The SwissCityMarathon - Lucerne is starting the autumn with numerous new features. In addition to an all-time registration record of 14,000 runners, the traditional Rotsee race will become part of the RunLucerne series. In addition, top Lucerne runner Ronja Hofstetter will become an ambassador for the SwissCityMarathon.
Rotseelauf now in August
From 2026, the Rotseelauf will be integrated into the RunLucerne series and organised jointly by the SwissCityMarathon and Läuferriege Ebikon for the first time. At the same time, the date of the event will be moved from spring to late summer: the next Rotseelauf will take place on 29 August 2026. This will make the running series around the SwissCityMarathon even more attractive and offer ideal preparation opportunities for all participants. Registration for 2026 is already open.
Ronja Hofstetter as ambassador
The young Swiss top runner Ronja Hofstetter is now an ambassador for the SwissCityMarathon. The talented 22-year-old runner from Ballwil completed her first marathon in Lucerne in 2024 - and won. Just a few months later, she improved her best time to 2:38:48 in Zurich, setting a new U23 Swiss record. Ronja Hofstetter will take part in the half marathon at the 2025 SwissCityMarathon. As a motivated, passionate and upbeat runner from Lucerne, she epitomises exactly what the SwissCityMarathon stands for and is therefore the ideal ambassador for this popular sporting event.
Great demand for new marathon course
Preparations for the premiere of the new marathon course have been in full swing for months. The marathon course is now a one-lap course with a turning point in Alpnachstad. The additional municipalities not only ensure varied scenery along the route, but also an even bigger crowd at the edge of the course. The organisers are expecting a unique running experience that perfectly combines a sporting challenge with a great atmosphere. It is pleasing to note that interest in the marathon route is higher than ever this year. On 26 October 2025, 4,000 marathon runners are expected - twice as many as in previous years. Demand is particularly strong from the municipalities of Hergiswil, Stansstad and Alpnach, which have been newly integrated into the route, where registrations have more than doubled.
Completely sold out with 14,000 runners
The SwissCityMarathon has been fully booked for all distances since 1 June. With 14,000 registrations, the 2025 event has set an all-time record. The maximum number of participants in the 42KM marathon was increased to 4,000, and the 2,500 places for the 10KM CityRun and the 7,500 starting places for the 21KM half marathon were also taken early. In order to cope with the huge rush, an online exchange platform has been set up where starting places can be transferred.
RUN365 now in the canton of Nidwalden
Oberdorf is the third location for RUN365 after Lucerne (Rotsee) and Horw. The 5.2-kilometre route along the Engelberger Aa offers the population a year-round exercise programme. The project is closely linked to the new marathon route of the SwissCityMarathon - Lucerne, which will also pass through the canton of Nidwalden for the first time. The third RUN365 Challenge will kick off the project from 12 to 21 September 2025.
