Sightseeing, strudels, and a 10k run for good measure – what more could a girl want? Passport in hand, viral Ryanair cabin bag packed – let’s go!
Vienna is absolutely gorgeous, from the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace to St Stephen’s Cathedral, but I wasn’t there for sightseeing alone. I was heading to the ASICS Austrian Women’s Run, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.
The motto for the race was “kind of magic” – and honestly, it really lived up to that!
Race Expo and Bib Collection
First stop: bib collection, which takes place the day before the race. Pro tip: get there early, because the queues can be long.
The event expo was buzzing like a mini-festival, with everything you could possibly need – especially handy if you forgot anything in your packing frenzy!
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Free samples and chances to win fitness goodies
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ASICS stand to try or buy new running shoes
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Live workouts on a central stage
With my bib and huge goodie bag in hand, I managed a quick explore of Vienna before race day – and yes, there were strudels involved.
It’s a Kinda Magic
Race morning brought together over 20,000 women of all ages, backgrounds, and running abilities. The green Vienna Prater transformed into a sea of pink, buzzing with empowerment, excitement, and pure fun.
I made my way to the start line, ready for the 10K course, flanked by tree-lined paths that offered welcome shade in the summer heat.
Sadly, the route doesn’t go through the city centre itself, but it does take you through the park’s iconic amusement park – honestly, Hull Fair, you’ve got nothing on this!
Race Options for All Abilities
This event caters to everyone:
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5K or 10K runs – or do both if you’re feeling ambitious
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5K Nordic Walk option
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Super flat courses – perfect for beginners or anyone chasing a PB
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No time limit on the 5K – stress-free running
The 10K route is one of the fastest in Austria, making it a prime choice if you want to smash a personal best while enjoying a scenic route.
Female Empowerment
The atmosphere was electric. Running alongside thousands of other women felt amazing and genuinely empowering.
I’d listened to a talk the evening before, learning about the barriers women face when it comes to exercise. But here I was, surrounded by a supportive, vibrant community – a living reminder that when women support each other, incredible things can happen.
Everywhere you looked, there was camaraderie, encouragement, and smiles – it really embodied the spirit of female empowerment.
Why You Should Add This Race to Your List
The ASICS Women’s 10K in Vienna is more than a race – it’s a celebration of community, empowerment, and female strength.
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Connect with a diverse community of women runners
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Run in one of Austria’s most beautiful parks
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Experience a fun, flat course perfect for PBs or casual runs
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A great goodie bag, festival vibes, and inspiration
If you’re looking for a memorable race that combines travel, running, and female empowerment, this should be at the top of your list. Pack your passport, lace up your trainers, and don’t forget your SPF!
Can You Pack Everything for a Race in a Ryanair Cabin Bag?
You might be wondering, “Can you actually fit a full race weekend in a tiny Ryanair cabin bag?” Spoiler alert: yes, it’s possible – I did it!
For a 10K weekend in Vienna, prioritise essentials, pack smart and embrace multi-purpose items. My kit included:
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Race trainers and casual shoes (lightweight for travel)
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Race kit, socks, and a lightweight jacket
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Toiletries in travel-sized bottles
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Chargers, headphones, and any small accessories
Rolling clothes instead of folding them saved so much space, and I tucked smaller items into shoes and gaps in the bag. Bonus: no check-in queues, no lost luggage and everything I needed for sightseeing and running was right at my fingertips.
If you’re planning a European race, a compact cabin bag is your secret weapon. It keeps things simple, light, and stress-free and yes, you’ll even have room for a strudel or two!
Pro tip: pack outfits you can mix and match and leave a little extra room for race goodies – because trust me, you’ll get a goodie bag you won’t want to squish.
