Kenya’s contingent keen to challenge Vienna Marathon course record
Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 04.04.25. | 20:15
The personal bests of the top four men on the start list differ by just over one minute, pointing to a close race for victory
A trio of Kenyan favourites is expected to make the 42nd edition of the Vienna City Marathon, set for Sunday 6 April, a fast one with Samwel Mailu’s 2:05:08 course record from 2023 under threat.
Justus Kangogo, Asbel Rutto, and Stanley Kurgat, the frontrunners in the men’s race, have set their sights on attacking their respective personal bests (PB).
Kangogo, the quickest of the three on paper, heads the start list with a PB of 2:05:57, while Rutto (2:06:24) and Kurgat (2:07:05) are expected to give the leader a run for his money, with Douglas Chebii (2:06:31) adding to the depth.
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“We have an interesting elite field that should provide a thrilling race,” said Johannes Langner, who coordinates the elite races on Sunday. “Our plan for the first group is a half marathon split time of 62:30 to 62:45. A second group will probably run around a minute slower. However, the weather conditions will probably not be ideal. While it will be dry, it will most likely be very cold with temperatures expected to be just above freezing level at the start at 9 am. So it remains to be seen if the 2:05:08 course record can be challenged.”
Rutto and Kangogo are seen as runners who do not mind taking the initiative during a race.
The former produced a great solo run when he broke the course record in Rome last year with a 2:06:24 PB.
“I am a frontrunner,” said 23-year-old Rutto. “When you are staying behind, you cannot win the race! On Sunday, I will aim to run a PB.”
Kangogo, who ran his PB in Berlin, welcomed Rutto’s approach. “I am a frontrunner as well, so we will work together. And once we finish, we will celebrate,” Kangogo said. “I looked at the course and it is attractive. If the weather is okay, I hope to run a PB here.”
Meanwhile, 25-year-old Kurgat has the advantage of knowing large parts of the course.
“I was a pacemaker here in Vienna a year ago, and I know that the course is good. I ran up to the 32k point last year. This time I will be running 10 more kilometers, chasing my PB. It will be cold, but I expect a good race,” he offered ahead of the race.
Another runner who knows Vienna’s course is Bernard Muia.
The Kenyan was runner-up last year with 2:10:42. It was in autumn 2023 when he ran his best marathon so far, winning in Munich in 2:09:17.
While Muia could produce a surprise so could Wisley Kibichii, a 59:57 half marathoner who will run his marathon debut on Sunday.
Elite List
Justus Kangogo KEN 2:05:57
Asbel Rutto KEN 2:06:24
Douglas Chebii KEN 2:06:31
Stanley Kurgat KEN 2:07:05
Charles Ndiema KEN 2:08:12
Benard Kimeli KEN 2:08:34
Bernard Muia KEN 2:09:17
Mica Cheserek KEN 2:09:26
Kipsambu Kimakal KEN 2:09:41
Geoffrey Koech KEN 2:10:12
Haftamu Abadi ETH 2:10:33
Lemawork Ketema AUT 2:10:44
Gadisa Tajebe ETH 2:11:02
Edward Koonyo KEN 2:11:24
Evans Yego KEN 2:12:56
Henry Kichana KEN 2:13:06
Andreas Vojta AUT 2:13:43
Andrew Davies GBR 2:14:23
Daverso Ramos PER 2:14:25
Wisley Kibichii KEN Debut
Mogos Tuemay ETH Debut
