The marathon course at the SwissCityMarathon - Lucerne is undergoing a fundamental overhaul. For the first time, the two-lap course will become a one-lap course. The turning point of the new marathon course is in Alpnachstad in the canton of Obwalden.
The first marathon started in Lucerne in 2007. Since then, the route has led from Haldenstrasse in the city of Lucerne along Lake Lucerne around the Horw peninsula, through the centre of Horw and back to the city of Lucerne. This circular course with a half-marathon distance is completed twice with minor variations. Since 2022, the turning point is no longer on Haldenstrasse, but in front of the Hofkirche.
Never completely happy
Such a circuit has advantages. Fewer roads need to be closed and secured, and fewer refreshment posts and medical personnel are needed along the route. Nevertheless, the two-lap course has always been up for discussion, recalls President Jost Huwyler: "Since the first event, we weren't entirely happy with this two-lap course. Completing two almost identical laps is mentally challenging for runners." That's why the organisers have tried everything to make the two laps as varied as possible. For example, by running through the KKL or the FCL stadium.
Opens up new possibilities
The two-round course in the marathon was a regular topic of discussion on the board. Jost Huwyler says that he tackled the issue five years ago. "We are thinking long-term and want to continue to be an attractive event in the future - for runners, partners and sponsors. One of the biggest challenges at the moment is to keep the marathon discipline with its 42 kilometres attractive and to attract enough participants." An interesting marathon course helps the entire event, adds Huwyler: "The new marathon course contributes to the further development of the entire SwissCityMarathon and now opens up new opportunities for us, for example in terms of sponsorship."
"Alpnachstad" as the best option
Initial discussions about a new route took place in 2023. A feasibility study was carried out in spring 2024. The three possible route options "Kehrsiten", "Stans" and "Alpnachstad" were analysed and considered from a technical, social and economic perspective. The "Alpnachstad" option proved to be the best option. A route to Alpnachstad was convincing in all respects, i.e. in terms of scenery/topography, running density, traffic and safety.
Turning point in Alpnachstad
As before, the marathon starts at Haldenstrasse in Lucerne and continues around the Horw peninsula. The route now continues along the lake to Hergiswil, around the Lopper to Alpnachstad. The turning point is 750 metres before the Alpnachstad level crossing. The route then leads via Hergiswil back to the centre of Horw and along the previous route via Allmend and Lucerne's old town to the finish line at the Swiss Museum of Transport. "From an organisational point of view, this route is easy to manage, but from a running point of view, it's simply fantastic," says Jost Huwyler, who is a marathon runner himself. "I often run this route and am always amazed by the panorama. When you finally run back towards Lucerne, you have a completely different panorama. The whole scenery by the lake and the mountain backdrop make the new route extremely attractive. You run much longer than before directly along the lakeshore and there are fewer climbs on this one-loop course. I am convinced that this route will be very popular with runners."
Village event for everyone in Hergiswil
Hergiswil was initially somewhat surprised by the request, but immediately supported the idea, says municipal president Daniel Rogenmoser: "We understood the organisers' desire for a one-lap course for the marathon very well and wanted to help make it more attractive. The few concerns we had were incorporated into the project development and were resolved well." Daniel Rogenmoser sees it as an opportunity for Hergiswil and its clubs to contribute something great. "The municipality of Hergiswil is delighted to be part of the popular SwissCityMarathon. We are now looking forward to seeing how we can establish this in the village and hope that we can create an event for everyone with the help of our village associations."
Great enthusiasm in Alpnach
Alpnach also responded positively to the enquiry. "It was a pleasure to hear that the organisers wanted to open the door to Alpnach and Obwalden for the marathon participants and give them a view of the Sarneraa Valley," says Mayor Bruno Vogel. "With the new route to Alpnachstad, Alpnach and Obwalden will be part of a great event in Central Switzerland." Alpnach was also immediately ready to lend a hand. "The route to Alpnachstad enables a run directly on Lake Alpnach with a view of the Obwalden region and thus a spectacular addition to the route that will further enhance the SwissCityMarathon. In addition, the major event will become even more firmly established in Central Switzerland," continues Bruno Vogel.
