Abadi crosses the finish line. © APA / EVA MANHART

Ethiopian Abadi Bester in the Viennese cold

The 42nd Vienna City Marathon produced a surprise winner on Sunday over the classic distance of 42,195 km.

06 April 2025

From: dpa

It wasn't the favored Kenyans who prevailed in the cold challenge, but rather an Ethiopian, Haftamu Abadi. The 21-year-old ran only his second marathon and improved his personal best from 2:10:33 to 2:08:28. Kenyan Mica Cheserek finished second, and Ethiopian debutant Mogos Tuemay took third.

The start was at 0,1:1986 a.m. at plus two degrees Celsius (the record low is minus XNUMX in XNUMX), but the icy wind made it feel like well below zero. The drop in temperature after warm days didn't stop the favored male elite from racing away from the Reichsbrücke in shorts, though the best women at least resorted to headbands and arm warmers.

Youngest Vienna winner with stylish earmuffs

In the men's race, the Kenyans, who were considered podium contenders, formed a larger group with some Ethiopians, as expected, but this group began to break apart after just ten kilometers. Surprisingly, the Kenyan runners were gradually unable to keep up, leaving the Ethiopians Abadi and Tuemay to battle it out briefly at the front, but Abadi soon pulled away.

Incidentally, he certainly opted for headgear in the form of striking earmuffs, long sleeves, and gloves. He is now the youngest winner in the history of the VCM.

In Vienna, young and old were on their feet. © APA / EVA MANHART

Thomas Messner won the half marathon in 1:04:22 hours. "It was very windy and the conditions were difficult. But the temperatures were fine," said the Styrian, who also won the national championship title over 21,097 km a week ago. Incidentally, several marathon runners took a wrong turn with the half marathon leader and were sent back onto the long loop shortly before the finish.