ASICS Austrian Women's Run: And what are you running for?

On October 3rd, the time has come again: The ASICS Austrian Women's Run will take place for the 33rd time. We introduce you to four women who will be there (again) and let them tell you what drives them.

These women run to make a difference: the ASICS Austrian Women's Run is about more than just sport. Those who take part set a strong example for all women, for courage, solidarity and self-confidence. Four participants say why they are there this year. Plus all the information if you want to run on October 3rd.

Elisabeth, 47: "My motivation: WOMEN SOLIDARITY!"

"I've been running for a long time, but always with a lot of breaks in between. I've started 100 times and stopped again and again. With the many lockdowns and the completion of my apprenticeship, I had more time again, and in March of last year I did the Started running since it such a good balance in my everyday life is. I'm much fitter now, much more balanced. There is also pride, I just enjoy moving. My motivation behind it is the rest, the break, the emptying in the head. I don't have any specific goals, but running simply means having time for myself and switching off.

I also have a very strong role model function in the family, for example my father is a runner. Sport and running have always been very present in my family. It's that simple, you can run anywhere, anytime. It goes well with my full life."

Michaela, 16: "I run for more GIRLPOWER!"

"Everyone has their strengths - mine is running. Even as a small child, I didn't walk, I ran straight away. For me it is a way of life and makes me happy. When our teacher told us about the women's run, I was immediately enthusiastic. Finally no longer just running at home and at school, but at a really big event! It was the same for my friends. For once, our teacher didn't have to ask long before someone volunteered.

The event is a real motivational boost for me and my friends! Every year I want to improve myself and top my time. I'm not dogged about it, it's just good for me if the training makes me better! I push my body to its limits, but I'm incredibly proud of myself when I achieve what I set out to do. I then feel stronger overall and more satisfied with myself - and of course it's nice when others praise me and respect my performance. Running shows you what you are made of and what is possible with a little effort!

We've been with it for three years now and it's always more fun. Not just the run, but also all the trappings! It starts with us picking up our starter bags with lots of great goodies. The running shirt is like an award for taking part! And days after that, I'm really inspired by the run with the many other girls and women. I want to experience that again and again!"

Christina, 38: "My drive: Real EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES!"

"Around 50 years ago there were still so many myths about excluding women from participating in running competitions. According to sports officials at the time, it was said that women were 'too weak' for a marathon and that their uterus could 'fall out while running'. women who were longer than 2, 4 km were therefore not allowed. Today I run the 10 km together with my mother at the Austrian Women's Run and want to show: Women can do anything they want to!

As a teenager, I used running as a time for myself. Running meant ventilating your brain, letting your thoughts wander and then going back to everyday life strengthened. In 2009 I took part in the Austrian Women's Run for the first time. I ran the 10 kilometers with a couple of work colleagues and my mother. That was great fun because it motivated and relaxed me at the same time. And it was amazing to see that we - regardless of age - can all cope with the same task. I would like to see this equal opportunity in many other areas as well! For me, the women's run was also the starting signal for personal development. I really wanted to improve my time and so I continued to train hard after the run. With success! I hope that so many will take part again this year and run together - for themselves, for the women and for equal opportunities!"

Sandra, 32: "I'm running for EQUAL RIGHTS!"

The Austrian Women's Run 2012 was my first official run. A mutual friend gave me and four other girls the idea. Together we just wanted to be there and have fun. But my personal goal was also to somehow manage to run through the 5 km. Back then, when I was in my early twenties, I was a total beginner. I was in absolutely no condition and couldn't even run for a quarter of an hour. And I lacked the motivation to go running alongside my studies and work. Together with my friends, however, I finally got over my weaker self - and happily made it to the finish line at my first women's run with a pace of 6:19 min / km. Since then I have participated in countless other races and around 15 half marathons, my pace has improved to 5:13 min / km and the Austrian Women's Run is a fixture on my calendar every year.

Running should be fun, but I also want to improve my performance every year. The Austrian Women's Run enabled me to run the 10 km distance for the first time. I can use this self-esteem boost in my life as a young mom. Because mothers are still far too often disadvantaged and have to fight hard for equality. I am participating in the women's run for this message: We are women, we are many and we want work and family to be compatible. Without expanding childcare, we will ultimately always be disadvantaged on the labor market."

Do you also want to take part in the ASICS Austrian Women's Run?

All information about participation - virtual or on site - can be found here! You can choose from 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers or 5 kilometers of Nordic walking.