Swiss City Marathon
The Lowdown
The Swiss City Marathon in Lucerne is a relatively young but rapidly beloved race on the Swiss calendar, launched to showcase central Switzerland’s lake and mountain scenery while offering a high-quality marathon experience for both competitive and recreational runners. Held in late October, the event has grown into a highlight for autumn long-distance racing, attracting local and international participants drawn by Lucerne’s combination of historic old town charm and efficient Swiss race organization. Over the years the race has developed a reputation for friendly volunteer support, well-managed logistics, and a festival atmosphere that turns race weekend into a celebration for athletes and spectators alike. The course delivers some of the region’s most striking views: runners follow stretches along Lake Lucerne with reflections of surrounding peaks, pass through picturesque waterfront promenades, and run by the city’s famous Chapel Bridge and medieval architecture. The route is mostly flat with gentle rolling sections, making it scenic yet accessible for fast times and first-time marathoners. Supportive crowds, live music at key points, and plentiful aid stations contribute to an energized but relaxed atmosphere — many finishers praise the balance of competitive opportunity and tourist-friendly experience. The Swiss City Marathon is AIMS-certified and serves as a qualifying course for the Boston Marathon, meeting the standards many runners seek for record-valid performances and international qualification.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
The iconic covered wooden bridge over the Reuss River; runners pass beside this landmark in Lucerne's historic center
Old Town (Altstadt)
Picturesque cobblestone streets and medieval buildings that the course winds through, offering scenic views and crowd support
Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee)
Marathon route runs along the lakefront, providing panoramic alpine and water vistas
Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal)
The famous sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards; the course goes nearby the monument and park area
Musegg Wall (Museggmauer)
Historic city ramparts and towers visible from the route as runners move through Lucerne's northern section
Reuss River Promenade
A flat, riverside stretch along the Reuss offering swift running and lively spectator zones
KKL Luzern (Culture and Congress Centre)
The modern lakeside concert hall and landmark that the course skirts near the finish area
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Lucerne, Switzerland
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Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
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This race offers exclusive rates and guaranteed entry packages through their official travel partner. Booking through the portal is recommended.
Eligibility
- Minimum age 18 on race day (2026-10-25) for the marathon distance
- Valid online registration and payment required before the event
- Race number must be worn visibly; transfer of bibs is prohibited
- Participants must be in good health and able to complete the course; medical clearance recommended if unsure
- All competitors must comply with race rules and instructions from race officials and medical staff
- Finish time must be within official course cut-off (typically 6 hours)
Required Documents
- Starter guide
- Personal ID (for international participants)
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Club/Team Entry
- Relay Team Entry
- Tour Operator / Travel Package
- On-site Registration (subject to availability)
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Full refund minus CHF 10 administration fee until 60 days before race
50% refund until 30 days before race
No refunds within 30 days of race
Bib transfers allowed until 14 days before race with a CHF 25 administration fee
Deferral to the 2027 edition permitted until 14 days before race with a CHF 20 processing fee
The course offers iconic lakeside and mountain scenery with long sections along Lake Lucerne and views of Mount Pilatus and Rigi, making it one of Switzerland's most scenic marathon routes.
Finishers receive a custom medal and a technical race shirt, and the finish area features hot food, recovery drinks and a beer garden for participants and spectators.
Race weekend includes an expo with race packet pickup, a pre-race pasta dinner option, and family events including a kids' run and relay team categories.
Aid stations are frequent (roughly every 3–5 km) with water, isotonic drinks and sponges, and the course is fully chip-timed with visible kilometer signage and official pacers for common goal times.
Public transport is highly recommended—Lucerne's central train station is within easy walking distance of the start/finish, parking is limited, and arriving early is advised for the 08:28 marathon start.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
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