The Wien Energie Halbmarathon is the seventh half marathon in Vienna in 2009, and the year is not even three months old.

All these seven half marathons are flat and fast, certified three-lap courses. However, this one is the first that does not take place in the Prater but on a three lap circuit around the Alte Donau, formerly a section of the Danube but now separated from the river by a dam. The "Old Danube" is a popular recreation area where many people go to stroll or sunbathe.

More than 2,300 runners crossed the finish line last year—although the entry fees are much higher than in the Prater races. Advance entries (until 13 March) are €28, late entries €35. You will have to pay an additional €3 if you do not use your own Champion Chip. The fun of taking part in the 6.8km fun run costs you €18 to €25. All runners get a T-shirt and a finisher medal.

In 2008, Martin Steinbauer won the half marathon in a time of 1:05:27. In the women's race, Susanne Pumper left runner-up Nadja Göschl more than 12 minutes behind. It became known later that Ms Pumper had been tested positive for EPO three weeks earlier in another half marathon in the Prater. None of the results lists has been corrected so far.

Date: 22 March 2009 (Sunday)

Venue (Map): Wagramer Straße, Vienna

Event website (in German): www.halbmarathon.at (out of date)