The 26th International WACHAUmarathon returns on September 13, 2026, offering runners an unforgettable journey through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wachau along the Danube River. This prestigious race has been a cornerstone event in Austria's running calendar for over two decades, celebrated not only by elite athletes but also by recreational runners seeking scenic routes and challenging yet manageable distances. The marathon route spans 42 kilometers from Emmersdorf to Krems, while the half-marathon covers 21 kilometers starting in Spitz. A quarter-marathon option of 11 kilometers begins in Achleiten, providing flexibility for participants who prefer a shorter distance or wish to join as part of a relay team. The terrain is largely flat with minimal elevation changes, making it ideal for achieving personal bests and maintaining steady pacing throughout the race. The route winds through picturesque vineyards, medieval villages, and historic sites that have earned Wachau its UNESCO World Heritage status since 2000. Race weekend kicks off on Wednesday, September 9th with bib number pickup at VIENNA Raiffeisen Forum from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. On Saturday, the Messe Krems hosts both the WACHAUmarathonEXPO and late registration opportunities during expo hours from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The weekend culminates on Sunday with a bustling morning at Messe Krems for final bib pickups between 6:30 AM and 8:00 AM. The WachauJUNIORmarathon, open to children born in or after 2010, takes place Saturday afternoon from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. On race day itself, the quarter-marathon starts at 9:30 AM followed by both half and full marathon distances launching simultaneously at 10:00 AM. The event promises a seamless blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and top-notch organization that has made WACHAUmarathon an iconic experience for runners from around the globe. For those interested in exploring more than just running, Krems’ Messe Utzstraße will host the expo on both Saturday and Sunday, offering exhibitors ranging from sports brands to local vendors showcasing regional delicacies. This comprehensive event ensures that participants can immerse themselves fully in Wachau's rich culture while pushing their physical limits against a stunning backdrop. Whether you're an experienced marathoner or new to long-distance running, the 26th International WACHAUmarathon presents an opportunity to experience one of Austria’s most scenic and well-organized races.
Races Offered
26th International WACHAUmarathon 2026 Sportland NÖ Quartermarathon
Sep 12, 2026
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Distance —
10.9K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:30
sell
€75.00
26th International WACHAUmarathon 2026 Team-Quartermarathon
Sep 12, 2026
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Distance —
11K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:30
sell
€210.00
26th International WACHAUmarathon 2026 Halfmarathon Package (2 Personen)
Sep 12, 2026
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Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
10:00
sell
€660.00
26th International WACHAUmarathon 2026 Nordic Walking Halfmarathon
Sep 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
10:00
sell
€100.00
26th International WACHAUmarathon 2026 Raiffeisen Marathon
Sep 12, 2026
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Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
10:00
sell
€130.00
26th International WACHAUmarathon 2026 Relaymarathon (2er-Staffel)
Sep 12, 2026
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Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
10:00
sell
€160.00
26th International WACHAUmarathon 2026 Relaymarathon (3er-Staffel)
Sep 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
10:00
sell
€160.00
26th International WACHAUmarathon 2026 Relaymarathon (4er-Staffel)
Sep 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
10:00
sell
€160.00
26th International WACHAUmarathon 2026 Wr. Städtische Halfmarathon
Sep 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
10:00
sell
€100.00
26th International WACHAUmarathon 2026 WachauJUNIORmarathon
Sep 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
26th International WACHAUmarathon 2026 WachauJUNIORmarathon
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
15:00
sell
€20.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Krems an der Donau.
thermostatTemperature
13.6° / 22.6°
wb_sunnyFeels like
12.5° / 21.7°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
9h 9m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
4.3 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
9.1 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (3.5)
humidity_mid
Humidity
74.0%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:35
nightlight
Sunset
19:09
About Krems an der Donau
Learn more about the host city, Krems an der Donau.
Krems an der Donau is a city in Lower Austria, Austria. With a population of 24,821, it is the 20th-largest city of Austria and fifth-largest of Lower Austria. It is approximately 70 kilometres west of Vienna. Krems is a city with its own statute, and therefore it is both a municipality and a district.
