Course Map
About this Race
The Zurich Marathon is a scenic course tracing the shores of Lake Zurich through the prosperous Swiss city, with views across the water toward the distant Alps. The largely flat-to-rolling profile is reasonably fast, set against an elegant lakeside backdrop. Held in April, it offers cool, crisp spring conditions well suited to racing. The lake and refined cityscape define the day. It suits runners who want a clean, scenic Swiss race with a fast-leaning profile in a pleasant spring window.
Course Insight
Zurich is a flat, fast April marathon along the lakeshore, scenic and quick on level ground with mountain and water views. The flatness leaves pacing discipline to you on the open early miles. A lake breeze can build, so shelter in a pack when exposed. The alpine setting is a genuine lift. Pace it evenly and the flat lakeside route delivers a clean day.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to very flat.
Course Details
- Course type
- Out-And-Back
- Elevation gain
- 63m
- Elevation loss
- 88m
- Highest point
- 418m
- Lowest point
- 408m
- Net elevation
- -25m
- Start
- Starts at Quaibrucke, finishes at Sechselautenplatz, with a turnaround point at Meilen along Lake Zurich.
- Cutoff time
- 5h 30m
Race History
The Zurich Marathon was established in the early 2000s as a scenic course tracing the shores of Lake Zurich through the prosperous Swiss city, with views toward the distant Alps. Its largely flat-to-rolling profile made it reasonably fast and scenic. From its founding it grew into Switzerland's premier marathon. Held each April, it draws a field to the elegant lakeside setting.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Zurich (ZRH)
- Best area to stay
- The city centre for proximity to the lakefront route and full hotels, the Niederdorf old town for atmospheric stays, and Zürich-West for trendy, value options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is near the centre/lakefront; take a tram or walk from central hotels to the start.