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. Villas, lakeside towns, and long water-side roads backed by alpine foothills make November's Verbania race a lake-scenery marathon rather than a city-center tour.
Lago Maggiore Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Lago Maggiore Marathon 2026 race day
The next Lago Maggiore Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 1 November 2026 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Lago Maggiore Marathon course route
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.
Lago Maggiore Marathon elevation profile
The Lago Maggiore Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations 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.
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.
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 mostly flat with gentle undulations, 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, 1 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.lagomaggioremarathon.it/ 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 course maps are published at https://www.lagomaggioremarathon.it/ each year.
- When is the Lago Maggiore Marathon and how do I register?
- Lago Maggiore Marathon is typically held in November. Registration opens through https://www.lagomaggioremarathon.it/ and 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.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Verbania.
Interlaken, Bern, Switzerland· 100 km away
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 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.
Next race: Saturday, 12 September 2026
Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland· 127 km away
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, 18 October 2026
Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland· 161 km away
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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
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