Wachau Marathon

KremsAustria

Next race

Sunday, 5 September 2027

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Point-to-point riverside road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

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. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Wachau Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 2,500 finishers

Weather: Mild and humid autumn
17–20°C · humidity 65–80%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:12:32 — John Kipngeno Rotich (2003)Women: 2:33:33 — Karina Szymańska (2002)

Course & terrain

Wachau Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

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.

Registration

Wachau Marathon 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.

Common questions

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 rolling, 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 2027 Wachau Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 5 September 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications 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 each year.
When is the Wachau Marathon and how do I register?: Wachau Marathon is typically held in September. Registration opens 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 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Krems.

ViennaAustria· 60 km away

Vienna City Marathon

The Vienna City Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 11k finishers on an urban road in Vienna, Austria. The course starts and finishes at the Reichsbrücke on the Danube. The route passes Schönbrunn Palace, the Ringstrasse, Prater, and the UN headquarters. Mostly flat with short climbs on Danube and canal bridges.

Next race: Sunday, 18 April 2027

LinzAustria· 99 km away

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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

BratislavaSlovakia· 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

GrazAustria· 150 km away

Graz Marathon

The Graz Marathon draws about 5,000 finishers each October through Austria's second city in Styria. The course passes the Schlossberg (clock tower), the Mur River, and the Eggenberg Palace on rolling Styrian terrain. October autumn weather and a mix of urban and parkland scenery make it a popular southern Austrian marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026

SalzburgAustria· 203 km away

Salzburg Marathon

The Salzburg Marathon attracts about 6,500 finishers each May through Mozart's birthplace. The course passes Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Salzach River, and the baroque old town with alpine peaks as backdrop. May spring weather in the Salzach valley creates a culturally rich Austrian marathon experience.

Next race: Sunday, 9 May 2027

PragueCzech Republic· 206 km away

Prague Marathon

The Prague Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 11k finishers on a historic urban road in Prague, Czech Republic. The course starts and finishes on Old Town Square. The route crosses the Charles Bridge twice, passing Prague Castle, Wenceslas Square, and the Vltava embankment. Very flat along the river; cobblestones on Charles Bridge and in the Old Town.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

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Planning guides

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Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Wachau Marathon

Overview

Wachau Marathon course

Wachau Marathon entry requirements

Wachau Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Wachau Marathon links

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