A perfect marathon day for Hollaus

Lukas Hollaus triumphed with a personal best of 2:17:20, while Eva Wutti crossed the finish line in 2:37:44. Both runners set the fastest times ever recorded by Austrians at this event.

Despite temperatures of 10–12°C – usually considered ideal for running – spells of rain and windy conditions made it challenging for participants to perform at their best. The marathon welcomed runners from all continents and was started on the “Staatsbrücke” bridge offering a stunning view of Salzburg’s historic UNESCO World Heritage city centre. The finish line was set in front of the iconic Salzburg Festival Hall.

“This day showed what is possible when passion, team spirit, and a clear vision come together. The 22nd PUMA Salzburg Marathon was not only a major sporting event, but an emotional celebration for the entire city – carried by thousands of running enthusiasts, countless volunteers, partners, and an enthusiastic audience,“ said organizer Johannes Langer in his initial remarks.

Winner Lukas Hollaus, a Tokyo 2021 Olympic triathlete, improved his marathon personal best by 18 seconds. Despite challenging conditions, the 38-year-old teacher and coach maintained a strong, steady pace in the second half and claimed a commanding victory ahead of Hungary’s László Tarnai (2:26:23) and Israel’s Yoni Bartal (2:29:36).

Hollaus described it as a perfect marathon day in his home town: “Everything went extremely well from start to finish. The final stretch was unforgettable. The second half was tough with rain and wind — my fingers went numb, and I struggled to grab drinks. Still, I always believed I could set a personal best. It’s fantastic to run a marathon on home ground.”

Dominik Hirczy won the Sparkasse Half Marathon, finishing in 1:08:14. The 25-year-old from Gastein in the Salzburg region pulled ahead in the final kilometres to beat Germany’s Geleta Habtamu Agumas (Leipzig), who finished second in 1:08:42. Thomas Jöbstl from Hallein placed third in 1:09:07.

A variety of races for all ages and ambitions during the event week showcased the inclusive, family-friendly character of the PUMA Salzburg Marathon – making it a true celebration of movement for all generations.