Every day, we support countless runners on their journey toward the finish line. And since at running.COACH we believe that leading by example speaks louder than words, last weekend we pinned on our own bibs and took part in the Vienna City Marathon – as a team. In this article, we’re sharing why we chose Vienna, what we experienced – and how it all went down.
Why a team challenge?
For the past 14 years, running.COACH has been supporting runners of all levels on their journey. From the beginning, our goal has been to make the physical, mental, and social benefits of running accessible to as many people as possible.
We believe that good coaching is only possible when you truly understand what moves the running community – in every sense of the word. That’s why, as a team, we don’t just live the running lifestyle behind a screen, we experience it firsthand.
After participating in the SwissCityMarathon three years ago, the Jungfrau Marathon in 2023, and the GP Bern last year, this year we chose the Vienna City Marathon. And so, this past Sunday, the team tackled the 42.195 km with great enthusiasm.
Vienna City Marathon as the chosen goal
vThe location and distance were democratically decided at the end of October 2024. The options were Vienna, Rotterdam, and Milan – with Vienna receiving a solid 70% of the votes. As for the race distance, the decision was nearly unanimous: everyone opted for the full marathon, except for one team member who was running their very first race and chose the half marathon instead. Goal set – and the preparation could officially begin.
Training with running.COACH
Most of the team trained for about three months, already having solid running experience and a few marathons under their belts. If you’re tackling the marathon distance for the first time, however, we recommend a longer preparation period of at least 16 to 20 weeks.
Many team members used the running.COACH training plan to stay on track with a clear structure, maintain the right training volume, and avoid injuries. It’s incredibly motivating to know exactly what’s on the schedule – especially in winter when the days are shorter, darker, and colder.
To challenge the body in a holistic and effective way, it’s important to regularly vary the type and intensity of your workouts. In a marathon training week, it’s essential to include each of the following three types of sessions at least once:
- An endurance run that prepares the body for longer efforts.
- An intense session (such as intervals or tempo runs) that develops strength, speed, and performance capacity.
- A long run – the cornerstone of the week – that boosts aerobic capacity, builds endurance, and conditions the body for the mechanical demands of long-distance running.
The event weekend
On Friday, April 4, the team took the train from Zurich to Vienna, arriving in the late afternoon – just in time to enjoy the sunset and the city skyline from the hotel rooftop.
Saturday kicked off with perfect weather – sunny and surprisingly warm. An ideal setting for a relaxed 8-kilometre shakeout run to get the legs ready for race day.
In the evening, it was time for some strategic carb loading with pasta and pizza, before heading to bed early to be rested and energized for race day.
Race Day
Sunday, April 6, 2025 – the big day had finally arrived after weeks of preparation. Unfortunately, there was a sudden drop in temperature overnight – nearly 15 degrees cooler – due to a cold front from the north. Despite the unfriendly weather, the team’s spirits remained high. After a carb-rich breakfast, they headed to the start corral of the Vienna City Marathon.
The atmosphere was truly impressive – a total of 46,000 runners took part over the course of the weekend. Sharing an experience of this scale with so many like-minded people gives the sport of running a very special meaning. Despite the chilly air, the sun made an appearance during the race, lifting everyone’s mood and boosting morale out on the course.
The varied route offered a fascinating mix, winding through Vienna’s modern districts with towering skyscrapers and weaving through its historic city center. From the 30th kilometer on, strong gusts of wind and cold temperatures made the final stretch even more challenging – but the team members crossed the finish line with a smile, and many set a new personal best. Finishing times ranged from 2:37 to 4:12, proving that the marathon distance isn’t just for elites, but also for passionate recreational runners eager to push their limits.
Our Conclusion
To round off the adventure in style and bring the weekend to a perfect close, the team gathered for a classic Viennese dinner – complete with Wiener Schnitzel and apple strudel. Joining the table were a few running.COACH users who had also taken part in the race. A casual meet & greet was quickly organized via a WhatsApp group, giving everyone the chance to connect in person. The fact that over 100 users had chosen the Vienna City Marathon as their goal speaks volumes about the strength and spirit of the running.COACH community.
Now it’s time for some well-deserved recovery before the next challenge awaits. Up next: an exciting trail run in Switzerland.
Do you have any tips or suggestions for which race we should choose? Drop them in the comments!
Author: Francesco Lombardi