STARTSEITE
Organiser Franz Zimmermann
Amateur runners can look forward to many anniversary surprises – for example there will be individually-numbered special-edition medals; a runners-quiz with interesting prizes; the traditional runners-cocktail with its hospitality and anniversary additions; specialist running t shirts;customised anniversary packages and, as always, the legendary atmosphere – all with a sprinkling of nostalgia.
A running dream is realised
The “1st Salzkammergut Marathon“ gives a completely new and special challenge over the classic distance of
42.195 km. Starting in Bad Ischl (a town closely linked to Austria’s Imperial past), the marathon follows a
course through Pfandl and St. Wolfgang, before climbing over the Falkenstein rock face, passing through
St. Gilgen and Strobl, where it joins the original course of the 27 km classic, to the finish back in St. Wolfgang.
The scenery, in a class of its own, adds to the enjoyment of this marathon.
However, all those who by 2011 are not yet ready to take part in either oft the two long distance runs -the 27km or the 42.195 km -can experience the fascination of the LakeWolfgangsee race by joining in the 10 km Shore-run, the 5.2 km Panorama run or, on the Saturday, the Childrens‘ run.
From odd-bods to role models
The third Sunday in October has, for decades, been a fixed date for men and women addicted to oxygen! For the whole weekend,
St. Wolfgang almost exclusively belongs to the runners who are inexplicably drawn to this now legendary running experience,
the International “Race Around Lake Wolfgangsee“. Who ever runs this historic course once seems to return again and again!
The memorable first race around Lake Wolfgangsee took place on 26th October, 1972. Of the thirteen starters, eleven reached the finishing line. The manually-timed winning time was, compared to the current record of 1:26:47, a modest 2 hours 15 minutes. This unassuming beginning had consequences. A few days later a local newspaper enthused about the event and the resistance to all those “odd-bods running around“was broken. In the Salzkammergut, long-distance runners were no more described as being weird – but were even later regarded as role models. The annual Lake Wolfgangsee run had begun.
The pioneers of Lake Wolfgangsee
As the decades passed, the Lake Wolfgangsee run emerged as a trail-blazer among Austrian perseverance sports.
The race helped running, then a slightly odd fringe sport, to become socially acceptable.
The combining of sport and tourism; the international objective; the early and convincing introduction of ladies‘
long-distance running; the pioneering move to computerised results; the combination of professional and amateur
running and the inclusion of shorter distances were all trend-setting measures.
Today, Austria‘s second oldest running event is firmly fixed as one of the most beautiful “experience“ runs
in the European running calendar. It links two provinces, four parishes (St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, Strobl and Bad Ischl)
and participants from more than 30 nations in an impeccably organised experience that has become a permanent
advertisement for the sport and for the unique landscape.
Perfection – routine – enthusiasm
Throughout the years, the race directors and organisers have accumulated a great deal of experience, have learnt
from mistakes and have overcome often difficult situations. And, regardless of the routine, they have never lost
their initial passion for this event. Their enthusiasm for this race has not only helped it go the distance but
has also helped secure its future.
In 2010, one of the last runners to cross the finishing line was heard to say as he gasped for breath “If there were no Lake Wolfgangsee run, someone would definitely have to start one,“ and he promised, “I’ll definitely be back for the anniversary race!“
Franz Zimmermann and his Team
7th Panorama Run - 
9th Shore-side Run - 
40th Classic - 
3rd Lake Wolfgangsee Team-marathon info
1st Salzkammergut Marathon 
