The Generali Genève Marathon 2025 to Crown Swiss Champions in the Iconic Distance

Key Highlights from this Press Release:

This year, the event will host the Swiss National Championships in the Marathon distance.
24,500 participants expected – a new record for the Generali Genève Marathon.
Performance on the rise: discover how average finish times are improving for both men and women in the Half Marathon and Marathon.
A new generation of runners inspired by the Generali Genève Marathon.

The Swiss Marathon Championships will take place in Geneva on 11 May.

The 2025 edition of the Generali Genève Marathon will be marked by the hosting of the Swiss Marathon Championships, which will take place as part of the iconic race on Sunday 11 May. This distinction, granted by Swiss Athletics, is a recognition of the event’s outstanding organisation, as well as the reputation of its course – known for being fast, offering ideal racing conditions, and showcasing an exceptional route that winds through the Geneva countryside and the heart of the city.

On this occasion, many Swiss athletes – both amateur and elite – will gather in Geneva to compete for the national title over the legendary 42.195 km distance. Patrick Wägeli from Thurgau, the 2024 Swiss champion, will return to defend his title, while fellow Thurgauer Fabienne Vonlanthen, already a national champion over 10 km and Half Marathon, will aim for Marathon glory.

A popular and unifying event: most races sold out

The Generali Genève Marathon is much more than just a sporting event. Every year, thousands of runners from all walks of life – families, beginners, and passionate athletes – take part in the various race formats offered throughout the weekend, creating a festive and intergenerational atmosphere. This diversity in race formats and participant profiles is what makes the event so unique and deeply rooted in the local community. This year, the Organising Committee is proud to announce a new record, with 24,500 participants expected. Many of the races are already sold out, and a waiting list has been put in place.

The Generali Genève Marathon Attracts a New Generation of Runners

An analysis of the 2019 to 2024 editions of the Generali Genève Marathon reveals a significant shift in the average age of participants, particularly in the long-distance races. In the Marathon, the average age has dropped from 41 to 38 – a three-year decrease in just five editions. A similar trend can be seen in the Half Marathon, where the average age has shifted from 39 to 37. The 10 km, a favourite among younger runners, also reflects this trend. Participation among the 20–29 age group has risen sharply, both in terms of percentage and actual numbers. While the number of runners aged 40 to 60 remains stable, the 20–40 age group is clearly driving the event’s overall growth. These figures point to a clear phenomenon: the Generali Genève Marathon is increasingly appealing to younger audiences, even for distances typically dominated by more experienced runners.

Rising Performances: Noticeable Improvement in Average Times

Data from the past three years highlights a steady improvement in race times across the two main distances – a sign of better participant preparation and a course that continues to be optimised for performance. On average, runners have shaved 11 minutes and 15 seconds off their Marathon time and 2 minutes and 7 seconds off their Half Marathon time over the last three editions:

Marathon – Overall average time: 2022: 4h12m07s 2023: 4h07m17s 2024: 4h00m52s

Half Marathon – Overall average time: 2022: 1h59m32s 2023: 1h57m38s 2024: 1h57m25s

These improvements reflect the growing popularity of running, the better preparation of participants for their chosen distances, and a collective drive to perform at one’s best in an environment designed for peak performance.

A Sustainable and Responsible Approach

Since its inception in 2005, the Generali Genève Marathon has been deeply committed to reducing its environmental impact and encouraging more sustainable behaviour among participants. In 2024, the event's carbon footprint reached 1,868 tonnes of CO₂e – around 102 kg per participant. While there is still room for improvement, a large part of the footprint is due to air travel, which affects just 7.7% of runners but accounts for 89% of transport-related emissions.

To address this, the organisers have introduced concrete measures. Public transport is provided free of charge to all participants over the weekend. On-site and at refreshment stations, only reusable dishware is used – over 70,000 eco-cups are collected and reused. The event also eliminated single-use plastic bottles 13 years ago, replacing them with locally sourced Eau de Genève, making it the first marathon to do so. In an effort to reduce unnecessary production, the finisher medal is now optional. Responsible catering is offered, always including a vegetarian option, which has a significantly lower carbon footprint than meat-based meals. Local engagement is also a priority: participants are encouraged to come from nearby areas or cities with good rail links, and the event works primarily with local suppliers and volunteers, reinforcing the regional circular economy.

Through these initiatives, the Generali Genève Marathon aims to show that a large-scale event can also lead the way in environmental responsibility.