Preview: Kenyan Trio Lead Strong Men's Elite Field at 2025 Vienna City Marathon

Thursday, 03 April 2025

The 42nd edition of the Vienna City Marathon, set for Sunday, April 6, is shaping up to be one of the fastest yet. A trio of Kenyan frontrunners—Justus Kangogo, Asbel Rutto, and Stanley Kurgat—headline the men’s elite field and have all declared their intention to chase personal bests.

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Kangogo leads the lineup with a PB of 2:05:57. Rutto, fresh off a solo course record in Rome last year (2:06:24), is known for his aggressive racing style. “I am a frontrunner,” said the 23-year-old. “When you are staying behind you cannot win the race! On Sunday my aim will be to run a personal best.” Kangogo echoed the sentiment: “I am a frontrunner as well, so we will work together. And once we finish, we will celebrate.”

Kurgat, who paced last year’s Vienna race to the 32K mark, returns with a PB of 2:07:05 and the advantage of course familiarity. “This time I will of course run 10 more kilometers with the aim to break my personal record,” he said. “Even if it’s cold, it will still be a good race.”

Organizers have set ambitious pacing plans: the lead group is targeting a half-marathon split of 62:30 to 62:45, with a second pack expected about a minute behind. Whether the course record of 2:05:08 falls may depend on the weather. Forecasts suggest dry but very cold conditions at the 9 a.m. start—just above freezing.

Still, expectations are high for a fast and competitive race. “There is no clear favorite, which makes it more exciting,” said elite race coordinator Johannes Langner. “We’re looking forward to a thrilling battle.”

The marathon anchors Austria’s biggest road running event and holds World Athletics Elite Label status. A record-breaking 45,000 athletes are registered across all weekend events, with more than 13,000 set to run the marathon itself—a new high.

“We’re seeing another running boom,” said Dominik Konrad, General Manager of the Vienna City Marathon. “We had strong demand early on, and it never really stopped. The Vienna City Marathon has become a huge economic driver for the city.” Runners from 146 nations will participate—another record.

Among others to watch: Douglas Chebii (PB 2:06:31) and Bernard Muia, who was runner-up in Vienna last year and recently clocked 2:09:17 to win in Munich. Debutant Wisley Kibichii, a sub-60 half marathoner (59:57), also adds intrigue.

All eyes will be on Vienna’s streets Sunday morning to see who rises, who surprises—and whether the course record will survive the chill.

Elite runners with personal bests: