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SwissCityMarathon
RunLucerne
21,097 KM
Half marathon
The half marathon is the most popular distance at the SwissCityMarathon - Lucerne and attracts running enthusiasts from all cantons and all over the world. The 7,000 participants make it one of the biggest half marathons in Switzerland!
Half marathon highlights
- Free journey by public transport
- Impressive boat shuttle to the start
- Unique route past Lucerne's most important monuments
- High-quality runner shirt (optional)
- Personal running photo and video
- Unforgettable atmosphere thanks to 50,000 spectators and 30 music groups
Half marathon highlights
- Free journey by public transport
- Impressive boat shuttle to the start
- Unique route past Lucerne's most important monuments
- High-quality runner shirt (optional)
- Personal running photo and video
- Unforgettable atmosphere thanks to 50,000 spectators and 30 music groups
The 21.097 km route takes runners past the world-famous sights of Lucerne and sometimes even through them.
Every year, more than 7,000 half-marathon runners line up at the start. In total, the SwissCityMarathon - Lucerne has more than 13,000 participants and over 50,000 fans. The event always takes place on the last Sunday in October.
Waiting list
There are currently no more starting places available for the half marathon. Register now for the waiting list.
Route map
The route consists of a circuit the length of a half marathon. The start and finish are at the Swiss Museum of Transport.
Route highlights:
- Start directly on Lake Lucerne
- Past the luxury hotel, Chapel Bridge and water tower
- View of the mountain panorama of Central Switzerland
- Around the Horw peninsula along Lake Lucerne
- Horw atmosphere zone
- Passage from the FC Lucerne football stadium and the Lucerne Culture and Convention Centre (KKL)
- Through the centre of Lucerne's old town
- Finish at the Swiss Museum of Transport
Altitude +110 / -110 metres
The courses are officially measured according to the international standards of World Athletics.
Categories Half Marathon 2026
A start in the half marathon distance is possible from the age of 16.
Age | Years | Categories Women | Categories men |
|---|---|---|---|
16 - 19 years old | 2010 - 2007 | U20W | U20M |
20 - 29 years old | 2006 - 1997 | W20 | M20 |
30 - 34 years old | 1996 - 1992 | W30 | M30 |
35 - 39 years old | 1991 - 1987 | W35 | M35 |
40 - 44 years old | 1986 - 1982 | W40 | M40 |
45 - 49 years old | 1981 - 1977 | W45 | M45 |
50 - 54 years old | 1976 - 1972 | W50 | M50 |
55 - 59 years old | 1971 - 1967 | W55 | M55 |
60 - 64 years old | 1966 - 1962 | W60 | M60 |
65 - 69 years old | 1961 - 1957 | W65 | M65 |
70 - 74 years old | 1956 - 1952 | W70 | M70 |
75 years and older | 1951 and older | W75 | M75 |
without ranking | 2010 and older | alphabetical | alphabetical |
Starting slots half marathon
Choose your individual start slot when you register, depending on availability.
| Start time | limit | Pacemaker |
|---|---|---|
| 09:58h | Women < 01:40h Men < 01:30h | - |
| 10:00h | - | 01:30h + 01:40h + 01:50h |
| 10:10h | - | 01:40h + 01:50h |
| 10:20h | - | 01:40h + 01:50h |
| 10:30h | - | 01:40h + 01:50h |
| 10:40h | - | 01:40h + 01:50h |
| 10:50h | - | 01:40h + 01:50h |
| 11:00h | - | 01:50h + 02:00h |
| 11:10h | - | 01:50h + 02:00h |
| 11:20h | - | 01:50h + 02:00h |
| 11:30h | - | 01:50h + 02:00h |
| 11:40h | - | 01:50h + 02:00h |
| 11:50h | - | 01:50h + 02:00h |
| 12:00h | - | 01:50h + 02:00h |
Qualification times Performance starting slot
Ambitious runners can start in the exclusive performance slot by submitting an official performance certificate. This starting slot guarantees a unique racing atmosphere and exciting duels. If you think you have a chance of winning, you should definitely start in the Performance Slot.
To qualify for the performance slot, you need an official ranking at an event within the last 3 years that fulfils the specified qualifying time. This proof must be uploaded when registering and will be checked.
| Performance Slot | Valid qualification times from the following competitions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| marathon | half marathon | 10KM | |
| Women: Running time < 01:40 | < 03:35 | < 01:40 | < 00:45 |
| Men: running time < 01:30 | < 03:05 | < 01:30 | < 00:40 |
This is all included in the entry fee
- Digital goodie bag
- Diploma for download
- Cloakroom and safe deposit box
- Free return journey on publictransport throughout Switzerland
- Free boat shuttlebetween Lucerne railway station and the start/finish area
- Massage service (after the run at the cloakrooms)
- Pacemaker
- Portion of pasta or rösti at the Runner Expo
- Runner catering at the event
- Runner photo (thanks to Presenting Partner Coop)
- Runner video (thanks to Official Partner Generali)
- Medical service
- SMS service
- Starting place with personalised start number and timing chip
- Open day at the Swiss Museum of Transport on the day of the event
- Hot showers
- Timekeeping and live online ranking list
(subject to change)
Start number and starter guide
Pick up or dispatch start number and runner shirt
The runner shirt can be purchased by half marathon participants at the registration desk. (Limited number - it's worth registering early)
Pick up your race number (and your Runner Shirt) at the Runner Expo on Friday or Saturday on presentation of your starter guide .
Alternatively, you can have your race number sent to you by post (dispatch only in Switzerland and Liechtenstein). Postal delivery must be selected when registering. (The runner shirt can be collected after crossing the finish line by handing in the voucher on the race number).
Participants living abroad have the option of collecting their race number on Sunday morning from the Swiss Museum of Transport (only on presentation of the starter guide and personal ID). Opening hours: 07:30 to 11:30
Recommendation
We recommend picking up your race number (and Runner Shirt) on Friday or Saturday at the Runner Expo.
Important
You will receive your starter guide by email in mid-October. Please present it digitally. You can also use the starter guide to pick up your race number from colleagues.
Impressions
Moments
To remember
for all half marathon participants
Goodies
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