After the 2021 individual starts, we received a lot of positive and understandably also some negative feedback. The particularly ambitious runners missed the race atmosphere and the fight for the placings. The absence of our pacemakers was also perceived. On the other hand, many appreciated the free choice of the starting slot and the unrushed queuing. The point that there is always something going on on the entire course and that there is never any idle time was also very positively received. We want to use this knowledge for 2022 in such a way that we combine everything positive before and during Covid. Thus, the following starting opportunities will be available to runners:inside when registering:
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 | < 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.