Geneva Marathon

The Geneva Marathon: A Stroll Along Lake Geneva

The Generali Geneva Marathon is one of Europe’s most iconic sporting events and one of the fastest marathons in Switzerland. Each year, it attracts thousands of participants from all over the world, drawn by the beauty of its route and its fast course. The Geneva Marathon is a must-attend race in Switzerland, taking place every spring in the enchanting setting of Geneva and its surroundings. Created in 2005, this event attracts thousands of runners worldwide, seduced by the stunning landscapes, the quality of organization, and the convivial atmosphere throughout the weekend. For the 2024 edition, more than 150 nationalities lined up at the starting line! The 18th edition of the Generali Geneva Marathon saw a record turnout, with 21,733 runners registered across all races and more than 4,000 people on the waiting list. This enthusiasm reflects the growing success of this event, which continues to attract an international audience in a festive and friendly atmosphere.

What captivates runners is the marathon route, both varied and picturesque. It begins at the edge of Lake Geneva, offering spectacular views of the calm waters and surrounding mountains, including the peaks of the Alps and Mont Blanc in the background. Runners then pass through the Geneva countryside, winding through charming villages, vineyards, and lush fields, before returning to the heart of Geneva for a triumphant finish on the Mont-Blanc quay, with the spray of the Jet d’Eau. For runners, the Geneva Marathon is also a unique opportunity to explore a city rich in history and culture. Geneva, an economic capital home to many international organizations like the UN and the Red Cross, is a cosmopolitan metropolis with a remarkable cultural heritage. Participants can take advantage of their stay to explore the city’s museums, parks, and historical sites.

The Geneva Marathon also stands out for its accessibility to all levels of runners. Besides the 42.195 km distance, several other races are offered to cater to a wider audience: a half-marathon, a 10 km race, a 5 km run, a relay race, and even children’s events! This diversity allows everyone to participate according to their abilities and preparation level, making the event a sports celebration for the entire family. A half-marathon event open to wheelchair participants is also offered, symbolizing the inclusivity of the event. Because the marathon is not just a sports celebration, but also a moment of solidarity. The sporting event collaborates with charities and thanks to the generosity of participants, 8,525 Swiss Francs (equivalent to 9,058.98€) were raised for The Human Safety Net foundation, funding activities for seriously ill children.

In short, the Geneva Marathon is much more than just a race: it is a unique experience combining athletic and charitable efforts, cultural discovery, and ecological commitment, all set in a breathtaking natural environment. To preserve this setting, the event also has an ecological and solidarity aspect. The organizers are committed to sustainable initiatives to minimize the environmental impact of the race, with efforts in waste management, transportation, and energy.

As for the atmosphere, the Geneva Marathon is renowned for its warm encouragements throughout the course. Numerous spectators, along with musical groups and animations line the route to support the runners, creating a festive atmosphere that is sure to motivate any runner! It’s a true celebration of sport and perseverance, with participants from diverse backgrounds ready to tackle this physical and mental challenge. With its fast course, most participants cross the finish line without difficulty, and some even achieve personal bests! The 2024 edition saw new records set. Among women, Judy Kemboi recorded the 5th best half-marathon performance in the world for the year with a time of 1h05’44. Thanks to its World Athletics label, this Geneva marathon is now part of the elite international races. In 2022, over 50% of runners improved their personal best, proving the speed of this course.