But that's not all; under the motto "Marathon in Strauss and Braus," musicality and athletic ambition are brought together in various ways. Star percussionist Martin Grubinger will tackle the full distance of 42.195 kilometers, interrupted by two stops to play a special version of the Blue Danube Waltz with his MyGroove band. "A dream is coming true for me," Grubinger emphasized at a press conference on Tuesday, as he never found the time to complete a marathon during his stage career. Without concert commitments, he can take on the challenge. "Finishing is my goal, so to speak," he laughed. "Please keep your fingers crossed for me. I hope I survive."

Vienna Marathon 2025: From Running Shoes to Dancing Shoes

Upon his finish, the new world record will hopefully already be in the bag: Under the guidance of dance professional Thomas Kraml and several professional couples as motivators, the goal is to briefly swap running shoes for dancing shoes at 8:35 a.m. in the starting area. Target time for this: "spin, smile, enjoy" for one minute, as it was said. The current waltz world record was set in 2013 in Dresden, where 1,966 couples moved to the Swan Lake Waltz. This is, of course, to be surpassed with the Blue Danube Waltz. "It will work, we firmly believe in it," emphasized VCM Managing Director Kathrin Widu. Around 30,000 starters will be on site on Sunday, and they also hope for an enthusiastic audience. "It's simply about daring and participating."

Nothing comparable has ever happened at marathon events worldwide, said Dominik Konrad. "Such a record can only come to Vienna," the VCM Managing Director expressed optimistically. "We are fired up and determined to achieve this." The Schani references go even further, as the marathon event will be equipped with its own Strauss category. 200 runners have registered for this and will tackle the course in Strauss outfits. The youngest running enthusiasts are the focus of the "Fledermauslauf" taking place on Saturday, where 3- to 6-year-olds will complete 200 meters on the home stretch in front of the Burgtheater. They will receive a plush bat as a gift.

Music has always played a central role at the VCM, Widu pointed out, not only referring to the Mozart Year 2006 but also to the many musical activities along the course that aim to motivate and inspire participants every year. "We traditionally start with the Blue Danube Waltz when everyone runs over the beautiful blue Danube," she referred to the Reichsbrücke, which is crossed directly after the start. The marathon is intended to be "a vibrant and lively running festival." Drum groups and various cheering zones, also operated by the running community, will ensure this.

(APA/Red.)

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