Record Holder Gruen Confirmed for Vienna Marathon 2026

In a symbiosis of classical music and the Austrian record holder Aaron Gruen as a prominent participant on two stages, the Vienna City Marathon (VCM) will kick off next year. Gruen, who resides in the USA, has held the ÖLV record with 2:09:53 since March and will run his first marathon in Austria on April 19, 2026. The day before, the 26-year-old will also perform with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra in the Golden Hall of the Vienna Musikverein.

Concert before Vienna Marathon

It is a unique concert that the VCM organizers and the Symphony Orchestra presented on Monday in Vienna. On the day before the largest running event in Austria, a concert will be held starting at 11:00 AM, where musicians among the runners will play waltzes, marches, and polkas by Johann and Josef Strauss, Franz Lehár, Johann Schrammel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Johannes Brahms with the renowned orchestra under the direction of Tobias Wögerer.

"With this project, the day before the Vienna City Marathon becomes a festive start of community, transcending boundaries and celebrating musical and athletic excellence," said Jan Nast, director of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, during the presentation of the project on Monday. "The Vienna City Marathon is a run through the world capital of music. Together with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and the runners, we will make Vienna resonate in a classical way - but modern music also plays a central role," announced VCM Managing Director Kathrin Widu.

Gruen outstanding musician

Musical athletes can already apply or register for both events. Gruen is predestined for performances on both stages, as he is not only an outstanding runner but also an excellent musician. "I am very excited about my start at the Vienna City Marathon. Maybe even a new Austrian record is possible," said the athlete, whose family fled to the USA from the Nazi regime in 1939 and who has held Austrian citizenship since 2024.

Gruen has been playing the cello since he was four years old and is also looking forward to the musical perspective. "Running and music are two things that shape my life. Running and music have a lot in common. Both require endurance, discipline, but also creativity, whether it's a difficult passage on the cello or a challenging workout in running. The chance to be on stage with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra at the Musikverein makes the VCM 2026 unique. I am excited to be part of it and hope to be able to play at least a few pieces," he shared in a video message from the USA. Besides sports and music, Gruen's education is not neglected, as he will begin medical studies at Harvard.

(APA/Red)

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