Vibian Chepkirui Aims for History in Vienna City Marathon, but Rebecca Tanui Stands in Her Way

Saturday, 05 April 2025

Vibian Chepkirui will chase a historic third win at the Vienna City Marathon on Sunday. The Kenyan star, who won in 2021 and 2022, holds the course record of 2:20:59—also her personal best. A third victory would make her the joint record holder for most wins in Vienna, matching fellow Kenyan Nancy Kiprop, who triumphed three times between 2017 and 2019.

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But Chepkirui won’t have it easy. Fellow Kenyan Rebecca Tanui is a serious contender. Her personal best—2:21:08 from Kosice last fall—is just seconds off Chepkirui’s course record.

This year's race has already broken records, with over 13,000 runners entered in the marathon and more than 45,000 across all weekend events. “Our race has developed tremendously and we’re well prepared to deliver an emotional experience for everyone involved,” said race director Kathrin Widu. “We’re seeing much more interest from younger people and women, which is a great sign.”

The women’s race could be the highlight on Sunday. Both Chepkirui and Tanui are in top form and capable of chasing the course record—though cold, windy conditions could get in the way.

“Vienna has a special place in my heart,” Chepkirui said at the press conference. She made her marathon debut here four years ago with a 2:24:29 win, then broke the course record the next year. Now back for her third attempt, she’s determined to stay undefeated. “I’m well prepared, and my form is not bad,” she added. Her brother-in-law, Justus Kangogo, headlines the men’s race. When asked about the chance of a family double win, he joked: “Please pray for us!”

Tanui is eager to spoil that plan. She’s climbed the podium in Vienna before—fourth in 2022 and third in 2024—and is aiming for the top spot. “I came back to win,” she said. “I’ve prepared well. I expect we’ll run together for much of the race, and in the end there will be a winner.”

Kenyans Catherine Cherotich (2:22:42) and Risper Chebet (2:23:45) are also in the mix. Cherotich set her PB in Frankfurt last year, while Chebet ran hers in Milan in 2021. Another name to watch is Faith Chepkoech, who took second in Vienna last year in 2:26:22, slashing more than 12 minutes off her previous best. “That race changed my life,” she said. “Now I want to break that PB again.”

The top European in the field is Germany’s Fabienne Königstein, who ran a personal best of 2:25:48 in Hamburg last year. Just four weeks ago, she clocked 2:28:20 in Nagoya. “After dealing with injuries, I took a cautious approach to training,” Königstein said. “But I recovered quickly and felt good enough to race again.” She resumed training just five days after Nagoya and even increased her mileage. “The pressure is off this time—I’m just here to enjoy the run,” she said. The cold forecast isn’t ideal for her, but she’s ready to compete. “It might level the playing field and make things more open. I hope to place well.”

The Vienna City Marathon also hosts the Hungarian Marathon Championships. National record holder Nora Szabo is expected to dominate the women’s field and could place high overall. She brings a personal best of 2:25:52 from Valencia last year.

Elite runners with personal bests