Running Races in Ticino

Lugano, Locarno, Ascona: Ticino boasts postcard-perfect towns that are as enjoyable to run through as they are to visit 🌴. For a running race in Ticino, the canton offers palm-lined quays, Mediterranean alleyways and mountains as a backdrop, all under a sky that is often blue.

The terrain remains flat and pleasant along the lakes, with beautiful promenades running alongside Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano. The climate is among the mildest in Switzerland, with more than 2,000 hours of sunshine per year ☀️. Springs come early, summers are hot, autumns are bright: the season stretches almost all year round, with a preference for cool mornings. The roads climbing up to the heights above Lugano add some elevation for those who like to climb. The parks of Lugano and the cycle path on the Magadino plain also offer quiet loops for training runs, away from traffic and at everyone's own pace.

The Ticino running race calendar mainly opens in autumn. In September, the StraLugano brings Lugano to life, with its half marathon. In October, the Ascona Locarno Run and Runthrough Ascona-Locarno share the shores of Lake Maggiore 🍂. For the rest of the season, running races in Switzerland offer other events, including running races in Graubünden nearby.

Every summer, Locarno hosts its film festival, where the Golden Leopard rewards the best films: runners, meanwhile, cross the finish line to applause, if not on a red carpet 😄. After the effort, an Italian-style ice cream on the quay delights food lovers 🍦. Everyone can choose their race according to their level and desire, from a first 5 km to the half marathon, with the lake as scenery. A little boat trip on the calm waters then lets you enjoy your recovery.