How to Enter the Geneva Marathon

The Generali Genève Marathon has become a fixture on Switzerland’s running calendar in recent years. With 25,428 participants, including more than 5,000 marathoners, it is now the country’s biggest marathon, drawing runners with its exceptional setting between Lake Geneva, the surrounding countryside and the city centre. Hugely popular with Swiss and international runners alike, the event regularly sells out several months in advance. Its fast, performance-friendly course offers ideal conditions for pushing your limits and setting a personal best.✓ How do you enter the Geneva Marathon? Here’s everything you need to know to secure a bib and take part.

A fast, spectacular race

Created nearly 20 years ago, the Generali Genève Marathon now brings together several race formats over one weekend: 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, relay and children’s races. The 2025 edition broke all records with 25,428 registered runners, making Geneva the biggest marathon in Switzerland. The marathon carries the World Athletics Road Race label, a mark of organisational quality and reliable official timings. Every year, more than 50% of finishers set a personal best, a figure that perfectly reflects the speed of the course.

How to enter the Geneva Marathon: dates, prices, course details, premium packages and practical tips for securing a bib and racing in Switzerland.

How can you get a bib for the Geneva Marathon?

Entry is not qualification-based and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Demand is extremely high, with more than 10,000 people on the waiting list in 2025, so entering as soon as registration opens is strongly advised.

➜ Pre-registration opens in May for the following edition
➜ People on the pre-registration list get 24-hour early access in mid-September
➜ General sales open the following day
➜ Watch out for the sell-out: some races, including the half marathon, fill up as much as six months before race day

No qualifying time is required for the marathon.

No other ways to get a bib

Unlike other major European races, the Geneva Marathon does not offer dedicated charity places. Runners can, however, support a charitable cause by making a voluntary donation during registration to The Human Safety Net Switzerland. In 2025, CHF 18,000 was raised to support projects helping families and children in vulnerable situations.

There is also no amateur elite quota or official tour operator dedicated to the marathon. The only way to get a bib is therefore through the race’s official website.

How much does a Geneva Marathon bib cost?

The Generali Genève Marathon uses a tiered pricing system that rewards runners who enter early. The sooner you register, the lower the entry fee. Given the high demand, entering as far in advance as possible is strongly recommended.

Here are the marathon entry fees:
➜ Starter: CHF 84 (until October 8)
➜ Early Bird: CHF 94 (until December 10)
➜ Regular: CHF 104 (until March 11)
➜ Last Chance: CHF 114 (until May 9)

The entry fee includes race access, official timing, aid stations, a finisher medal and all event services. Cancellation insurance can be added during registration, and must be purchased at that time; depending on when the claim is made, it provides a partial or full refund. It is also worth noting that no medical certificate is required, a Swiss-specific feature that makes the paperwork considerably easier than in other European countries.

To enter, visit the official Geneva Marathon website or the Finishers platform, an event partner.

For runners looking for a VIP race-day experience, the Generali Genève Marathon offers a Premium Package designed to provide comfort, peace of mind and optimal recovery on race day. It includes access to a dedicated lounge just steps from the finish line, an all-you-can-eat buffet and unlimited drinks after the race, private changing facilities, a pre-race snack near the start area for Sunday races, and post-race treatments.

The Premium Package costs CHF 109 per person.

The course and race-day experience in Geneva

The marathon follows a unique 42.195 km route through the Geneva countryside and city centre, finishing spectacularly on the Pont du Mont-Blanc with the legendary Jet d’Eau in view for much of the course. It is an ideal race for combining sightseeing with a serious performance. With around 140 m of elevation gain, the course is considered fast. Two climbs slow the pace, but both come early, while your legs are still fresh. Better still, the route delivers 200 m of elevation loss, including a long descent between kilometres 32 and 34. It is the perfect boost for a strong finish and a negative split, with the final section rolling along nicely.

Pacers are available for target times from 3:00 to 5:00, and the time limit is six hours. The marathon regularly hosts the Swiss Championships, as it did in 2025, when Patrik Wägeli won the men’s title in 2:16:57 and Fabienne Vonlanthen took the women’s title in 2:39:13.

Key facts – Geneva Marathon 2026

Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026
Participants: 25,000 runners expected, including more than 5,000 marathoners
Total elevation gain: 140 m (fast course)
Average temperature: 12–17°C
Goal: a course that is ideal for combining performance and sightseeing
Price: from CHF 84
World Athletics Road Race label

The Generali Genève Marathon ticks every box: exceptional scenery, reliable organisation, a performance-friendly course and a lively atmosphere. Now Switzerland’s biggest marathon, it draws thousands of runners every year in search of a fast time or a unique experience on the shores of Lake Geneva. If you want to take part, don’t wait to register: bibs go quickly and the waiting list keeps growing. Geneva is waiting, with its iconic Jet d’Eau bearing witness to your next personal best.

✔ Find all the entry details for the Geneva Marathon