The city on the Danube’s biggest running event The Linz Danube Marathon

12 April 2026

Athletic fever grips the whole city during the Linz Danube Marathon. The streets become a mecca for avid runners, with the spirit of achievement drawing visitors and residents alike. Professional and amateur athletes from all over the world come to the city on the Danube to face the physical challenges posed by the various competitions.

On marathon Sunday, runners can choose between the classic marathon or half marathon distance, or the two shorter distances, the quarter marathon or 5K run. The 42.195 km route can also be completed in a four-person relay. The half marathon route can be covered quickly and elegantly by handbike or inline skates. The day before, fun is the top priority: at the Special Olympics Run and the Junior Marathon, where distances of 80 to 500 meters are covered, depending on age. The Linz Danube Marathon has its own rankings for groups of runners from schools and fire departments.

Pushing yourself physically is not the only motivation at Linz’s marathon, whose attractive and varied route through the modern city provides inspiration in abundance. Participants can enjoy views of the Danube, cross the baroque Hauptplatz square and pass through Linz’s cultural mile, which straddles the riverbanks and includes the Brucknerhaus concert hall, the Lentos Art Museum and the Ars Electronica Center. A number of bands perform along the route, and there are extended “music miles” to keep the competitors motivated. This makes the Linz Danube Marathon a wonderful mix, combining the exertions of a sporting event with a taste of urban life by the mighty Danube.

Linz Danube Marathon