Next race
Sunday, 9 May 2027
10:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 198 m gain
198 m climbing
Race profile
The Geneva Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers on an urban road in Geneva, Switzerland. The course starts and finishes at Plaine de Plainpalais. The route follows the Lake Geneva shore through Versoix and back. Mostly flat along the waterfront with Alpine views.
Geneva Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 12k finishers
Course & terrain
The Geneva Marathon is a loop that starts and finishes at Plaine de Plainpalais and follows the shore of Lake Geneva through Versoix and back with Alpine views across the water. The waterfront profile is mostly flat, and spectators gather at Plainpalais and along the lakefront promenade through Geneva and the northern suburbs.
The Geneva Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 198 metres of climbing and 198 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Rolling · 198 m gain — approx. 400 m above sea level
↑ 198 m · ↓ 198 m · net 0 m
Registration
The Generali Geneva Marathon is typically held on the second Saturday of May each year. Check www.generaligenevemarathon.com/en for confirmed dates and to register.
Getting there
Geneva International Airport (GVA)
5 km / 3 mi
Race footage
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Geneva.
The Marathon du Lac d'Annecy runs around one of Europe's cleanest alpine lakes, attracting about 3,500 runners each April. The course offers turquoise lake views, alpine peaks, and the medieval Annecy old town. April mountain-lake weather and a largely flat lakeside path make it one of France's most beautiful marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 11 April 2027
The Lausanne Marathon attracts about 4,500 finishers each October along Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) with views of the French Alps across the water. The course passes the Olympic Museum, the Ouchy waterfront, and the Lavaux vineyard terraces. October autumn light on the lake makes it one of Switzerland's most scenic marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
The Lyon Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers on an urban road in Lyon, France. The course starts and finishes at Place Bellecour. The route crosses the Rhône and Saône rivers, passing Vieux Lyon and the Confluence district. Mostly flat with short bridge climbs.
Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027
The Marathon du Beaujolais draws approximately 4,000 finishers each November on a wine-country road in Villefranche-sur-Saone, France. It is one of France's most theatrical marathons, famous for costumes, music, and Beaujolais hospitality. The route passes vineyards, Beaujolais villages, chateaux, and festive wine-country aid stations. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Saturday, 21 November 2026
The Grenoble Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each April through the Alpine capital at the confluence of the Isère and Drac rivers. The course passes the Bastille fortress cable-car, the Paul Mistral park, and the Olympic legacy venues from the 1968 Winter Games. April's alpine spring and flat valley-floor terrain make it one of France's most mountain-framed city marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027
The Jungfrau Marathon is one of the world's most spectacular mountain marathons, drawing approximately 3,519 runners each September from Interlaken to Eigergletscher beneath the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. The course climbs 1,953 metres over 42.2 km on mountain trails and roads — a bucket-list challenge entirely unlike flat city marathons. September alpine weather and the Eiger Nordwand backdrop make it Switzerland's most iconic endurance event.
Next race: Saturday, 11 September 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
