Security Measures Heightened for Vienna City Marathon

On Saturday morning, officials from Vienna's emergency services, alongside the Austrian Interior Minister, announced the commencement of activities surrounding the Vienna City Marathon (VCM). During a press briefing held at the City Hall, they provided insights into the extensive security measures being implemented for the event.

Approximately 500 security personnel from various police units will be deployed throughout the marathon, as stated by the Interior Minister. This substantial force includes members from the riot police, special operations units, and teams dedicated to state security and counter-terrorism efforts, as well as drone operators. The Minister reiterated the current high level of terrorism alert in Austria, noting that while the threat level remains significant, authorities are not aware of any specific threats at this time.

The Chief of Police for the region added that additional protective measures have been put in place for the marathon, which includes public space restrictions and covert operations designed to prevent larger vehicles from entering areas populated by large crowds. As with all major events, a thorough security assessment was conducted in advance of the marathon.

In terms of medical support, approximately 325 medical personnel will be on duty during the marathon, as explained by the head of the emergency services at the Vienna Red Cross. Support will also come from regional Red Cross units in Salzburg, Burgenland, and Lower Austria. To combat potential hypothermia among runners, over 1,000 liters of tea have been prepared in light of the expected low temperatures for the event.

Additionally, numerous staff from the city's emergency services will be present to ensure the smooth execution of the marathon. The Mayor of Vienna highlighted that over 110 employees from the city's public transport authority and 170 workers from the waste management department will be involved in facilitating the event. The organizers confirmed that final preparations are complete, anticipating participation from more than 45,000 individuals across various running events throughout the weekend. The head of production for the Vienna City Marathon described this occasion as a record-setting weekend for the event.