11th Wien Energie Half Marathon 2010

No energy is stored in the four Gasometers in Vienna any more (Photo: Karin Kacetl).

This event, sponsored by Austria's largest energy provider, shows children that taking part in running events in Vienna is an expensive pastime. Registration for the 470 metre "Mini Run" costs them 10 Euros - if they pay in advance by credit card or bank transfer. The kids will have to pay 15 Euros of their pocket money for late entries.

Athletes in Vienna have got used to high entry fees, and they don't seem to be bothered.

In 2009, around 2200 runners participated in either the half marathon, the 6.8k race, or the 3x7k relay. Martin Steinbauer claimed victory in the half marathon in 1:04:52. Eva-Maria Gradwohl led the women home in 1:15:11, finishing ninth overall.

Competitors run 7km-laps around the Alte Donau, formerly a section of the River Danube but nowadays a lake separated from the river by a dam. The "Old Danube" is a popular recreation area where many people go for a stroll or to sunbathe.

Interestingly, another popular half marathon will be held in Vienna on the same day at the same time, just across the Danube in the Prater park. The Eisbärlauf is also staged on a flat and fast three-lap course but it charges 11.50 Euros for advance entries compared to 28 Euros in the Wien Energie race.

Country: Austria

Venue (Map): Wagramer Straße, Vienna

Date: 21 March 2010 (Sunday)

Distance: 21.1km (AIMS certified); 6.8km (Fun Run); 3x7km relay; children 470m/1.22km/1.98km

Start time: 9.45 (6.8km); 10.00 (21km); children 12.30-13.10

Start and finish: in front of the "Donauplex" centre, Wagramer Str. 79

Entries: online, or by post or fax; payment by credit card; late entries in the race centre, no entries on the day

Entry fees (21km): 28/35 EUR (until 12 March/until 20 March)

Entry fees (6.8km): 18/25 EUR

Entry fees (relay teams): 54/61(?) EUR

Entry fees (children): 10/15 EUR

Timing: ChampionChip - use your own chip or rent a chip for 3 EUR (30 EUR deposit)  

Race centre: Donauplex (19 and 20 March 2010 from 9.00 to 18.00)

You get: T-shirt, finisher medal

Prizes: (?)

Showers and changing facilities: (?)

Baggage storage: in the Donauplex garage

Number of finishers 2009: 1484 (21km), 477 (6.8km), 77 relay teams, 306 children

Event website (in German and English): www.halbmarathon.at

No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or thoroughness of the information on this page.