Run a Marathon

Running a marathon is proof that your body and mind can endure more than you believe.

The idea of someday running a marathon has been with me for a long time, living in my boldest dreams. When I was a racing cyclist in my younger years, I always enjoyed running in the forest, especially in winter.

It all started with a very simple challenge: to run a 3-kilometer loop without stopping to walk. The next step followed quickly – the Business Run in Salzburg, covering 6 kilometers. That distance was manageable too, and I felt there was still more in me.

After that race, my motivation kept growing. In training, I set myself the goal of completing a quarter marathon – and I did it. But that wasn't enough. I wanted to know how far I could really go. So I kept pushing and eventually reached 16 kilometers. With every step, not only did my endurance grow, but so did my confidence in myself.

Then the thought came to me: what if I simply signed up for a half marathon? Said and done. At the half marathon in Graz in 2024, I stood at the starting line – and actually reached the finish without breaking down. At the end, I was exhausted, but incredibly proud. At that very moment, a new thought emerged: if I prepare properly, maybe one day I could even complete a full marathon.

The concrete goal of running a marathon was born on that October day in 2024. During the half marathon, it became clear to me for the first time: I can do this. There is more in me. Those 21 kilometers were not the destination – they were the beginning.

What followed in 2025 were several months of consistent training, with full focus on the marathon in October. I ran my home loop more than 140 times – in rain, cold, and fatigue. Every step was a promise to myself. Not even a dog attack and bruised black toenails could stop me. I shook it off briefly and kept going. Giving up was never an option.

A seasoned marathon runner bluntly told me: “You want to join the marathon club? You do know it’s a pretty elite club, right?” It seemed like his way of telling me I’d never make it. I’ll never make it? If only he knew – nothing motivates me more than hearing that. I’ll prove it to you!

The half marathon in Graz in mid-October 2025 became my dress rehearsal. With a time of 1 hour and 55 minutes, I reached my goal of under 2 hours without any trouble and made a clear statement: I felt great. Confident. I was ready. But I knew the real challenge still lay ahead.

Then came October 26, 2025. Venice. At the starting line with 20,000 other runners. The tension was in the air. The starting gun fired – and I ran. Calm, controlled, focused. I paced myself perfectly, kilometer by kilometer. No collapse, no crisis – just a steady rhythm.

Every 30 minutes, I took a gel that I carried in my running belt, along with water from the aid stations. At the halfway point, just 2 hours and 2 minutes had passed – I felt great. A muesli bar in between upset my stomach a bit, but by kilometer 30, that was already forgotten.

Then came the bridge. Five kilometers straight from the mainland to Venice. No shade, no end in sight. Tough, mentally demanding. Every step became a challenge – but I kept going.

And finally: Venice itself. Makeshift bridges over the canals, uneven ground, cobblestones. An enormous crowd of spectators cheered the runners through the narrow alleyways. An incredibly cool atmosphere. The sea spilled onto the course and made the ground incredibly slippery. Not slipping required enormous concentration. And then on top of that: flooding in St. Mark’s Square – an almost surreal scene beneath my feet. But I kept running, carried by the atmosphere and the finish line ahead.

At kilometer 40, I got another surge of motivation and summoned my remaining strength. The last two kilometers were the fastest of the entire marathon. Maybe I could have run even faster?

After 4 hours, 19 minutes, and 24 seconds, I crossed the finish line.

No longer a dream – reality. The marathon club had one more member.