A total of 18,118 runners from 126 nations competed on September 11 and 12, with 6,000 of them in the marathon.

Part of the positive outcome was attributed to a high vaccination rate of 93 per cent.

Last week, the Public Health Service of the City of Vienna confirmed no infections were recorded in connection with the event.

"After consultation with our cluster monitoring team, no cases or clusters related to the Vienna City Marathon have been reported so far," said Ursula Karnthaler, project manager for medical measures related to COVID-19 at the City of Vienna Health Service.

In a bid to prevent the spread of the virus, it was mandatory for participants to present a negative COVID-19 test when collecting their race number.

More space was provided at the start and finish areas too, as well as the refreshment points.

"We have shown that a major running event can be organised in an inspiring and responsible manner," said race organiser Wolfgang Konrad.

"The efforts regarding personnel and logistics were very high. 

"Equally important was the willingness of the running community to support the prevention concept. 

"We would like to thank everyone for this. 

"The Vienna City Marathon has sent a strong message for running in Austria and internationally. 

"Running events are a great motivator for regular exercise for all age groups, something our society urgently needs."

Kenya's Leonard Langat won the men's marathon in 2 hrs 9min 25sec, and Vibian Chepkirui won the women's race in 2:24:29.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 edition was cancelled.

The next edition of the Vienna City Marathon is scheduled to take place on April 24 2022.

The Berlin Marathon was the first of five World Marathon Majors to be held in 2021 on September 26.

London is the next World Marathon Major to be held, scheduled for tomorrow.