010. On request, the team from Vienna Sightjogging accompanies groups from six to a maximum of ten people from the start to the finish, showing them the most interesting attractions along the route and explaining the history and culture of the city - as long as they haven't run out of breath, of course! This special type of service can be booked for the full marathon or the half marathon in various languages and is included in the entry fees.

The Vienna City Marathon makes sport meets classic: On April 15, the Vienna Philharmonic - conducted by Christian Thielemann - gives a charity concert playing Beethoven's 9th Symphony. Ticket Booking

Vienna City Marathon

18 April 2010
www.vienna-marathon.com