Linz Donau Marathon

Location: Linz
Country: Austria
Website: https://www.linzmarathon.at/en/index.html
2025 Marathon Date: 13/04/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 12/04/2026
Winning Time 2025: 02:07:58
% Sub-3s: 10–15%
# Sub-3s: 100–499
Total Runners: 1k–3k

The Linz Donau Marathon takes place each spring in the Austrian city of Linz. Known for its fast, flat layout and riverside setting, it has become a well-regarded event among runners looking to combine speed with a smooth, mid-sized race experience.

The course follows a straightforward route through Linz and its surrounding areas, with minimal elevation change and long straight sections that support consistent pacing. Runners pass key landmarks within the city and benefit from wide roads and good surface conditions throughout the race. The layout includes a scenic stretch along the River Danube, adding visual interest without compromising momentum.

Weather in mid-April is typically cool and dry, creating favourable conditions for endurance performance. The event is professionally managed, with clearly marked kilometres, frequent aid stations and a calm, focused race-day environment. While crowd support is concentrated near the start and finish, the course is largely unobstructed and free from congestion.

The Linz Donau Marathon has developed a strong reputation among serious amateur runners, especially those targeting sub-3 times in a quieter, more predictable setting than the larger European city races. Its measured atmosphere, efficient organisation and consistently fast results make it an excellent choice for athletes who value precision and performance over spectacle.

Though Linz may not have the global profile of Vienna or Berlin, its marathon offers many of the same structural advantages—flat terrain, favourable weather and minimal disruption. For sub-3 hopefuls aiming for a clean, high-quality race in continental Europe, the Linz Donau Marathon stands out as a smart and reliable option.