Jonas Koller: a special anniversary

Of course, a healthy body means a lot of wealth. But even a healthy mind makes the human being a perfect unit. Johannes Koller was suddenly diagnosed with cancer eleven years ago. In an interview with the Salzburg Marathon, he explains what that meant from one day to the next and what makes this year's start at the running festival in the city of Mozart so special for him.

Salzburg Marathon: Jonas Koller, this is your tenth time at the start of the half marathon. Quite a number, especially after being diagnosed with cancer a few years ago...
Jonas Koller: "The diagnosis of the cancer was in 2008. In addition, the message came that it had already spread, i.e. there were metastases in the body. For me, that meant that some treatment processes started. Nevertheless, I was able to start at the Sparkasse half marathon for the first time in 2009. I was only really restricted for half a year because of the therapeutic measures. During this time, no sporting activities were possible at all.”

So your love of sports was already there before you became ill?
"Exactly, I've always done a lot of sports. Even at a young age. Back then I played more football and ice hockey. I've always walked a bit on the side. Now that I've gotten older, I've decided to make the switch. Ice hockey and soccer are sports that put more stress on bones and joints, which is less the case with running. The problem with my cancer was that the lymph nodes had to be removed to see if the cancer had spread. However, the focus of my cancer was on my lower leg, and the lymph nodes on my hips were removed. Now my left leg was damaged accordingly and its functionality was no longer as it was before.

That makes me proud, because now I can perform as well as I did before I fell ill. I only have to wear a compression stocking to run. I was still very much at odds with the doctors at the time. Because after the removal of the lymph nodes and tumor, I refused any further therapeutic measures. For example, I was advised to undergo chemotherapy or immunotherapy. However, I declined this advice. To this day I am actually cancer free, which doesn't mean I'm naïve enough to think I'm completely out of harm's way!”

Finally, I would like to ask you about your best experiences at the Salzburg Marathon. What did you remember in particular?
“For me there is not ONE moment. What I always find exciting is the time just before the start. When all the runners are already nervously standing together and the tension is noticeably in the air.

I particularly like the all-round atmosphere at the Salzburg Marathon. The various music groups along the running route create a great atmosphere in the city. You can already feel that on Friday when you walk through the streets. This feeling is really unique at the Salzburg Marathon, which makes it even nicer that it takes place almost on my doorstep.”