Marathons in the Canton of Obwalden

In the heart of Switzerland, the canton of Obwalden brings together lakes, alpine pastures and glacial peaks in a small area. Around Sarnen, the valley stretches along Lake Sarnen to Lake Lungern, before climbing toward the Brünig Pass. To the north, Pilatus watches over the region, while the enclave of Engelberg enjoys the Titlis 🏔️. The canton has fewer than 40,000 inhabitants, which guarantees quiet roads.

Training for a marathon in the canton of Obwalden means enjoying long valley roads that are lightly trafficked and only gently hilly. The shores of Lake Sarnen let you build up long runs at a steady pace, with scenery that makes the hours pass more quickly. The forest paths above the villages ease the strain on your joints between sessions on asphalt. Autumn, with its cool temperatures and golden colors, remains the best season to train for a marathon 🍂. The village fountains, found on every street corner, serve as natural aid stations.

Finishers' marathon calendar doesn't yet list any events in Obwalden. Half an hour away by road, the SwissCityMarathon Lucerne brings the shores of Lake Lucerne to life on October 24, 2027 🏃. In the Bernese Oberland, the Jungfrau Marathon offers a mountain version of the classic distance on September 4, 2027. To widen your search, check out the marathons in Switzerland, the marathons in the canton of Lucerne or the marathons in the canton of Bern.

Pilatus is home to the steepest cog railway in the world, with a gradient exceeding 45% 🚞. Enough to put the last hills of a marathon into perspective! Whether it's your first 42 km or a new personal best, your challenge can begin on the shores of Lake Sarnen 🏅. The peaks of Obwalden will bear witness to your progress.