SOLD OUT: The GRAWE Grazathlon inspires over 1.500 juniors and 6.300 adults

Limits overcome, records broken and successes celebrated – one highlight followed the next at the 11th edition of the GRAWE Grazathlon. And that's not all: an incredible 6.300 runners fought their way through the city center of Graz on Saturday over two distances.

 

 

Unfortunately, the Grawe Grazathlon had to be ended abruptly, as the storm made it impossible to continue the race. Thanks to well-prepared measures, the situation was overcome unscathed.

We are aware that many people were hit much harder by the storm and the cancellation of a “fun event” seems small compared to the damage caused “around us”. Nevertheless, we regret it very much, especially for the last starters.

 

But first things first: Little champions really big at the sold-out Center West Junior Grazathlon

Be a superhero for a day! Around 1.500 kids aged 8-15 were able to unpack their superpowers the day before at the Center West Junior Grazathlon. Over two km they had to fight their way through inflated tunnels, perform a balancing act and deftly whiz over funny obstacles. The focus is on fun and togetherness – and that’s what’s appreciated. From 2023 to 2024, the increase in participants among juniors is over 40%.

 

Am 8. June It was time to once again demonstrate team spirit, fighting spirit and perseverance and don't forget one thing: fun! The thousands of running enthusiasts had to fight their way through dirt, sand and water in order to conquer the city. In addition to the classic 10 km variant, this year there was again a 5+ km distance, which runners could choose between when registering, because beat the city should be for everyone. The 10-year anniversary was then properly celebrated in the event arena: There was a pure party atmosphere as the sound of DJ Mäxx really heated up the audience. Afterwards we went to Kottulinksy/Monkeys.

Both routes were a challenge in themselves: We started in Augarten and continued to the main square, where the route then separated. The 10 km distance led up to the Schlossberg over the “Caution Level” obstacle by Energie Steiermark. Downhill on the other side, the 10 km route made another turn to Lendplatz. At the main square, the long route flowed back into the new, short version. Together we went back to the Augarten to the cheers of the audience. There the classics such as the “Wand 4+Panier” and the “Monkeyland” had to be overcome again before reaching the finish.

Only those who were tough enough against themselves could hold their own against Graz. Markus Bretterklieber mastered this challenge fastest for the fourth time: with a sensational time of 42:55 minutes, he was separated from his pursuer by over 3 minutes Daniel Buchegger (46:30 minutes). Secured third place Lucas Kempe (46:36 minutes). In the women won Franziska Althaus. She crossed the finish line after 52:41 minutes and thus beat her fellow competitors Trude Kofler (56:44 minutes) and Maria Flecker (58:18 minutes) into the stands.

Ready for side glances

Many prominent representatives from politics, business and sport did not miss this unique sporting event. Among them is the sports councilor Kurt Hohensinner, who entered the race with the 1, member of the National Council Kurt Egger, Mario Wintschnig (Steiermärkische Sparkasse), Chairman of the Board of Directors GRAWE, Georg Schneider, Richard Peer (Holding Graz company spokeswoman), snowboard vice world champion Arvid Auner and SK Sturm Graz legend Mario Haas. The band “Alle Achtung” was also represented.

For the quick and curious

For everyone who missed the GRAWE Grazathlon or is now interested: “beat the city” will also take place in Innsbruck on June 29thEach "beat the city" competition has its own special features. The breathtaking mountain scenery, the picturesque old town and the incomparable feeling when you slide down the Bergisel ski jump make this event unique.

Registrations are still possible until June 23rd at www.beatthecity.at!

Because you don't want to miss the spectacle in 2025 anyway: book early, run cheaper!

Anyone who would like to experience this unforgettable feeling again can now register “Early bird” ticket for the “beat the city” series in 2025. These include the Merkur Linzathlon
(May 24th), the GRAWE Grazathlon (June 14th), and the Innsbruckathlon (tba).