Flat, compact and open to France and Germany, the canton of Basel-Stadt offers a dream setting for tackling the 42.195 km of the marathon along the Rhine and its bridges.
The canton of Basel-Stadt boils down to Basel, Riehen and Bettingen, squeezed along the Rhine. This 37 km² territory stands out for its very gentle terrain and long riverbanks, a real gift for marathon runners. At the end of the streets, Alsace and the Baden region begin without warning 🗺️. This unique setting gives long runs a flavor of travel.
Training for a marathon in the canton of Basel-Stadt means enjoying quays that seem never-ending. The Rheinweg, on the Kleinbasel side, lets you chain together long runs at a steady pace without meeting a single car. The Lange Erlen forests offer soft paths to ease your joints between two sessions on asphalt. In spring, the temperature hovers around 10°C to 15°C, ideal for racking up hours of running 🌤️. The public fountains, very numerous in the city, serve as improvised aid stations.
Finishers' marathon calendar offers several events in Basel and the surrounding area. The Three Countries Race (3 Laenderlauf) takes runners through Switzerland, France and Germany on May 16, 2027 🏃. The 3rd Basel national race follows on May 23, 2027, in the streets of the city. In the neighboring canton, the Muttenz Marathon kicks off the season on April 22, 2027. To widen your search, check out the marathons in Switzerland or the marathons in the canton of Basel-Landschaft.
During the Basel Carnival, the cliques parade for three days in a row to the sound of fifes and drums: a great lesson in endurance 🥁. Your marathon will take a bit less time, but just as much passion. Whether it's your first 42 km or a quest for a personal best, Basel has what it takes to carry you to the finish line 🏅. And if your legs ache the next day, a ride on the Rhine ferry will do the trick perfectly.
A next-gen platform helping sports enthusiasts of all levels discover territories and heritage through races tailored to them.