Marathons in the Canton of Geneva

Running 42.195 km in Geneva is as much a pleasure as a challenge 🏃. The marathon in the canton of Geneva is run between lake waters, bridges over the Rhône, classic quays and vineyard hillsides, with two very different atmospheres depending on the season.

The terrain is generally fast, with flat sections along the quays and small rolling climbs in the countryside. Spring offers cool mornings that are ideal for holding your pace, while late summer calls for an early start to avoid the heat 🌞. Lake Geneva, always present on the horizon, provides a reassuring landmark during the tough moments. The bise, when it blows, changes everything on the quays: it's best to prepare for it during long runs. The quays offer long straight stretches where you can rely on the rhythm of the group, a real boon for anyone aiming for a steady time.

The Geneva marathon calendar has two events. In May, the Generali Genève Marathon links the most beautiful neighborhoods of the city with a postcard-perfect backdrop. In August, the Course du Mandement, in Satigny, takes runners through the canton's vineyards for a more rustic edition 🍇. Each event thus has its own identity, urban or rural. Less than an hour away by train, the Lausanne Marathon takes over in October. The marathons in Switzerland offer even more challenges.

Geneva rhymes with diplomacy, and even marathoners get in on it: negotiating with your legs at the thirtieth kilometer takes a real sense of compromise 😄. After the finish line, a plate of longeole, the local sausage, puts everything back in place 🥘. From your first marathon to a personal best, everyone can choose their race according to their level, their pace and their taste for flat roads or vineyards. The vineyards of Satigny offer a lovely setting for a first experience off the beaten track.