There will be diversions on some tram and bus routes. The Wiener Linien transport company has advised people who are not watching or taking part in the marathon to avoid using the underground train lines during and immediately after the event, which starts at 9am, as they are likely to be very busy.

Trains on the U1 line will be running every 2.5 minutes, on the U2 line at 3 minute intervals, and on the U3 and U4 every 4 minutes.

Runners are directed to take the U1 line to Kaisermuehlen VIC. An alternative route is to take the U6 line to Floridsdorf, and then tram 25 to Kagraner bridge.

During the day, there will be diversions and expected delays on the tram lines 1, 2, 5, 6, 18, 31, 52, 58, 71, D and O and the bus lines 4A, 5B, 10A, 11A, 12A, 13A, 14A, 20A, 40A , 57A, 59A, 74A, 77A, 80A, 92A and 92B. The Vienna Ring Tram will not run on Sunday.

On Saturday there will be several running events for children and teenagers, which means that between around 3pm and 5pm delays are expected on the lines 1, 2, 71, F, E, 3A, 4A, 74A and 77A. The Vienna Ring Tram will be running on Saturday, until around 4.30pm.

The Wiener Linien recommends that travellers listen out for loudspeaker announcements and read any notices at bus and train stops.

Anyone who wants to watch the event, and is not planning to cheer the runners on at the course, can see the marathon via a live ORF video broadcast that is available worldwide, starting at 8:30am. The weather is forecast to be sunny on Sunday, with temperatures of around 20 degrees.

In the women’s race Kenyan Caroline Chepkwony will compete against defending champion Anna Hahner from Germany. Last year Chepkwony was sensationally beaten by Germany’s rising marathon star when she faded badly in the final stages.

In the men’s race there is one big favourite – defending champion Getu Feleke, from Ethiopia, who ran a course record of 2:05:41 last year.