For the last 27 Jungfrau-Marathons, two things have been set in stone – the start line in Interlaken and the finish line on the Kleine Scheidegg. For its 28th edition, the running highlight acclaimed by the New York Times as "the most beautiful marathon in the world" is embracing change: "After last year's postponement, it was always clear that we were determined to hold our popular event again in 2021," says OC President Toni Alpinice. Almost one year on, considerable challenges remain. How can a marathon start with 4,000 runners work despite distancing rules? Where do we find suitable start and finish zones? Do we need to make route changes? What agreements will we have to negotiate with the municipalities and local authorities? How do we guarantee the safety of our runners and helpers? How do we get our partners and stakeholders on board? And how to transfer all finishers back quickly and efficiently?
With such an extensive list of questions on the agenda, the OC took some time to get to grips with the new situation. "After all, the requirements were clear, and it was up to us to come up with creative solutions within these constraints," Toni Alpinice adds. "It was a challenge, but in the end, I think we've found a great solution and got everyone excited about our plans."
What's different in 2021?
The race will start at Interlaken airfield in eight blocks of 500 runners each. Participants will be in a zone with restricted access, which only runners and helpers who meet the so-called "3-G" requirements (i.e. those who have either been tested for, recovered from or vaccinated against Covid-19) may enter. At 07.15 hrs on the dot, the first runners will start the course, which this year first leads through Bönigen village and then in the direction of Iseltwald to Erschwanden. From there, the route runs briefly uphill, doubling more or less parallel back towards the airfield, then along on the usual route via Wilderswil and Zweilütschinen to Lauterbrunnen, where the notorious "wall" awaits. The last route section leads across the moraine to the finish line, which is now at Eigergletscher.
Kids will have the opportunity to run a pared-back version of the Jungfrau-Minirun on a separate course in Interlaken.
Instead of the Jungfrau-Minimarathon fun run, teams, individuals and families can take part in the Harder Run on a date and time of their choice. This run, over 3.6 kilometres and an altitude difference of 750 metres, opens on 9.9.2021 at 09.09 hrs and remains open daily until 28th November 2021.
What you won't see in 2021
We won't be erecting stands for spectators this year. The usual events along the route, the showers at the finish and the runners' party, Saturday evening events, Jungfrau-Minimarathon and Pararace will not be taking place.
