Wachau Marathon
Krems, Lower Austria, Austria
Overview
The Wachau Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each September on a point-to-point riverside road in Krems, Austria. The valley is a UNESCO landscape, making the marathon one of Europe's prettiest river races. The course passes Danube villages, vineyards, and postcard river scenery through the Wachau. Danube villages, vineyards, and postcard river scenery carry September's point-to-point race through the UNESCO Wachau, one of Europe's prettiest river marathon landscapes.
Wachau Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Wachau Marathon 2026 race day
The next Wachau Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 6 September 2026 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Wachau Marathon course route
Starts in the Wachau Valley and finishes downstream in Krems. The course passes Danube villages, vineyards, and postcard river scenery through the Wachau. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Wachau Marathon elevation profile
The Wachau Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Wachau Marathon uses open online registration at wachaumarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the September race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Wachau Marathon elevation profile?
- The Wachau Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Wachau Marathon?
- The Wachau Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Point-to-point riverside road starting in the Wachau Valley and finishes downstream in Krems.
- What time does the Wachau Marathon start?
- The 2026 Wachau Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 September 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.wachaumarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Wachau Marathon start and finish?
- Starts in the Wachau Valley and finishes downstream in Krems. Updated course maps are published at https://www.wachaumarathon.com/ each year.
- When is the Wachau Marathon and how do I register?
- Wachau Marathon is typically held in September. Registration opens through https://www.wachaumarathon.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Wachau Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Wachau Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Wachau Marathon pass?
- The course passes Danube villages, vineyards, and postcard river scenery through the Wachau.
- What weather should runners expect at Wachau Marathon?
- Usually mild with dry autumn air and warm sun in exposed sections.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Krems.
Linz, Upper Austria, Austria· 99 km away
Linz Donau Marathon
The Linz Donau Marathon draws about 3,500 finishers each April along the Danube in Upper Austria's industrial-cultural city. The course passes the Ars Electronica Center, the Lentos Art Museum, and the Danube parklands on flat riverside terrain. April spring weather and a fast Danube-side profile make it Austria's largest marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 11 April 2027
Bratislava, Bratislava Region, Slovakia· 114 km away
Bratislava Marathon
The Bratislava Marathon attracts about 4,500 finishers each April through Slovakia's capital on the Danube. The course passes Bratislava Castle, the Old Town, and the UFO Bridge (Most SNP) with views of the Danube and Austrian border. April race day on the flat Danube plain is Slovakia's premier marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
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