Boarding & Start

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We have revised our starting procedure for the 2022 event. Thanks to the special 2021 event, we were able to learn a lot and develop an optimised concept with boarding and block starts.

2022 we will start together in different block starts. This means that a maximum of 550 runners will be starting at the same time. The personal start and boarding time is printed on the bib number.

Boarding
The boarding time indicates the time at which the runners of the corresponding starting block are allowed to enter the starting area. Boarding can therefore take place from this time until shortly before your own start time. Please note that the bib numbers (colour + block) will be checked during boarding.

Start
The different starting blocks will be allowed onto the course on time. The time will only start to run when crossing the timing mat (=net time).

The 2022 starts will take place as follows:

08.30 - Performance Block Marathon & Half Marathon
Ambitious runners will have the opportunity to start in the exclusive Performance Block Marathon (42KM) or Half Marathon (21KM) by submitting an official performance certificate. This guarantees the characteristic race atmosphere as well as exciting duels for the placings. So if you think you have a chance to win, you should definitely start in the Performance Block. Proof of performance is an official ranking at an event within the last 3 years (2019 or newer) in the given qualification time. This proof must be uploaded during registration.

Performance Block Valid qualification times from the following competitions
Women Marathon Half marathon 10K
Marathon
Time < 03:30
< 03:30 < 01:40 < 00:45
Half marathon
Time < 01:40
< 03:35 < 01:40 < 00:45
   
Men Marathon Half marathon 10K
Marathon
Time < 03:00
< 03:00 < 01:30 < 00:40
Half marathon
Time < 01:30
< 03:05 < 01:30 < 00:40

08.32 to 08.40 - Marathon with Pacemakers
Directly after the performance block we offer five starting blocks in the marathon category. We will send the runners in larger groups on the course. The runners complete the course at their own pace and are carried to the finish line by the incredible atmosphere at the side of the course. In the five blocks our pacemakers with different finish times will be with us again. When registering, you can select the block with the corresponding pacemaker.

10.00 to 12.00 - Half marathon with pacemakers
From 10:00  the half marathon runners will start. They will also be sent out in large groups every 10 minutes. There are 12 starting blocks in total, which will be accompanied by our pacemakers. In each block there are two pacemakers with different finish times. This way our half marathon runners run a stress-free race and can enjoy the unique course and the shouts of the spectators. 

13.15 - Performance Block CityRun 10K (Horw)
In this performance block with start at 13.15 in Horw, it is all about the victory as well as the thrilling race atmosphere. Ambitious runners have the possibility to start in the exclusive performance block of the CityRun 10K by submitting an official performance record. Proof of performance is an official ranking at an event within the last 3 years (2019 or newer) in the given qualification time. This proof must be uploaded at registration. 

Performance Block 10K Valid qualification times from the following competitions
Women Marathon Half marathon 10K

CityRun 10K
Time < 00:45

< 03:40 < 01:45 < 00:45
Men Marathon Half marathon 10K
CityRun 10K
Time < 00:40
< 03:10 < 01:40 < 00:40

13.17 to 13.37 - CityRun 10K (Horw)
All CityRunners (10K) will be sent out in blocks every five minutes. This allows the runners to take it easy and enjoy the SwissCityMarathon - Lucerne to the fullest. 

Overview

Start Block Time Categorie Bib Pacemaker
A1 08:30 Performance 42K* red -
A1 08:30 Performance 21K** blue -
B2 08:32 Marathon red 03:15h + 03:30h
B3 08:34 Marathon red 03:40h + 03:50h
B4 08:36 Marathon red 04:00h + 04:15h
B5 08:38 Marathon red 04:30h + 04:45h
B6 08:40 Marathon red 05:00h
C10 10:00 Half marathon blue 01:40h + 01:50h
C11 10:10 Half marathon blue 01:40h + 01:50h
C12 10:20 Half marathon blue 01:40h + 01:50h
D13 10:30 Half marathon dark blue 01:40h + 01:50h
D14 10:40 Half marathon dark blue 01:40h + 01:50h
D15 10:50 Half marathon dark blue 01:40h + 01:50h
E16 11:00 Half marathon

turquoise

01:50h + 02:00h
E17 11:10 Half marathon

turquoise

01:50h + 02:00h
E18 11:20 Half marathon

turquoise

01:50h + 02:00h
F19 11:30 Half marathon lilac 01:50h + 02:00h
F20 11:40 Half marathon lilac 01:50h + 02:00h
F21 11:50 Half marathon lilac 01:50h + 02:00h
G30 13:15 Performance 10K*** green -
H31 13:17 CityRun 10K grey -
H32 13:22 CityRun 10K grey -
H33 13:27 CityRun 10K green -
H34 13:32 CityRun 10K green -
H35 13:37 CityRun 10K green -

*only with performance record: women <03:30h / men <03:00h
**only with performance record: women <01:40h / men <01:30h
***only with performance record: women <00:45h / men <00:40h

Conclusion
With this described starting procedure we can guarantee that amitioned runners in the performance block can run their target time under ideal conditions. The more leisurely runners have more space on the course and can count on the support of the pacemakers. In addition, they can freely choose their starting block when registering. Finally, due to the staggered starts, there are always runners on the course, which guarantees a unique atmosphere from the spectators.