Next race
Saturday, 11 September 2027
8:30 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Mountain road
Elevation
Hilly · 1953 m gain
1953 m climbing
Race profile
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.
Jungfrau Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 3,519 finishers
Course & terrain
The Jungfrau Marathon is a mountain trail race from Interlaken to Eigergletscher beneath the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, climbing through Wengen and alpine meadows with roughly 1,953 m of total elevation gain. The valley miles out of Interlaken are the only relatively manageable section before the sustained alpine ascent becomes the defining challenge. Spectators line the streets in Lauterbrunnen and Wengen, with the loudest encouragement on the final climb toward the glacier finish.
The Jungfrau Marathon course is hilly over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 1953 metres of climbing and 200 metres of descent, with a net climb of 1753 metres from start to finish.
Hilly · 1953 m gain — approx. 570 m above sea level
↑ 1953 m · ↓ 200 m · net +1753 m
Registration
The Jungfrau Marathon is held on the second Saturday of September. Registration is through https://www.jungfrau-marathon.ch/de and sells out months in advance.
Getting there
Bern (BRN)
Bern Airport
38 km / 24 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 Interlaken.
The Swiss City Marathon Lucerne draws about 6,000 finishers each October around Lake Lucerne with alpine panorama views. The course passes the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the Lion Monument, and the lakeside promenade with Mount Pilatus and Rigi as backdrops. October crisp mountain air and flat lakeside paths make it Switzerland's largest marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
The Zurich Marathon draws approximately 2,800 finishers on an urban road in Zurich, Switzerland. The course starts and finishes at Sechseläutenplatz. The route follows Lake Zurich and passes the Old Town and the lakefront promenade. Mostly flat with minor rises leaving the lake.
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 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.
Next race: Sunday, 9 May 2027
The Mein Freiburg Marathon attracts about 6,500 finishers each April through the Black Forest gateway city. The course passes the Münster cathedral, the Schwabentor gate, and the Dreisam River with views of the Black Forest hills. April spring weather in Germany's sunniest city makes it a popular southwest German marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 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.
