Special challenge

One marathon a week as perfect preparation

Norbert Lüftenegger loves a challenge.(Bild: zVg)

Ultra runner Norbert Lüftenegger is completing a special challenge this year with twelve friends: the Obertrum native wants to run 52 marathons. He is also taking part in a 100-kilometer run in Linz on Saturday. Why he only sees this as preparation and what else he has planned.

Running a marathon is a goal for many amateur athletes. Ultrarunner Norbert Lüftenegger wants to run 52 this year. "The aim is to run a marathon every week. Twelve friends have joined my idea," says the 46-year-old. If you fall ill, you can take a break, but you have to make up for the 42.195 kilometers you missed. He wants to lay the foundations for a good ultra running season. This starts tomorrow with the Danube Trail in Linz. After a two-week break due to illness, "the 100-kilometer run is very good preparation."

Big highlight at Whitsun
What sounds crazy to the average mortal is a pleasant distance for the man from Obertrum. Because this year, a 230-kilometre run is on the program as a big highlight at Whitsun. "This year, I don't just want to finish, I also want to be well ahead in terms of results," says Lüftenegger.

What drives him? "Simply the unknown. You stand at the start and don't know what will happen. The motivation is to get to know my body better."