Marathons in the Canton of Zurich

The marathon in the canton of Zurich offers a rare setting: a major city surrounded by a lake, hills and forests 🏁. The 42.195 km are most often run along Lake Zurich, with a generally fast, rolling profile that appeals to runners chasing a personal best. The passages through the city center, between bridges and cobbled alleys, add charm to a course with plenty of crowd support.

The canton hosts several marathons spread throughout the year, offering a choice between the buzz of spring and the freshness of winter 🌼. Runners often prefer April and May for ideal temperatures, between 8°C and 15°C. The end of the year hosts more intimate formats, with loyal participants who love to close out their season in style amid Christmas decorations, illuminated markets and deserted quays in the early morning.

The Zürich Marathon opens the season on April 11, 2027 with a start in the heart of the city, on the lakeshore. The Winterthur Marathon follows on May 23, 2027 in Winterthur and also offers a 10 km and a half marathon 🌳. To finish the year, the Neujahrsmarathon Zürich is run on December 30, 2026 in Schlieren, while the Zürcher Silvesterlauf Marathon starts on December 13, 2026 in Zurich 🎄.

Between two long training runs, take the time to visit the city of Winterthur and its museums, or treat yourself to a Tirggel, this honey biscuit from the Zurich end-of-year festivities 🍯. To plan ahead, check the calendar of marathons in the canton, compare the dates, then choose your goal based on the season you prefer and the setting you dream of: lake, city or countryside. The marathons in Zurich complete your selection for city starts.