42.195 km, 1'953 metres altitude difference, 4'000 entries that sell out every year. These are the figures that make the Jungfrau-Marathon special. But it’s not just about the numbers – it’s also about the breathtakingly beautiful landscape along the entire course that makes both runners and spectators marvel again and again. Pure nature at its most spectacular!
The start in Interlaken reveals a clue as to where the journey will end. A glimpse of the Jungfrau, one of the iconic Alpine trio of peaks besides the Mönch and Eiger, sets the course. The Jungfrau-Marathon leads through constantly changing scenery – alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, through traditional mountain villages and past an awe-inspiring mountain backdrop. And the atmosphere and enthusiasm along the entire route, underscored by flag throwers, alphorn players and bell ringers, are what bring this event together to a fascinating whole. The runners are welcomed on Eigergletscher at 2320 metres above sea level, at the foot of the Eiger and Mönch.
The Pace Bike sets the speed at which participants will reach the checkpoints in Wengen or at Wixi in the time allowed. Runners who are overtaken by the Pace Bike will not be able to reach the next checkpoint within the time allowed and continue at their own risk.
The Sweeper's Bike marks the end of the race. Participants who are overtaken by the Sweeper's Bike may be withdrawn from the race by race stewards and may no longer take advantage of any marathon services. After the Sweeper's Bike has passed through, the course will be reopened to public traffic.
Doctors posted along the route are authorized to retire a runner from the race on medical grounds.
Participants who exceed the final checkpoint times in Wengen or at Wixi will not be ranked and may no longer make use of any marathon services (refreshments, first aid, checkpoint stewards, timing, ranking lists, medals, finisher T-shirt etc.). The marathon course will be closed after the following checkpoint closing times – the time is the determining factor, not the Pace Bike:
Runners passing one of these checkpoints after the closing times are not permitted to continue the race. The race number entitles the participant to free travel to the finish and to Grindelwald, where valuables and personal effects must be collected.
In order to prevent a runner bottleneck, an overspill section of exactly equal distance to the original course will be opened at km 38,9 if necessary. Runners will be directed on to one or the other section of the course.
