Interlaken, Bern, Switzerland
The Jungfrau Marathon is one of the world's most spectacular mountain marathons, drawing approximately 3,519 runners each September from Interlaken to Kleine Scheidegg beneath the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. The course climbs 1,823 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.
The next Jungfrau Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, 12 September 2026 with a 7:45 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 250 m of climbing on a hilly with notable climbs layout.
The Jungfrau Marathon is a mountain trail race from Interlaken to Kleine Scheidegg beneath the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, climbing through Wengen and alpine meadows with roughly 1,823 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 high pass.
The Jungfrau Marathon course is hilly with notable climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 250 metres of climbing and 200 metres of descent, with a net climb of 50 metres from start to finish.
The Jungfrau Marathon is held on the second Saturday of September. Registration is through https://www.jungfrau-marathon.ch/ and sells out months in advance.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
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, 18 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.
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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
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Next race: Saturday, 8 May 2027
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