Since 1896, the marathon has been the longest Olympic running discipline and continues to enjoy ever greater popularity today. The 42.195 kilometers no longer inspire only professional runners, but also more and more ambitious recreational runners. Here are our top recommendations for your marathon calendar.
- Jungfrau Marathon in Switzerland
- Athens Authentic Marathon
- Marathon de Paris in France
- Haspa Marathon Hamburg
- Swiss Marathon Davos, Switzerland
The Jungfrau Marathon has been held every year since 1993 at the beginning of September in the Bernese Oberland. It is one of the most famous mountain marathons in the world and offers an impressive panorama for every runner due to its route along the most popular Swiss mountain massif with Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
The start is in Interlaken at 565 meters above sea level and finishes on Kleine Scheidegg at 2095 meters in front of the triumvirate of the world famous Jungfrau massif. There are 1829 vertical meters uphill and 305 vertical meters downhill to overcome, with the highest point reached only at kilometer 41 and an altitude of 2,205 meters. The last kilometer is downhill to the finish to Kleine Scheidegg.
INFO: jungfrau-marathon.ch
Once in a lifetime, every marathon runner should participate in this classic on ground steeped in history. Perhaps in the 2021 marathon calendar.
The Athens Marathon is considered the origin of all 42-kilometer races, and long-distance runners can expect a journey back in time to ancient times. From the historic village of Marathon, east of Athens, the runners follow the original historic route to the Greek capital. A must in every marathon calendar.
The unforgettable finish in the historic Panathinaiko Stadium with its magnificent marble backdrop will give you goose bumps. At the same place in 1896 at the first Olympic Games of modern times the runner Spyridon Louis was celebrated as the first marathon winner.
INFO: athensauthenticmarathon.gr
After London and Berlin, Paris is the third largest marathon in Europe and already celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2016. Since 1976, the marathon in the "City of Love" has been held annually (with the exception of 1991) in April and ranks eighth worldwide among the fastest races in the marathon calendar.
For the Marathon de Paris, unlike London or New York, any runner, regardless of nationality, can register and has an equal chance of a starting spot.
The 42 kilometers start on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and lead first over the Place de la Concorde towards the east. The first half of the course is rather flat. The undulating second section runs through the Bois de Boulogne until you turn onto Avenue Foch at kilometer 42.
With a view of the Arc de Triomphe, you finally cross the finish line - unquestionably one of the most beautiful marathons on the calendar.
INFO: https://www.schneiderelectricparismarathon.com/en/
The Hamburg Marathon is Germany's largest spring marathon. This was the first race over 42.195 km, which is marked with a continuous blue line the running course on the road. The start is at the Hamburg Messe and leads from there over a large loop through the Hanseatic city.
The marathon in Hamburg is known for its incredibly beautiful route along the most important sights of the Hanseatic city. But what makes it a very special experience are the many enthusiastic spectators who create a great atmosphere on and off the course.
INFO: haspa-marathon-hamburg.de
Graubünden, in the middle of the Swiss mountains, offers athletes a unique running experience and pure mountains. The various routes and distances of the Swiss Alpine Marathon Davos run through a breathtaking landscape from Bergün to Davos. What a run in the marathon calendar Europe.
The organizers offer six different course lengths and other additional variants for ultra runners through the great mountain scenery.
INFO: swissalpine.ch
