Linz Junior Marathon: More than 2,000 children and young people took part on Saturday afternoon

Despite the early summer temperatures, the children and young people were enthusiastic and completed their respective running distances, sometimes at a breathtaking pace.

In addition to many happy winner and finisher faces, there were also a few tears, especially among the very young starters. A shoe was lost right at the start or the nerves were simply too great. But an ice cream and OÖN mascot Vitus Mostdipf quickly put a smile back on the faces of despondent young athletes. And once the medal was around his neck, everything was right again. Everyone was able to feel like a winner on Saturday afternoon. The focus of the junior marathon was not on winning, but on the joy of movement.

You can see the best pictures from the Junior Marathon in our picture gallery.

Picture gallery: Running fun at the Linz Junior Marathon

(Photo: Volker Weihbold) Bild 1/236

View gallery

OÖN-TV was there with the camera at the Junior Marathon 2024:

“It was my son Thomas’ third start overall. We measured the competition route precisely and completed it at home up to three times a day,” says Werner Schinagl from Linz-Pichling. Karin Vitale from Gramastetten, who accompanied her grandchildren Mariella (6) and Luigi (3) to Linz, was also completely satisfied. “Now we go to the barbecue and as a reward there is ice cream.”

The participants in the 1st Special Olympics Run Linz were also motivated to the core.

“The decision to move the junior marathon here on the Danube near the stadium and railway bridge turned out to be absolutely right – it was a tailor-made start to the marathon weekend,” said a visibly enthusiastic Mayor of Linz, Klaus Luger. The new venue was extremely well received by the audience. Around 5,000 people milled about on the banks of the Danube. Whether comfortable in a deckchair or active with dancing in front of the show stage – there was something for every taste at the family festival dedicated to the joy of movement. There were also compliments from Vice Chancellor, Sports Minister Werner Kogler: “We know that we have to get young people moving more and that’s why events like this are so valuable.”