Starting procedure and divisions

Our starting system was positively evaluated by the runners last year: a calm and relaxed atmosphere, no hectic and no crowds at the start, enough space on the course and always many spectators at the side of the course, which provide goose bumps atmosphere. 

Start

The start is on the Haldenstrasse Lucerne (Marathon / Half Marathon), or in the Ringstrasse Horw (CityRun10KM). The start will be in waves of maximum 550 runners. When registering, you choose an individual start slot according to availability. The starting slots are not divided according to performance. The distribution of runners on the course is even, so that in each start slot the same conditions are and it does not matter for your own performance in which start slot you start. 

Starting procedure

  • Step 1: Admission to the start area

    You will find the entry time to the start area on the top right of your race number. Note the colored boards in front of the entrance. These show which time and color is currently allowed into the start area. An early queueing and waiting in front of the starting area does not bring you any advantages, because the runners will be divided into the different starting slots after entering the starting area. The last toilets will be available in the start area.

  • Step 2: Boarding

    Next to the entry time you will find the letter A, B or C in combination with a number on the top right of your start number. This combination indicates the start slot in which you will start. Heed the announcements of the start speaker and proceed to boarding when your start slot is called.

    Boarding is possible until the start of the respective start slot. After that, the entrance will be closed. Late participants must start in one of the next start slots.

    Participants who are not in the same start slot and want to run together may do so. In this case, the person who is scheduled in an earlier start slot will move to the back of the colleague's start slot. It is always possible to start in a later start slot than assigned.

  • Step 3: Start

    When you register, you are free to choose an available start time. You will find this time printed on the bottom of your race number.

    The individual start slots will be let out on the course on time. The time starts to run only when you cross the timing mat (=net time).

    Half Marathon / CityRun 10KM:
    As soon as the front start slot has started, the runners waiting in the start area of the next start will move to the front.

    Summary of all start times

    Distance Time
    Performance Halfmarathon* 08.30h
    Performance Marathon* 08.35h
    Marathon 08.37 – 08.45h
    Halfmarathon 10.00 – 11.50h
    Performance CityRun 10KM* 12.58h
    CityRun 10KM 13.00 – 13.37h

    *Performance record of the last three years required.

Marathon

Halfmarathon / CityRun 10KM

Marathon
Halfmarathon
CityRun 10KM

More info

  • Classification start slot

    When registering online, you can choose your preferred start time.

    Performance Marathon / Half Marathon / CityRun 10KM

    • Performance record of the last three years required 


    Marathon

    • no limit of starting places per starting slot


    Half marathon / CityRun 10KM

    • The number of starting places in each starting slot is limited
    • First come first served
    • Start slot without performance requirement!
  • Change to another start slot

    Those who want to start in a rear starting slot can do so at any time and do not have to register in advance.

    Participants who are not assigned to the same start slot and want to run together may do so. In this case, the person who is scheduled in an earlier start slot will move to the back of the colleague's start slot. It is always possible to start in a later start slot than assigned.

    For a reallocation to an earlier starting slot, a request must be submitted with the online form after registration and transfer of the starting fee. The requests will be checked individually and depending on availability the reallocation will be made. A processing fee of CHF 40.00 will be charged for reallocations after the start number allocation has been made. The first start number allocation will take place at the beginning of October and thereafter on an ongoing basis.

  • Advantages of this start system
    • No early rising (for half marathon runners)
    • Relaxed arrival
    • More free space
      • At the start
      • On the course
      • At the aid stations
      • At the finish
      • In the dressing rooms
    • Less waiting time
    • Better atmosphere on the course
    • In the half marathon the same pacemakers are in every start slot
  • Overview of all start slots

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