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OCHSNER SPORT Zürich Marathon

April 11, 2027 · 8:00 AMZurich, Zurich, Switzerland

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Race snapshot

Race Day

52°F

41–61°F · Feels cool

Total elevation gain

656ft

Moderate rolling hills · Net elevation change +33 ft

Participants

3,500

Medium-sized race

Crowd Rating

6/ 10

Good crowd energy

The Lowdown

The OCHSNER SPORT Zürich Marathon has grown since its launch in the early 2000s into Switzerland's premier spring road-racing event, attracting a strong mix of elite athletes and enthusiastic international amateurs. The race is an important fixture on the European marathon calendar and showcases Zürich's commitment to sport and community, with local clubs, volunteers and corporate partners providing robust logistical support and a festive race-week atmosphere. The course offers classic Swiss scenery: a largely flat and fast route that follows the shores of Lake Zürich, threads through the city center past landmarks such as Quaibrücke and Sechseläutenplatz, skirts the Limmat river, and provides panoramic views of the lake and distant Alps on clear days. Runners enjoy wide, well-signed roads, lively crowd support in central neighborhoods, and a memorable finish in a stadium-style environment that makes the closing kilometers both exciting and spectator-friendly. Participants consistently praise the organization, multilingual race services, and the high-quality aid stations that combine Swiss efficiency with warm local hospitality. The event is AIMS-certified and serves as an official Boston Marathon qualifying course, making it attractive both to competitive runners chasing fast times and to recreational athletes seeking a scenic, well-supported marathon experience.

Jun 23, 2026: 2027 edition announced for April 11, 2027 — registration now open
The OCHSNER SPORT Zürich Marathon 2027 is confirmed for 11 April 2027. Registration opened on goactive.ch. The organizers note that minor route adjustments may occur due to planned construction works in Zürich city centre. Title sponsor OCHSNER SPORT continues. 2027 pricing had not yet been published as of 2026-06-23.
Apr 12, 2026: 2026 edition completed
The 2026 OCHSNER SPORT Zürich Marathon took place on 12 April 2026 as scheduled.
Apr 13, 2025: 2025 edition posts all-time participation high — 9,812 finishers
The 2025 OCHSNER SPORT Zürich Marathon recorded its largest field to date with 9,812 official finishers across marathon, half-marathon and relay categories, surpassing the previous record by roughly 1,100 finishers. Registration for the 2026 race sold out in under four weeks, prompting organizers to add extra charity and relay spots for 2026.

2026 · Marathon

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Course Highlights: 01Bürkliplatz – Traditional start area on the lakefront near Bahnhofstrasse and the Quaianlagen promenades
02Quaibrücke / Zürcher Seepromenade – Scenic crossing and long lakeside running section with views across Lake Zurich
03Bahnhofstrasse – Iconic shopping boulevard where runners pass through central Zurich's main street
04Sechseläutenplatz & Zurich Opera House – Large open plaza and cultural landmark beside the lakeshore
05Old Town (Altstadt) & Limmatquai – Narrow historic streets along the Limmat river with medieval buildings and cheering crowds
06Grossmünster – Landmark twin-towered church visible from the course as runners pass through central Zurich
07Uetliberg / Käferberg viewpoints – Elevated sections offering panoramic city and lake views (seen from nearby hills/views along the route)
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon · 10K
Time Limit: 5 hours 30 minutes
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Online Registration
Charity Entry
Tour Operator
Club/Team Entry
Elite/Invitation
Eligibility: Minimum age 18 years on race day for the marathon
Valid online registration and paid entry required before the registration deadline
Medical fitness and training appropriate for marathon distance; medical clearance recommended for participants with known health issues
Race bib and timing chip must be worn visibly and are non-transferable
Participants must comply with race rules, marshal and volunteer instructions and follow the marked course
Cut-off time applies for the marathon (organiser set cut-off; participants must finish within event time limits)
No assistance from personal pacers on bicycles or other wheeled devices unless explicitly authorised by organisers
No animals allowed on the course
Participants must carry valid identification and emergency contact information
Anti-doping regulations apply; participants must comply with any testing requested by organisers or authorities
Required Documents: Photo ID (passport or national ID)
Proof of age (e.g., passport or ID card)
Signed liability waiver/registration confirmation
Medical certificate or physician clearance (if requested)
Emergency contact details
Cancellation & Refund Policy: Registrations are non-refundable
Bib transfers to another person permitted until 30 days before race with an administrative fee
Name changes and distance category changes allowed until 30 days before race (fee may apply)
If the event is cancelled by organizers, registrants will be offered full refund or deferral to the next edition
No refunds or deferrals for no-shows or medical reasons unless supported by official documentation and approved by organizers

01: The course is scenic and largely flat, running along the shores of Lake Zurich and through the historic Old Town with a finishing lap inside Letzigrund stadium.
02: Finishers receive a custom medal and a technical finisher shirt, and there is a large post-race food area with hot meals and a beer garden for participants.
03: The race weekend includes an expo with gear vendors and race pickup, a pasta party the evening before, and a children's mini-run on race day.
04: There are well-stocked aid stations approximately every 3–5 km offering water, isotonic drinks, energy gels and toilets, with medical support positioned throughout the course.
05: Public transportation is recommended for getting to the start (limited race-day parking), and competitive prizes are awarded by overall place and age-group categories.
06: Minor route adjustments possible for 2027 due to planned construction works in Zürich city centre (per organizer notice).

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Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, cool weather Difficulty Analyzer656ft gain, 52°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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