Cheering for the 40th Vienna City Marathon Runners - 2023
The participants have their designated batches.
Alte Donau ( Old Danube) near the Vienna UN Headquarters.
Even a doggie enjoys the commotions.
A runner who posed with me for a remembrance photo
A group of friends whoparticipated in the marathon.
A police boat patrolling the Danube River
The Reichsbrücke, both left and right lane were full of the 40k runners ...this is where the run started.
The 40th Vienna City Marathon...Sunday, April 23, 2023
**Hello everyone! **
Hope all of you are fine.... I am back blogging after 8 months and this is my first post here in the Liketu community.
One way of diverting my attention from my depression is to attend various places and events everywhere in the city. I have been trying to improve my health physically and mentally after a traumatic devastation when my husband passed away recently. One of the events I attended took place in the 22nd District of Donaustadt which had been the 40th Vienna City Marathon participated by around 40K marathon runners. There had been no marathon events in lieu of the pandemic and when this year´s game was announced, a lot of people registered to join the 40 Km run.
To be on the safe side, I set my alarm clock at 7:00 AM to give me time to prepare, eat breakfast and then go to the gathering place of the marathon (around the area of the U.N. Headquarters)...which is not far away from my flat. Gosh, I haven't seen so many people on the street since attending an AC/DC concert in the city some years back. I avoided such crowds before because one never knows about a tragedy that may strike anytime and once caught in it, that would be tough. But then, it was my first time to experience the marathon live, in high spirit, I made efforts to be there on time before the competition started.
The police, city authorities and organizers are on red alert, some boats were seen patrolling the Danube River and choppers were hovering the area.The onlookers included locals as well as tourists cheering for their own runners and their favorites. I was able to talk to some official participants who even obliged for a selfie pic with me. A local group told me that “the most important thing in joining is not to win, but simply to participate in the fun”. The run started on time at 9:00 AM and the runners were dispatched in batches.
The 40Km-run was won by the Kenyans who came first in both the men and women´s division. They ran a bit more than 2 hours. Some participants broke their own records. I´ve had fun in the marathon seeing it live and cheering for the runners. One thing is sure, I will surely attend next year´s competition not as a runner but part of the cheering squad. Promise!
For the best experience view this post on Liketu
The photo with the doggie is my favourite! He seems so tall in this angle that at first I mistook him for a foal - I had to go back and look more closely.
Lol, I intentionally made the shot directly at his head. It was standing beside me on the concrete being held by its owner. Very nice dog, the sound of the drums did not bother him at all.
The enthusiasm of the crowd makes you want to participate too. Joining the cheering squad is a good idea just to be part of the fun.
Indeed! Where are those young days, if I had been 25 years younger I might have joined and run too.
This event looks fun!! I have not seen an event like this live in our area. Only on tv.
Yeah, it was fun to cheer up the runners and that was what the onlookers did shouting and clapping hands...some have drums to to give their own participating teams/groups their support.
Whoa! Streets full of people, just like Sinulog here in Cebu. Your post is awesome sharing what happens there on your part of the globe.
Yeah, I can´t imagine to witness so many people on the streets of Vienna and to think the city is very small to accommodate such crowd.
that looks so fun! But I've never participated nor cheered on an even like hat yet. I ve been a prisoner of my work but someday I hope I can
You should find the time to go out...not only in events like this one, go out to places like the malls or parks because it is simply relaxingto even just sit awhile and watch the surroundngs and people. Thanks for visiting.
I do sometimes sis, But during the best times like festivals, (last months) Ther were many restrictions. bur I'm not losing hope that I will one day
Yeah, just take time to relax. Have a nice start of the week!
Happy to see you moving on and have a great day now
Thank you dear @olivia08. Still coping with my health and it is progressing already.
It was wonderful experience being with them I hope I can have that too. But I'm always at my cave ma'am no opportunity to walk along.
Be sure to take time for yourself...it is good to go out once in a while..good luck!