The men's race was decided directly at the finish line in favour of Philipp Lipowitz, while Claudia Egginger also sprinted to triumph in the women's race on the home straight. Over the half marathon distance, German starters were in charge, but two local heroes were also among the front runners. A total of over 350 starters lined up at the start of the 13th Saalfelden Ski Marathon.
In the men's race, only fractions of a second were decisive in the battle for the crown in the supreme discipline. Philipp Lipowitz from Ski-Club Seefeld delivered a strong race over the entire 42 kilometres, was able to mobilise the necessary reserves at the end and took victory with a 0.4 second lead over Nikolaus Leitinger (SC St. Martin bei Lofer). ‘It went very well for me and in the end the race was decided on the finish line. I'm very happy that I was able to take the win,’ said Lipowitz, who also praised the excellent work of the organisers: ’The conditions were great, a brilliant event.’ Simon Kugler from the Fischer Racing Team completed an all-red-white-red podium with third place in the men's race.
With the last few grains on the home straight to victory
The women's final was also a blink of an eye. Claudia Egginger took victory after 42 kilometres, 2.3 seconds ahead of Stephy Schwärzler (SV Oberreute, Germany) on the home straight: ‘It was a cool race, pretty fast right from the start. I didn't think I would be able to keep up the pace like that. The track was hard and icy, surprising considering the weather was forecast to be so warm. That was cool. I'm very happy that I was able to win in the final sprint,’ said Egginger, who competed for Skiunion Böhmerwald. Birgitt Wittmann from Germany (RSC AUTO BROSCH Kempten) came third in the women's race.
Local heroes in second and third place in the half marathon
The races over the half marathon distance were no less exciting. Two German runners, Florian Hollandt from SWV Goldlauter and Johanna Puff from SC Bayrischzell, came out on top. Over the 21 kilometres, however, two local heroes were also in contention for the podium places. Anna Andexer and Femke Kramer from SK Saalfelden took second and third place.
Perfect work by the organisers made thrilling races possible
Despite difficult conditions, the organisers of the 13th Saalfelden Ski Marathon provided the best conditions for a top-class cross-country skiing event last weekend. The premiere over the light distance (10.5 kilometres) and the mini ski marathon also brought countless cross-country skiing enthusiasts to the Saalfelden trails.
‘We are particularly pleased that we had so many runners at the start this year and that the innovations were very well received. Sensational trail conditions, a top field of starters, a really successful event. We are now looking forward to next year's edition, including the premiere of the Charity Business Run,’ Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik, summarised with satisfaction.
