Karnten Lauft Marathon
Next race
Sunday, 1 August 2027
9:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Lake road
Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain
100 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Karnten Lauft Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each August on a lake road in Klagenfurt, Austria. Summer lake scenery makes it more of a holiday marathon than a city-center one. The route passes lake roads, resort areas, and scenic sections around one of Austria's best-known summer lakes. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Karnten Lauft Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 1,500 finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Karnten Lauft Marathon course
Starts and finishes near Worthersee in Klagenfurt. The route passes lake roads, resort areas, and scenic sections around one of Austria's best-known summer lakes. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
The Karnten Lauft Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
- Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain — approx. 450 m above sea level
↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m
Registration
Karnten Lauft Marathon entry requirements
The Karnten Lauft Marathon uses open online registration at www.kaerntenlaeuft.at/ with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the August race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Getting there
Karnten Lauft Marathon travel
- Closest airport
Klagenfurt am Wörthersee (KLU)
Klagenfurt Airport
3 km / 2 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Karnten Lauft Marathon elevation profile?
- The Karnten Lauft Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Karnten Lauft Marathon?
- The Karnten Lauft Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Lake road starts and finishes near Worthersee in Klagenfurt.
- What time does the Karnten Lauft Marathon start?
- The 2027 Karnten Lauft Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 1 August 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Karnten Lauft Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes near Worthersee in Klagenfurt. Updated each year.
- When is the Karnten Lauft Marathon and how do I register?
- Karnten Lauft Marathon is typically held in August. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Karnten Lauft Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Karnten Lauft Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Karnten Lauft Marathon pass?
- The route passes lake roads, resort areas, and scenic sections around one of Austria's best-known summer lakes.
- What weather should runners expect at Karnten Lauft Marathon?
- Usually warm with moderate humidity and possible afternoon heat.
Official resources
Karnten Lauft Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Klagenfurt.
Maratona di Trieste
The Maratona di Trieste draws approximately 1,500 finishers each November through Italy's most cosmopolitan Adriatic port. The course passes Piazza Unità d'Italia — Europe's largest sea-facing square — the Miramare Castle, and the Karst plateau roads with views across the Gulf of Trieste. November's mild Adriatic weather and the Habsburg-era architecture make it a unique borderland marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 22 November 2026
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Marathon Course Profiles Explained
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.

Marathon Weather: What to Expect
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.

How to Choose a Marathon
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.






