« We are currently experiencing a movement boom » – DiePresse.com
Michael Buchleitner, once Austria’s best marathon runner, sees running as the winner of the Corona period. He talks about fitness effects on social media, socio-political homework and running at three degrees.
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Vienna’s streets will be filled by crowds again on Sunday. But: it becomes bitter. Reuters
The press: Running is back in, the scene will be younger and more feminine, according to the organizers of the Vienna City Marathon. What is your explanation for this?
Michael Buchleitner: In childhood, something has always been done in this direction, but in teenage age, however, many stop running and movement. Later, between 30 and 40, many come back. Many boys are currently doing sports and going to the fitness center. Some don’t do anything, others do a lot. Running in particular has experienced a boost through Corona. It was the only thing you could do. Many then stayed while running and have set goals.
What role do social media play in this upswing?
A not inconsiderable. The boys show that they are doing sports, they represent themselves on the net. This also creates a certain group pressure and pulls other people with them. In February I got the Hyrox event (Indoor fitness competition, note) viewed in Vienna. It is incredible what kind of wave is spilled over there. Fitness trends have arrived at a certain social class. And to come back to running again: it is simply cheaper than most other sports. It is important that people stay while running. An event like the VCM shouldn’t remain a one -off thing. You have to catch the people and slowly introduce the individual distances.
Is Austria moving enough?
