More people crossed the finish line than ever before at the 18th SwissCityMarathon - Lucerne today, Sunday 26 October 2025. Around 12,550 finishers were counted. The first reached the finish line in the rain, the last in glorious sunshine. The new marathon course was praised from all sides and proved to be fast.
The new marathon course was the big innovation this year. The two-lap course became a one-lap course with a turning point in Alpnachstad. At 4,000 people, the marathon was fully booked, as were the half marathon and the CityRun 10KM. "This was an indication that the new course is attracting a lot of interest," said organising committee president Jost Huwyler. "After today's premiere, we know: The new marathon route was a great decision and has been very well received by the runners." Daniel Rogenmoser, Mayor of Hergiswil, added: "This also applies to the local population. They think it's great that Hergiswil has become part of the marathon. I have only received positive feedback. Today's running festival with a large audience makes me want more."
Former professional triathlete wins marathon in top time
The best marathon time to date at the SwissCityMarathon was also run on the new marathon course. Lukas Hollaus from Austria won in 2:18:41, beating the previous course record by around six minutes. The 39-year-old former professional triathlete and Olympic athlete was alone and very fast right from the start on what was only his fourth marathon. "The weather was a real challenge, but the atmosphere was brilliant and fantastic. I've never experienced anything like it in my entire professional career," enthused the man from Salzburg. He was accompanied on the final metres by his two children, who had previously run at Maratholino. "Crossing the finish line with them was wonderful and very emotional." Phil Besson from Thalwil came second in 2:27:48 and Jan Helfenstein from Neuenkirch third in 2:31:15.
Doris Nagel-Wallimann finally managed to win the marathon
This is the 11th time Doris Nagel-Wallimann has competed in the marathon at the SwissCityMarathon and she has finished second and third several times. Today she won for the first time. "This is mega nice - for once everything worked out," she said after crossing the finish line. She found the new course "extremely motivating, as you quickly run into oncoming traffic. The runners on the opposite side cheered me on loudly." With her winning time of 2:43:11, Doris Nagel-Wallimann was only six seconds off her personal best. Fränzi Huwyler-Inauen crossed the finish line just under a minute behind her in 2:44:07. It was the twelfth marathon at the SwissCityMarathon for the four-time marathon winner. "And it was probably my last," she said at the finish with a twinkle in her eye. "That's why I really enjoyed this run today and reminded myself of all the wonderful moments I was able to experience here." Susanne Kaufmann from Cham came third in 2:48:09.
Familiar faces in first place in the half marathon
Last year's marathon winner Ronja Hofstetter from Ballwil took part in the half marathon this year. "I started the race faster than planned, but was able to keep up the pace well and I'm happy that I was able to run so consistently today," explained the 22-year-old, who is also an ambassador for the SwissCityMarathon. She described the atmosphere as "simply brilliant". Ronja Hofstetter ran a top time of 1:14:26, improving her personal best by over four minutes and running the second-best time in the half marathon at the SwissCityMarathon to date. Second place went to Angela Massenz from Ueken in 1:17:10, ahead of Aisling Ryan from Zug in 1:18:41.
Seare Weldezghi from Zurich won the men's overall half marathon for the second time in a row. His time: 1:07:24. "Once again, my goal was to run as fast as possible and stay focussed. I managed to do that," said the 29-year-old from the Generali Running Family happily at the finish. Miro Mülli from Hinteregg took second place with a personal best time of 1:09:36, while Manfred Jauch from Altdorf came third in 1:09:59
Solo victories in the CityRun 10KM
Sakarie Mohamed Abdi from Aarau won the CityRun 10KM. The 23-year-old ran alone in front from the start and won in 31:07, eight seconds ahead of Jonas Gübeli from Zurich. Lisa Reisch from Zurich won the women's race in 35:46. 32-year-old Reisch beat second-placed Nina Gähwiler from Jona by almost a minute.
New finisher record
With 14,000 registrations, this year's SwissCityMarathon had been completely sold out for months, setting a new registration record. As a result, more running enthusiasts took to the course than ever before and a new finisher record was set. Almost 12,700 runners took part , over 1,200 more than last year. Of these, 12,550 running enthusiasts reached the finish line. There were 3,159 finishers in the marathon, 6,519 finishers in the half marathon and 2,172 finishers in the CityRun 10KM. In addition, there were around 700 children who ran in the Maratholino (distance of 195 metres) in Hergiswil, Horw and Lucerne.
Calm and peaceful running day
Overall, the organisers' assessment was very positive. "The new marathon route involved additional effort and was a logistical challenge. But everything went smoothly," said a delighted Reto Schorno, Managing Director of the SwissCityMarathon. There were no incidents and the running day was also very calm from a medical point of view. The rain and wind in the morning was followed by a sunny afternoon, which led to a lower number of spectators than last year. Around 30,000 people were counted along the entire route, with a total of around 15,000 people at the finish area in the Swiss Museum of Transport.
Registration for 2026 now open
Registration for the SwissCityMarathon - Lucerne 2026 was opened on the website shortly after the race closed. Anyone who wants to secure a starting place for 2026 should register quickly. This year, the SwissCityMarathon was already completely sold out in June.
The SwissCityMarathon - Lucerne 2026 will take place on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
