Flat enough to aim for a fast time, hilly enough to mix things up: the canton of Solothurn is perfectly suited to half marathon training, in the heart of the Swiss Plateau.
The canton of Solothurn stretches from the outskirts of Biel to the gates of Aarau, faithfully following the course of the Aare. To the north, the long barrier of the Jura shields the plain from cold winds 🌬️. In between, a succession of villages, orchards and small forests makes up a peaceful landscape, perfect for running.
For a half marathon in the canton of Solothurn, the loops around Solothurn offer an ideal setting: a pass through the old town, a climb back up along the riverbanks, then a return through the countryside. Runners from Grenchen enjoy flat paths at the foot of the Grenchenberg, while those from Olten play with the gentle slopes of the Born. April, May and September remain the most pleasant months for stringing together threshold sessions 🏃. Summer calls for more caution: it is better to set off at dawn and enjoy the coolness of the riverbanks, when the city is still asleep and the swans glide on the Aare.
The Solothurn half marathon calendar is empty for the moment on Finishers, but there is no shortage of options nearby. In Biel, Les Courses de Bienne offers a half marathon in June at the heart of a big running festival 🎉. In the canton of Lucerne, the Sempacherseelauf runs along Lake Sempach in May. Further north, the Muttenz Marathon also includes a half marathon in the spring. To complete your search, check out the half marathons in the canton of Bern, those in the canton of Lucerne or the Half marathons in Switzerland page.
Between two training sessions, take a detour to the Verena Gorge, a small wooded valley where a hermit still lives in his cell today 🌿. Culture lovers prefer the Solothurn Film Festival, the Swiss cinema event held every January. Whether it's your first 21 km or a quest for a new personal best, it's up to you to choose your next bib 🏅.
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