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Marathon Details - Jungfrau Marathon

International Marathons > Switzerland > Interlaken > Jungfrau Marathon

Jungfrau Marathon

Interlaken, Switzerland

September 6, 2025

http://www.jungfrau-marathon.ch/en

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The American magazine "THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO INTERNATIONAL MARATHONS" rates the Jungfrau Marathon as the most beautiful race course in the world, ahead of Big Sur (California), Rome and Tahiti. Last year 6000 runners applied for a place on the starting line. Due to the need to restrict participation, we hope you understand that we need to draw lots and are therefore not able to accept all applicants. The good news is that the number of participants has once more been raised from 3200 to 3500!

Contact Information

Name:
Address:	Jungfrau Marathon Association Strandbadstrasse 44, Interlaken CH-3800 Interlaken Switzerland
Phone Number:	+41(0)33 827 62 90
Fax Number:	+41(0)33 827 62 05
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (23)

Course 5.0

Organization 4.7

Spectators 4.7

Write a review

Number of comments: 23 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

Thomas Garling from California, where United States of America (2/18/2019) "The nicest marathon of my life" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg and New York. The Jungfrau has been the nicest and most challenging for me ever ever. Though this was in 2003 (not 2010) and I need to do this again. Thanks Jungfrau Team,
B. N. from Cincinnati, Ohio (9/28/2015) "'Hopp, Hopp, Hopp' to run Jungfrau" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I picked Jungfrau for my 100th marathon because I wanted it to be something epic. I was not disappointed. By far the most stunning scenery of any race I have ever run. I am a 3:30 flat marathoner and finished Jungfrau in 5:13. The course is more crowded than I would have liked if I was shooting for a specific time, but did not mind a bit as going more slowly allowed me to enjoy the views more. We stayed in Lauterbrunnen and I rode the train in (free with race number) on race morning with no problems. If you are thinking about making the trip to Switzerland, schedule your trip around this race.
M. J. from Canton, Ohio (9/16/2012) "Stunningly Beautiful" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It is an absolute privilege to be able to participate in this event!!! The scenery is stunning and it has to be the most beautiful of any race. Plus it is well organized with plenty of aid and well supported by spectactors and fellow runners. The first 16 miles are rolling hills on a combination of trails and paved roads. You can push yourself during this stretch since the steep inclines during the last 10 miles require a lot of walking with a few runnable stretches. The last 4k is surprisingly congested single file climbing with minimal chances for passing. But the view of the Jungfrau at this point can be truly appreciated during the slow pace (take a camera!). The race has a 6:30 time limit, but it is the 5:30 cutoff time at the 38K that is strictly enforced. The congested climbing for 3K with a 1K decent to the finish, can take an hour. As a regular 4:30 road marathoner from Ohio (with no mountains to train on) I passed the 38K at 5:10 and finished in 6:10. There is plenty of food and beverages available for purchase at the finish area. Hot showers and drop bags are also nice at the finish before the train ride down. Be prepared for a long congested train ride full of friendly spectators and finishers. The train service to the start and from the finish makes it convenient to stay in some of the beautiful, quieter surrounding villages of Interlaken (Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Wilderswil). As someone who has completed over 70 marathons in beautiful places, I can not say enough good things about this event and the beauty of the scenery. It helped that the 2012 race had perfectly clear conditions. It is hard to get into this race but if you get the opportunity you will not be dissapointed.
Douglas Cowie from Scotland (9/15/2011) "The Ultimate Marathon Challenge." (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I did my 50th marathon in my 50th year and eight years down the line I was persuaded to join a couple of lads from my club to have a go at the Jungfrau. Apart from my 50 marathons I have cycled a bit , Time Trials up to 100 miles and sportives of over 100 miles. Also as we speak I am European Duathlon age group champion but last week tops the lot, the cammaradarie, the pain, the euphoria, the emotion,I have never known an experience like it. I ran wearing a Scottish vest and to have a piper play Flower of Scotland for me at the highest point was somthing else. Full marks to the organisers too, faultless. A fantastic event which in my opinion warrants the title 'The Ultimate Marathon Challenge.'
R. J. from Kenya (9/21/2010) "Challenging course and breathtaking scenery" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Jungfrau Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my second running of the Jungfrau Marathon, having run it once in 2009. You can expect to run the first 16 miles of this marathon before hitting the first serious incline. At that point, unless you have amazing lungs and quads, you will be walking for a bit. Just when you think you will be walking for the next 10 miles, you will hit a stretch where you can run again. That is how the final 10 miles of this marathon play out, and that's the reason you will see the distance markers broken down into quarter-kilometers during this phase of the race. Don't despair, though; the scenery surrounding you will almost certainly take away any pain. You cannot stop staring at the snowcapped mountains as you draw closer to the Jungfrau. If you want a good estimate of how long this marathon will take you to run, just add about 1 hour and 45 minutes to your road marathon time. If you are not running a sub-four hour marathon, you really should not be attempting the Jungfrau. There is a cutoff time of 6 hours 30 minutes and it is enforced. Along the course, you will have plenty of water/fuel stops as well as cheering spectators. The only complaints I have is that at the pasta party you only get one plate of pasta and a banana. A second plate really would be appreciated along with some salad. My other complaint is that at the finish, they hand you a bottle of a sports drink, but no water is available right away. It is a fairly long way from the finish area to the refreshment area so some water early on would have been welcome. This year, I put two liters of water in my bag knowing that getting water after finishing would be an issue. Finally, be prepared for a very crowded train ride down the mountain once you are ready to leave.
C. M. from Midlands, England (9/14/2010) "The highest high" (about: 2010) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Organized with the precision of a Swiss clock, with wonderful support through the villages and extremely helpful water/food/aid stations. Starting in Interlaken you get glimpses of the distant mountains, then through the progressive climb these get closer and closer. After the final climb, it's downhill to the finish under the Eiger/Monch/Jungfrau range is spectacular and spiritually elevating. I felt that I had really earned both the view and the T-shirt. My first mountain marathon, and I'm still buzzing. The only problem is to find something as exhilarating to follow this.
Kenny Rowe from Sheffield England. (9/10/2010) "Brilliant" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Fantastic from start to finish. I'd been injured most of the summer but the views and crowd spurred me on. Not a great time, but who's looking at the clock in an environment like this? Will be returning in 2011.
Jeff Knapp from New York, New York (9/26/2008) "Magnificent" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The Jungfrau Marathon is astounding! The most beautiful event I've ever done, and organized to perfection. Do yourself a favor and be in good shape for this one. The first 10K are flat, the next 10K contain gradual climbs and then... it gets TOUGH as you go up the mountain. This is sort of a hybrid event because it gets so steep in many parts that you can't run. But it's so worth it!! This one is for people looking for a unique challenge in a spectacular place.
K. M. from Canada (9/9/2008) "Incredible!" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a fantastic race! This is a marathon that everyone should do at least once in their life. It is a major challenge with lots of power walking up the hills. The course is very crowded throughout the run, so try to seed yourself correctly at the start. Otherwise just enjoy the race and pace yourself. Weather this year was overcast by noon, so you could not see very far once you were going up the mountain (it may have been a good thing). The finisher's shirt and medal are worth the effort (if you finish the entire course).
P. S. from Bucharest (8/12/2008) "Briliant race" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Everything is perfectly organized. The scenery is amazing throughout the entire course; there were times when I did not know whether to admire nature or keep on running. I ran 5 races before, but this was the first I did not finish (on time). After 30K, the organizers were basically chasing the last runners (including myself). Unfortunately I was stopped at 5:45, with 4K to go. I still believe I could have finished on time. Anyway, I got my medal and finisher shirt. Looking forward to running and finishing this spectacular race.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]



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Thomas Garling from California, where United States of America (2/18/2019) "The nicest marathon of my life" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg and New York. The Jungfrau has been the nicest and most challenging for me ever ever. Though this was in 2003 (not 2010) and I need to do this again. Thanks Jungfrau Team,
B. N. from Cincinnati, Ohio (9/28/2015) "'Hopp, Hopp, Hopp' to run Jungfrau" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I picked Jungfrau for my 100th marathon because I wanted it to be something epic. I was not disappointed. By far the most stunning scenery of any race I have ever run. I am a 3:30 flat marathoner and finished Jungfrau in 5:13. The course is more crowded than I would have liked if I was shooting for a specific time, but did not mind a bit as going more slowly allowed me to enjoy the views more. We stayed in Lauterbrunnen and I rode the train in (free with race number) on race morning with no problems. If you are thinking about making the trip to Switzerland, schedule your trip around this race.
M. J. from Canton, Ohio (9/16/2012) "Stunningly Beautiful" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It is an absolute privilege to be able to participate in this event!!! The scenery is stunning and it has to be the most beautiful of any race. Plus it is well organized with plenty of aid and well supported by spectactors and fellow runners. The first 16 miles are rolling hills on a combination of trails and paved roads. You can push yourself during this stretch since the steep inclines during the last 10 miles require a lot of walking with a few runnable stretches. The last 4k is surprisingly congested single file climbing with minimal chances for passing. But the view of the Jungfrau at this point can be truly appreciated during the slow pace (take a camera!). The race has a 6:30 time limit, but it is the 5:30 cutoff time at the 38K that is strictly enforced. The congested climbing for 3K with a 1K decent to the finish, can take an hour. As a regular 4:30 road marathoner from Ohio (with no mountains to train on) I passed the 38K at 5:10 and finished in 6:10. There is plenty of food and beverages available for purchase at the finish area. Hot showers and drop bags are also nice at the finish before the train ride down. Be prepared for a long congested train ride full of friendly spectators and finishers. The train service to the start and from the finish makes it convenient to stay in some of the beautiful, quieter surrounding villages of Interlaken (Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Wilderswil). As someone who has completed over 70 marathons in beautiful places, I can not say enough good things about this event and the beauty of the scenery. It helped that the 2012 race had perfectly clear conditions. It is hard to get into this race but if you get the opportunity you will not be dissapointed.
Douglas Cowie from Scotland (9/15/2011) "The Ultimate Marathon Challenge." (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I did my 50th marathon in my 50th year and eight years down the line I was persuaded to join a couple of lads from my club to have a go at the Jungfrau. Apart from my 50 marathons I have cycled a bit , Time Trials up to 100 miles and sportives of over 100 miles. Also as we speak I am European Duathlon age group champion but last week tops the lot, the cammaradarie, the pain, the euphoria, the emotion,I have never known an experience like it. I ran wearing a Scottish vest and to have a piper play Flower of Scotland for me at the highest point was somthing else. Full marks to the organisers too, faultless. A fantastic event which in my opinion warrants the title 'The Ultimate Marathon Challenge.'
R. J. from Kenya (9/21/2010) "Challenging course and breathtaking scenery" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Jungfrau Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my second running of the Jungfrau Marathon, having run it once in 2009. You can expect to run the first 16 miles of this marathon before hitting the first serious incline. At that point, unless you have amazing lungs and quads, you will be walking for a bit. Just when you think you will be walking for the next 10 miles, you will hit a stretch where you can run again. That is how the final 10 miles of this marathon play out, and that's the reason you will see the distance markers broken down into quarter-kilometers during this phase of the race. Don't despair, though; the scenery surrounding you will almost certainly take away any pain. You cannot stop staring at the snowcapped mountains as you draw closer to the Jungfrau. If you want a good estimate of how long this marathon will take you to run, just add about 1 hour and 45 minutes to your road marathon time. If you are not running a sub-four hour marathon, you really should not be attempting the Jungfrau. There is a cutoff time of 6 hours 30 minutes and it is enforced. Along the course, you will have plenty of water/fuel stops as well as cheering spectators. The only complaints I have is that at the pasta party you only get one plate of pasta and a banana. A second plate really would be appreciated along with some salad. My other complaint is that at the finish, they hand you a bottle of a sports drink, but no water is available right away. It is a fairly long way from the finish area to the refreshment area so some water early on would have been welcome. This year, I put two liters of water in my bag knowing that getting water after finishing would be an issue. Finally, be prepared for a very crowded train ride down the mountain once you are ready to leave.
C. M. from Midlands, England (9/14/2010) "The highest high" (about: 2010) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Organized with the precision of a Swiss clock, with wonderful support through the villages and extremely helpful water/food/aid stations. Starting in Interlaken you get glimpses of the distant mountains, then through the progressive climb these get closer and closer. After the final climb, it's downhill to the finish under the Eiger/Monch/Jungfrau range is spectacular and spiritually elevating. I felt that I had really earned both the view and the T-shirt. My first mountain marathon, and I'm still buzzing. The only problem is to find something as exhilarating to follow this.
Kenny Rowe from Sheffield England. (9/10/2010) "Brilliant" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Fantastic from start to finish. I'd been injured most of the summer but the views and crowd spurred me on. Not a great time, but who's looking at the clock in an environment like this? Will be returning in 2011.
Jeff Knapp from New York, New York (9/26/2008) "Magnificent" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The Jungfrau Marathon is astounding! The most beautiful event I've ever done, and organized to perfection. Do yourself a favor and be in good shape for this one. The first 10K are flat, the next 10K contain gradual climbs and then... it gets TOUGH as you go up the mountain. This is sort of a hybrid event because it gets so steep in many parts that you can't run. But it's so worth it!! This one is for people looking for a unique challenge in a spectacular place.
K. M. from Canada (9/9/2008) "Incredible!" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a fantastic race! This is a marathon that everyone should do at least once in their life. It is a major challenge with lots of power walking up the hills. The course is very crowded throughout the run, so try to seed yourself correctly at the start. Otherwise just enjoy the race and pace yourself. Weather this year was overcast by noon, so you could not see very far once you were going up the mountain (it may have been a good thing). The finisher's shirt and medal are worth the effort (if you finish the entire course).
P. S. from Bucharest (8/12/2008) "Briliant race" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Jungfrau Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Everything is perfectly organized. The scenery is amazing throughout the entire course; there were times when I did not know whether to admire nature or keep on running. I ran 5 races before, but this was the first I did not finish (on time). After 30K, the organizers were basically chasing the last runners (including myself). Unfortunately I was stopped at 5:45, with 4K to go. I still believe I could have finished on time. Anyway, I got my medal and finisher shirt. Looking forward to running and finishing this spectacular race.

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Marathon Details - Jungfrau Marathon