Next race
Sunday, 8 November 2026
9:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Lakeside road
Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain
100 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Lago Maggiore Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each November on a lakeside road in Verbania, Italy. Lake scenery rather than city landmarks defines the race's identity. The course passes villas, lakeside towns, and long water-side roads backed by alpine foothills. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Lago Maggiore Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 2,000 finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Lago Maggiore Marathon course
Starts along Lago Maggiore and finishes on the lakefront. The course passes villas, lakeside towns, and long water-side roads backed by alpine foothills. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
The Lago Maggiore 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. 205 m above sea level
↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m
Registration
Lago Maggiore Marathon entry requirements
The Lago Maggiore Marathon uses open online registration at lagomaggioremarathon.it with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the November 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
Lago Maggiore Marathon travel
- Best for most flights
Ferno (VA) (MXP)
Milan Malpensa International Airport
35 km / 22 mi
- Closest airport
Agno (LUG)
Lugano Airport
29 km / 18 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Lago Maggiore Marathon elevation profile?
- The Lago Maggiore 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 Lago Maggiore Marathon?
- The Lago Maggiore Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Lakeside road starts along Lago Maggiore and finishes on the lakefront.
- What time does the Lago Maggiore Marathon start?
- The 2026 Lago Maggiore Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Lago Maggiore Marathon start and finish?
- Starts along Lago Maggiore and finishes on the lakefront. Updated each year.
- When is the Lago Maggiore Marathon and how do I register?
- Lago Maggiore Marathon is typically held in November. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Lago Maggiore Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Lago Maggiore Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Lago Maggiore Marathon pass?
- The course passes villas, lakeside towns, and long water-side roads backed by alpine foothills.
- What weather should runners expect at Lago Maggiore Marathon?
- Usually cool with calm air near the water and possible mist.
Official resources
Lago Maggiore 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 Verbania.
Jungfrau Marathon
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
Swiss City Marathon
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
Zurich Marathon
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
Lausanne Marathon
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
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.






