HAFTAU ABADI is the youngest winner of VCM – Diepresse.com
The 42nd edition of the Vienna City Marathon brought surprise wins. In the event of a feel -good minus degrees, the event became an even bigger challenge for the many hobby runners. The victory in the half marathon goes to Styria.
The 42nd Vienna City Marathon brought surprise wins on Sunday over the classic distance of 42.195 km. Not the favored athletes prevailed in the cold at the challenge, but with Haftamu Abadi an Ethiopian in 2:08:28 hours and with Betty Chepkemoi in 2:24:14 an outsider from Kenya. Andreas Vojta landed in the ninth place in 2:15:01.
It started at a two -degree plus (the minus record is -0.1 in 1986), which felt like clear minus degrees due to the ice wind. The temperature fall after warm days did not stop the favorite male elite from chasing away in short trousers from the Reich Bridge, the best women at least grabbed forehead straps and armchairs.
Youngest Vienna winner with eartens
In the men, the Kenyans, who were traded as podium candidates, with some Ethiopians, formed a larger group, which fell for the first time after ten kilometers. Surprisingly, the runners from Kenya could no longer keep up, the Ethiopians Abadi and Mogos Tuemay remained and briefly matched themselves, but Abadi soon sat down. The 21-year-old first ran his second marathon and improved his record from 2:10:33 to 2:08:28 hours. The Kenyan Mica Cheserek (2:10:23), third of the Ethiopian debutant Tuemay (2:10:33) was second.
Incidentally, Abadi had put on headgear in the form of striking ear protectionists, long sleeves and gloves. He is now the youngest winner in the history of VCM. « It was very windy and cold. The time is not good, but I won and a new best time, so I’m happy, » said Abadi, who had actually targeted a 2:05. « You can’t do anything against the weather. It was a challenge. » Justus Kangogo was seventh.
Betty Chepkemoi triumphs for women
For women it was not the day of the two-time Vienna winner Vibian Chepkirui. At first she happened a misfortune, she missed her drinking bottle, had to run back and get back to the potted field. She fell back at kilometer 17 a second time, this time she couldn’t make the connection. Before the half marathon brand, the top field had reduced to a trio, from kilometer 36 it became a solo run by Chepkemoi. She won in front of the country women Rebbeca Tanui (2:25:18) and Catherine Cherotich (2:25:45).
« I am in Vienna for the first time, it is my second marathon. I didn’t expect victory. It was very, very cold and windy, » said Chepkemoi, wrapped in a thick winter jacket.
« /> Betty Chepkemoi from Kenya wins the Vienna Marathon 2025 Imago / Luka Kolanovic
Half marathon victory goes to Steirer
Thomas Messner won the half marathon in 1:04:22 hours. « It was very windy and difficult conditions. But the temperatures were okay, » said the Styrian, who also got the state championship title over 21.097 km a week ago. Incidentally, some marathon runners had turned wrong with the half marathon tip, they were sent back to the big loop shortly before the finish. (APA/Red.)
