3. VCM Winterlauf - Vienna Calling

The **43rd Vienna City Marathon (VCM)** is Vienna’s biggest running celebration — a full weekend where the city turns into a moving festival of sport, music, and community. The main marathon day brings a huge running crowd onto the streets, with cheering zones, iconic Vienna scenery, and an atmosphere that feels like a city-wide party for everyone who loves to run (or just wants to be part of it).

If you want to arrive at the start line in shape and with confidence, VCM also runs the **VCM Winter Running Series** in Vienna — a set of official AIMS-measured races that help you build fitness step by step, meet other runners, and stay motivated through winter and early spring. One of the key tune-ups is the **Vienna Calling Half Marathon** (starting on the Reichsbrücke and finishing in the Prater), plus shorter options like **1 mile, 5 km, and 10 km** on the Prater Hauptallee — ideal for beginners, families, and anyone who wants a faster race in the same VCM spirit.

VCM is also built around community: every Winter Series event tracks the biggest clubs and running crews, celebrates the top teams, and even crowns a season winner — with cash prizes and VIP experiences. There are extra touches that make race day smoother and more enjoyable too: bib pick-up options in advance, RFID net timing included, practical start/finish logistics, bag transport from start to finish for longer races, and post-race facilities like changing rooms and showers at selected venues.

In short, VCM isn’t just “a marathon.” It’s a full Vienna running experience — a big goal race, supported by a clear preparation path, a strong community vibe, and the kind of organisation that helps participants feel looked after from training season to finish line.