Loyal partnership in uncertain times

Its premium mobility partner Hyundai and the Salzburg Marathon are sending a strong, common signal of targeted and reliable cooperation, regardless of the uncertain situation caused by the spread of COVID-19. There is currently no decision for the Salzburg Marathon, the organizer is holding intensive talks with all the important authorities and institutions. With the movement initiative "Salzburg runs!" powered by Hyundai, the running festival together with its partner, which is considered a pioneer in the field of alternative drive forms on the automotive market, are setting an example for health that is particularly relevant in the current context.

Only a few hours after the Vienna City Marathon was canceled due to concerns about the further spread of COVID-19 and one day after the decision to cancel the Linz Marathon was made for the same reason - the events were four and six weeks before the Salzburg Marathon planned - Hyundai and the Salzburg Marathon demonstrate a strong commitment to each other at a meeting in the Heffterhof in Salzburg. Mag. Roland Punzengruber, Managing Director of Hyundai Austria, emphasizes: “We see our commitment to running as a long-term strategy. We stand by the Salzburg Marathon and in a loyal partnership like these, highs and lows are just as much a part of it. We present ourselves as a reliable partner and emphasize our motto 'sustainability', which we exemplify in our sector." Hannes Langer, organizer of the Salzburg Marathon, is particularly grateful in uncertain times: "Under the current circumstances, we lack the experience and secure knowledge how to deal with it most effectively. It is all the more important to have partners like Hyundai and other long-standing sponsors as well as the city and state of Salzburg with us in order to find sensible solutions.”

Responsible decision is the most important goal

Hannes Langer has been in close contact with all the important authorities, decision-makers and health facilities in the city and state of Salzburg for days. There is currently no decision as to whether the running festival in the city of Mozart can take place as planned in a good nine weeks or not. “Of course we take our social responsibility seriously. Our most important concern is to make a responsible, reliable and correct decision for our participants, for all partners involved in the organization as well as employees and the people of Salzburg and to ensure the protection of all people involved in the event. We will communicate this decision as soon as possible,” promises the experienced run organizer.

Plan B: Postponed to October 4th

In the event that the running festival cannot take place in mid-May, Salzburg's largest active sports event will not be cancelled, but postponed to October 4th, 2020 and, slightly adapted to slightly different circumstances, will be carried out to the fullest extent possible. This includes the diverse, three-day offering of the running festival, which provides the right challenge and ideal running pleasure for every runner's needs, and the proven, harmonious interaction between sport and health together with the important areas of culture, sustainability and charity. "It's a difficult situation for all runners when they lose sight of goals. Should the extreme case occur, it is therefore important to us to set a new goal for the running scene with the replacement date on October 4th," explains Langer.

Hyundai relay marathon with Peter Herzog

As in the previous year, Hyundai gave its name to the relay marathon and thus particularly stands for a joint, eventful togetherness at the running festival. In a relay team with prominent top athletes from the region that has yet to be nominated by Sporthilfe, Salzburg's marathon record holder Peter Herzog, running brand ambassador for Hyundai, is set as the starting runner, as was the case last year. In preparation for his Olympic participation in the marathon, the Pinzgauer is desperately looking for opportunities to compete and is therefore particularly hoping that his 15.2-kilometer commitment in the Hyundai relay marathon can take place on May 17th. In his sportingly most important season, the 32-year-old emphasizes the importance of the partnership with Hyundai: “In such an important year, training at the highest level is crucial for sporting success. This is only possible with the support of important partners like Hyundai.”