Course Record Holder Vibian Chepkirui Aims for Third Vienna Triumph

Vibian Chepkirui is set to return to the Vienna City Marathon on April 6, aiming for her third victory in as many starts. The 30-year-old Kenyan has already delivered two remarkable performances in the Austrian capital: first, winning her debut marathon in 2021, and then breaking the course record in 2022 with 2:20:59—a mark that still stands. This record may well be under threat again in April, with three more Kenyan women on the current start list capable of matching that pace.

The Vienna City Marathon is Austria’s premier road race and holds World Athletics Elite Label Race status. This year, it is set to surpass its previous record of 11,000 registered marathon runners, with over 40,000 athletes competing across various distances throughout the first weekend of April.

"We are witnessing a running boom across Europe, and it’s fantastic to see so many young people and women taking up the sport and entering our events," said Dominik Konrad, co-General Manager of the Vienna City Marathon alongside Kathrin Widu.
"We are especially thrilled to have a record number of marathon entries, as this is truly the heartbeat of our event," added Widu.

Chepkirui’s Historic Runs and Return to Vienna

Vibian Chepkirui made an unexpected but dominant marathon debut in Vienna in 2021. Facing a strong field, including several runners with personal bests between 2:20 and 2:26, she broke away well before the 30K mark, securing victory in 2:24:29.

The following year, she returned even stronger, shattering the course record with 2:20:59—a time that remains her personal best. She was possibly in shape for an even faster time, but her pacemaker struggled with issues during the race.

"Next year, I want to come back to Vienna and aim for 2:18," Chepkirui boldly declared after her second consecutive win. However, it has taken a little longer than expected for her return. Now, she finally sets her sights on reclaiming the title and improving both the course record and her personal best.

The Challengers: Three Kenyan Rivals to Watch

Three fellow Kenyan runners could pose a significant challenge to Chepkirui’s bid for a third Vienna City Marathon crown.

Rebbeca Tanui, who finished fourth in Vienna in 2023, is one to watch. The 32-year-old won her debut marathon in San Sebastián in 2022 with an impressive 2:23:09. Last year, she improved further, taking third place in Vienna before winning the Kosice Marathon with a course record of 2:21:08. If she builds similar form, she could be a serious contender for the course record.

Catherine Cherotich had a breakthrough season in 2024. The 30-year-old improved her marathon personal best by almost 16 minutes when she finished fourth in Frankfurt with 2:22:42 in October.

Faith Chepkoech, 26, is another rising star. She surprised many with her Vienna City Marathon debut in 2023, where she finished second in 2:26:22, improving her previous best by more than 16 minutes. She later placed seventh in the Cape Town Marathon (2:28:00) but has since focused her training on making a strong return to Vienna.

Hungarian Championship and Local Hopes

As in recent years, the Vienna City Marathon will also host the Hungarian Marathon Championships. National record holder Nora Szabo enters as the clear favorite for the women’s title and could also secure a strong overall finish.

The 36-year-old Hungarian set a personal best of 2:25:52 at the 2023 Valencia Marathon, proving she has the potential to be competitive on the international stage.

With an elite field and a record-breaking number of participants, this year’s Vienna City Marathon promises to be one of the most exciting editions in its history. Can Vibian Chepkirui make it three wins in a row, or will one of her rivals rise to the occasion?