Cold challenge: Kenyan elite fights at the Vienna Marathon!

Cold challenge: Kenyan elite fights at the Vienna Marathon!

The Vienna City Marathon, which takes place on April 3, 2025, promises exciting competitions under challenging conditions. The elite field is dominated by talented runners from Kenya, including the fastest male runner Justus Kangogo with a best time of 2:05:57 hours and the fastest female runner Vibian Chepkirui, who lasts a track record from 2022 with 2:20:59 hours. Both athletes expect an intensive competition and strive for further successes.

The weather forecast for the race day is anything but optimal. Cold temperatures around freezing and a strong north wind with gusts of up to 50 km/h are expected. In addition, there is the possibility of gray or snow showers, while plus degrees should only occur during the day. Chepkirui, who has already won twice in Vienna, hopes for her third triumph. Your competition, including Rebbeca Tanui and Faith Chepkoech, will do everything possible to prevent this.

strategies of elite

A current study by the University of Bayreuth, which examines the dominance of Kenyan long -distance runners, could provide some insights into their success. Research comprises ten Kenyan runners and a German control group and shows that the Kenyans have a superior running economy at speeds over 18 km/h. This means that you need less oxygen, which helps you to remain competitive in the decisive phases of a race. The running economy is influenced by various factors, including the body mass index and the calf circumference.

research and challenges

The study has shown that the hemoglobin concentration of the Kenyan athletes does not differ significantly in the period examined compared to the German control group. Nevertheless, the difference in the running economy remains a key factor for the success of the Kenyan runners. The training of the athletes, which takes place in the Eldoret region at around 2000 meters, could also play a role because the region offers a moderate climate all year round.

On April 3, it will be shown how the conditions and strategies described affect the performance of the athletes. The challenges of the cold and the strong winds will primarily put the Kenyan runners to the test. The Vienna City Marathon will not only be a race for the best times, but also about overcoming adverse circumstances.