Course & Elevation

The Zurich Marathon features a scenic loop course that takes runners through the heart of Switzerland's largest city and surrounding regions. The route combines urban streets with lakeside paths along Lake Zurich (Zürichsee), offering views of the Alps and charming Swiss countryside. The course is relatively flat with gentle rolling hills, making it accessible while remaining engaging.

Surface: road Profile: Rolling

Weather

Temperature 12°C

Humidity 65%

Rain Chance 35%

Spring weather in Zurich brings mild temperatures ideal for marathon running. Expect cool mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons with occasional Alpine breezes and a moderate chance of light rain.

The Race

Zurich

Race Lore

Born in the Running Boom

1981 Origin

The Zurich Marathon was founded in 1981, during the golden age of mass-participation running. Now 45 years old, it has established itself as a beloved fixture in Zurich, growing from its early editions into a race with genuine character and loyal following.

A Course Built for Speed

2012 Record

The course record of 02:07:24, set by Haile Gebrselassie in 2012, speaks to what the Zurich Marathon offers elite athletes: a fast, honest course where serious times are achievable. The record has drawn increasingly competitive fields year after year.

Running Through a Postcard

Course

The Zurich Marathon route is one of those courses where runners forget their pace and reach for their phones. The scenery through Zurich and its surroundings has earned this race a reputation as one of the most photogenic in Europe.

🏅 Create Your Zurich Marathon Diploma

Finished this race? Get a free certificate with celebrity comparisons & race day weather

Course Record

02:07:24

Haile Gebrselassie (2012)

Registration

Registration Opens November

Registration Closes March

Entry Cost CHF 120-140

Official Website →

Google Flights

Fun Facts

▸ Zurich Marathon has been running since 1981, making it one of Europe's oldest continuously held marathons.
▸ The course loops around Lake Zurich (Zürichsee), offering stunning views of the water and distant Alpine peaks throughout the race.
▸ Haile Gebrselassie set the course record of 2:07:24 in 2012, one of the fastest times ever recorded in Switzerland.
▸ Approximately 48% of participants come from outside Switzerland, making it a truly international celebration of running.

Compare With Similar Races

vsAarhus Marathon vsAbingdon Marathon vsAmsterdam Marathon

Are you the race organizer?

Claim This Race Get Embed Badge

Free · Get featured on our homepage · Edit your race details

Get alerts for Zurich Marathon

Registration openings, date changes, sell-out warnings.