Vienna City Marathon

  For many years, I had been involved in the Boston Marathon as an Amateur Radio Operator. Because of our own year long adventure, this is the first time that I will not be available to help out and I will miss my participation. When we learned of the Vienna City Marathon running on April 12th, I knew that we had to see some of it. This is the 32nd anniversary of the running of this race, which happens to mark the 250th anniversary of the University of Vienna, one of the main supporters. I was surprised to learn that in addition to a full marathon, this event includes a team relay marathon and a half-marathon (yesterday there was a 4.5 km fun race for kids - and others if they wished to join). Researching this race, I learned that 2010 had record participation with over 32,000 runners. The weather today could not have been more perfect and everyone seemed to be enjoying the day. I was glad we were there to observe this special event.

Part of the previous day's 4.5 km fun race for kids.

Twins Benjamin and Simon. Simon ran the 4.5 km kids race while Benjamin and his parents cheered him on.

Running through the streets of Vienna.

Of course there was television coverage throughout the race course.

This drum ensemble encouraged all the runners. This reminded us of the Taiko drummers that performed at the Boston Marathon in 1997 (the hundredth anniversary of the race). They were stationed at the base of Heartbreak Hill in Chestnut Hill.

This 42 member musical group ran the race with their instruments and just before the finish line gathered together to play a song as they finished the race.

After the runners finished the race they were given these yellow coverings to stay warm while they were funneled to the concession concourse.