Vienna City Marathon 2026: Elite Fields Set for Fast Times as Tesfaye and Kibrom Lead the Charge

The 43rd Vienna City Marathon is poised to deliver a thrilling showcase of world-class distance running on April 19, with deep elite fields and record-breaking ambitions setting the stage for a memorable race day. Headlined by Eritrea’s Oqbe Kibrom and Ethiopia’s Haftamnesh Tesfaye, the World Athletics Elite Label event brings together a powerful mix of established stars and rising contenders, with the women’s race targeting the course record—and potentially the first sub-2:20 performance ever on Austrian soil. With 49,000 total participants, including 13,000 marathon runners, Vienna once again stands ready to blend mass participation with elite excellence, while home hopes rest on national record holder Aaron Gruen aiming to shine against a highly competitive international field.

• How to Watch 2026 Vienna City Marathon - View Live Stream and TV Details

If weather conditions are suitable the women are expected to chase the course record and possibly a first sub 2:20:00 on Austrian soil. Four years ago Kenyan Vibian Chepkirui ran 2:20:59 in Vienna. Ethiopian pair Haftamnesh Tesfaye, who is the sister of the sensational 2:10:51 debutant Fotyen Tesfay, and Tigist Gezahagn are the fastest women entered with personal bests of 2:20:13 and 2:21:14 respectively. Defending champion Betty Chepkemoi of Kenya ran a brilliant race last year, clocking a PB of 2:24:14 in very difficult conditions. If the weather should be cold again that could work in Chepkemoi’s favour. US runner Lindsay Flanagan starts a marathon comeback after injury. With a personal record of 2:23:31 she is the fourth runner on the start list with a sub 2:25 PB.

Four men are entered with personal bests of sub 2:08:00. Oqbe Kibrom of Eritrea is the fastest runner on the start list. With a PB of 2:05:37 he is the favourite. Kibrom will be challenged by Ethiopia’s Tafese Delegen (PB: 2:06:11) as well as Kenyans Stanley Kurgat and Albert Kangogo, who have PBs of 2:07:05 and 2:07:26 respectively.

Another four runners have run sub 2:10:00 so far. Among them is the Austrian record holder Aaron Gruen, who caused a surprise a year ago, when he became the national record holder with 2:09:53. The Austrian will run the Vienna City Marathon for the first time and will aim to improve his record further.

Elite Runners (Personal Bests)

Men

• Oqbe Kibrom (ERI) – 2:05:37
• Tafese Delegen (ETH) – 2:06:11
• Stanley Kurgat (KEN) – 2:07:05
• Albert Kangogo (KEN) – 2:07:26
• Charles Mneria (KEN) – 2:08:54
• Mica Cheserek (KEN) – 2:09:26
• Samwel Kiptoo (KEN) – 2:09:45
• Aaron Gruen (AUT) – 2:09:53
• Paul Tiongik (KEN) – 2:10:25
• Abel Sikowo (UGA) – 2:10:33
• Mogos Tuemay (ETH) – 2:10:33
• Fanny Kiprotich (KEN) – 2:11:21
• Andreas Vojta (AUT) – 2:13:43

Women

• Haftamnesh Tesfaye (ETH) – 2:20:13
• Tigist Gezahagn (ETH) – 2:21:14
• Lindsay Flanagan (USA) – 2:23:31
• Betty Chepkemoi (KEN) – 2:24:14
• Mary Granja (ECU) – 2:26:34
• Faith Chepkoech (KEN) – 2:26:22
• Hellen Chepkorir (KEN) – 2:27:17
• Tegest Ymer (ETH) – 2:29:11
• Caroline Korir (KEN) – 2:29:46
• Abigail Jepkemboi (KEN) – 2:29:56
• Eva Wutti (AUT) – 2:30:43
• Aiwa Sakaguchi (JPN) – 2:31:50
• Hanne Maridal (NOR) – 2:32:14
• Vaida Zusinaite (LTU) – 2:32:50
• Susanna Saapunki (FIN) – Debut

How to Watch 2026 Vienna City Marathon - View Live Stream and TV Details.