Course Map
Route based on 2024 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Lausanne Marathon is a scenic course along the shore of Lake Geneva, running through the Olympic capital and past the famed Lavaux vineyard terraces on a gently favorable out-and-back profile. The pleasant terrain and lakeside setting make it reasonably fast and beautiful. Held in October, it offers crisp autumn conditions and spectacular lake-and-vineyard scenery. The waterfront and terraced hills define the day. It suits runners who want a scenic, fast-leaning Swiss lakeside race in a cool autumn window.
Course Insight
Lausanne runs along Lake Geneva in October, and while the city itself is famously steep, the marathon keeps mostly to the flatter lakeshore with only some rolling to contend with. Pace any rises by effort and settle into rhythm on the level waterside stretches. Cool autumn air suits fast running. The lake-and-vineyard scenery is a constant lift. Run within yourself early and the course stays an ally to the finish.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Out-And-Back
- Elevation gain
- 223m
- Elevation loss
- 261m
- Highest point
- 422m
- Lowest point
- 371m
- Net elevation
- -38m
- Start
- Starts and finishes at Place Bellerive on the shore of Lake Geneva, with a turnaround near Vevey/La Tour-de-Peilz.
- Cutoff time
- 6h 30m
Race History
The Lausanne Marathon was first held in 1993, a scenic course along the shore of Lake Geneva through the Olympic capital past the famed Lavaux vineyard terraces, on a gently favorable out-and-back route. Its pleasant terrain and lakeside setting made it reasonably fast and beautiful. From its founding it grew into a popular Swiss event. Held each October, it draws a field to the spectacular lake-and-vineyard scenery.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Geneva (GVA), Zurich (ZRH)
- Best area to stay
- Ouchy for proximity to the lakeshore route and scenic hotels, the old town for atmospheric stays, and the outskirts for value options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is at Ouchy by the lake; take the metro (M2) down to Ouchy and walk to the start.