Next race
Sunday, 11 April 2027
9:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 147 m gain
147 m climbing
Race profile
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.
Zurich Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 2,800 finishers
Course & terrain
The Zurich Marathon is a lake-city loop starting and finishing at Sechselautenplatz, following Lake Zurich and passing the Old Town and the lakefront promenade. The lakeside miles are the easiest because they stay mostly flat beside the water, while the minor rises away from the lake and the tighter old-town passages are tougher late in the race. Spectators gather at Sechselautenplatz, along the lakefront promenade, and through the Old Town finish approach.
The Zurich Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 147 metres of climbing and 147 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Rolling · 147 m gain — approx. 429 m above sea level
↑ 147 m · ↓ 147 m · net 0 m
Registration
The Zurich Marathon is typically held on the second Sunday of April each year. For confirmed dates and registration, visit www.zuerichmarathon.ch.
Getting there
Zürich Airport (ZRH)
10 km / 6 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 Zurich.
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 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
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
The Strasbourg Marathon attracts approximately 4,000 finishers each May through the capital of Alsace at the Rhine border. The course passes the Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral, the Petite France canals, and the European Parliament district on flat Alsatian terrain. May's spring weather in the 'Capital of Europe' makes it one of France's most internationally flavoured marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 23 May 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.
