In 2021, Kärnten Läuft celebrated its 20th anniversary. The success story led from the originally race-focused “street run” (formerly Klagenfurt Marathon) to today’s extensive running festival with a supporting program and year-round activities — a concept created in 2002 by Race Director Michi Kummerer. Over the years, not only did participant numbers grow; the activity program for everyone expanded continuously. For the organizing team, it was always important to address the broad public, get people moving, and promote an active lifestyle. From the very beginning, strong emphasis was also placed on youth development, and with the introduction of the large 3-day activity arena in 2012, a milestone for an even broader program for young and old, elite and recreational athletes, was set.
2002: Race on Saturday afternoon in over 30°C; Michael Buchleitner wins the first edition; 2,733 starters at the premiere.
2003: Switch to a 3-day program; Half Marathon on Sunday morning.
2004: New event: AK Quarter Marathon.
2005: New events added: RAIFFEISEN Women’s Run + Dogging Dog Run.
2006: Roland Düringer comedy show, more than 3,000 visitors.
2007: Switch from relay half marathon to 4 km WIENER STÄDTISCHE Night Run; introduction of the Running Doctors.
2008: Course record: first time under 1:01:00 — Francis Kiprop.
2009: First livestream of the Half Marathon Day; the best CREW IN THE WORLD.
2010: Aniko Kalovics (HUN) wins the women’s Half Marathon for the fifth time.
2011: 10 years of Kärnten Läuft, first time over 5,000 finishers; Wilson Kipsang at the start; new women’s record by Florence Kiplagat (1:08:02).
2012: Expansion of the supporting program: Activity Arena for young and old.
2013: Establishment of the international “Run Alpe Adria” cooperation with Slovenia and Italy — a tourism and economic factor.
2014: First Half Marathon in Austria under 1 hour: Geoffrey Ronoh, 59:45.
2015: New Half Marathon course + new start for Quarter Marathon in Pörtschach; first time over 8,000 participants.
2016: 15th anniversary + introduction of health events + Women’s Run with 800 participants.
2017: New: Sports Aid Charity Run + MJK Sports Symposium as training for clubs and the public.
2018: Three days of dancing in the rain at Lake Wörthersee + Alex Kristan as comedian.
2019: New in the program: “Fittest Community” ranking + Fritzi the fast pike as Kärnten Läuft mascot + mascot run.
2020: PLAN B in times of COVID – Wörthersee Stadium as the new Running City. With a comprehensive prevention concept, Kärnten Läuft could take place even this year. National and international recognition!
2021: 20th anniversary! New course due to COVID: Half Marathon on the southern shore of Lake Wörthersee + new Quarter Marathon start in Krumpendorf; new event venue: Wörthersee Stadium as Running City.
2022: Back to the roots. Running City returned to Metnitzstrand; Half Marathon again on the north side of Lake Wörthersee; Quarter Marathon start back in Pörtschach.
2023: Heat battle at Lake Wörthersee — proving once again the motto: “Pack your running shoes and your swimwear!”
2024: Strong women’s presence in the Women’s Run and dominant Kenyan elite runners claiming nearly all top spots.
2025: Austrian runner Julia Mayer delivers a strong test run for the World Championship marathon with a time of 1:13:40, setting an impressive statement.
