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(All photos: Supplied/Lausanne Marathon 2009)
Last year, the fastest man and the fastest woman completed the 42 kilometres in under three hours. Now there is an opportunity for those who would like to emulate them: on 30 October 2011, runners from all over the world will be gathering for the Lausanne Marathon.
A classic marathon is run over exactly 42.195 kilometres. It is a distance on which heroes are born and tragedies experienced, according to an article in Stern magazine with the apt title Der Lauf der Leiden [«The race of suffering»]. It reports not only tragedy, suffering and sheer superhuman efforts, but also curiosities.
At the 1904 Olympic Games for example, the American Frederick Lorz jumped into his manager’s car at around the half-way mark and took a 17 kilometre ride. When the car had a breakdown, Lorz finished the final metres on foot and took the winner’s plaudits. A spectator had spotted the deception however, and Lorz received a lifetime ban from the Olympic Games.
Although not Olympia, the Lausanne Marathon is nevertheless an international sports event with a global reputation. It was launched in 1993 with 1522 competitors; last year, more than 11,000 runners from 30 countries competed in one of the six disciplines. More than 80,000 spectators were there to cheer them along the course between the vineyards of Lavaux and Lake Geneva.
The great popularity of this marathon is not solely attributable to the sporting components: the picturesque backdrop with Lake Geneva on one side and the vineyards on the other is probably every bit as inspiring for the runners as the prospect of the winner’s laurels.
The programme is also attractive: in addition to the marathon (42.195 km) Lausanne also offers a half-marathon (21.097 km; also for wheelchairs and handbikes), a quarter marathon (10,548 km) as well as mini-marathon (4.2195 km) for children aged 7 -16. The walking and Nordic walking categories are also represented. There’s something for everyone, so those looking for an excuse will find it difficult!
The course begins on Place de Milan and leads alongside Lake Geneva out of town in an easterly direction. After Pully and Paudex, it continues to Lutry and then to the turning point for the marathon in La Tour-de-Peilz. The common finishing line for competitors in all categories is situated in front of the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.
This year for the first time, it will not be possible to enter on the day. Competitors can still enter online up to 23 October 2011. The entry fee for the “full marathon” is 75 francs per person.
Those who would like to know in advance what they are letting themselves in for can explore the route on screen with Running View and discover where the tight corners are and what sights are in store along the course. Runners can either set the speed to their own tempo or that of the winner.
As well as fame and glory of course, there’s also prize money to be won – but ultimately it’s also true for the Lausanne Marathon: taking part is everything!
For further information: www.lausanne-marathon.com
Finisher Clip Lausanne Marathon 2010 on YouTube
Accommodation
BEST WESTERN Hotel Chavannes-de-Bogis
Les Champs Blancs
Geneva/Chavannes-de-Bogis, Switzerland
Claudia Fahlbusch
Miroslaw Halaba
