Out & About in Switzerland: The run by the lake

Last year's winner Tefay Eticha crossed the line in a record time Keystone

This year's Lausanne Marathon will be run on October 22. The 42-kilometre course follows the scenic shore of Lake Geneva, and attracts some of the world's top runners. But the event also attracts sports enthusiasts of all kinds - young and old

For the first time, the runners will be competing to claim the title, “Swiss Champion”. Last year’s race was won by Ethiopia’s Eticha Tesfaye in a record time of 2:12:48. The top woman was Russia’s Irina Kasakowa who finished the course in 2:37:34.

The race starts in the centre of Lausanne and follows the lakeshore to La Tour de Peilz before turning back and finishing at the Olympic Museum in the resort of Ouchy, below the city.

A “half marathon” competition begins at La Tour de Peilz. The organisers are also inviting inline skaters and wheelchair athletes to take to the course, and have laid out a four-kilometre stretch for seven to 16-year-olds.

The marathon is fitting for the city that calls itself the Olympic capital. It’s home to the International Olympic Committee and several other international sporting federations.

Lausanne has also developed a reputation for promoting new sports. Built on a series of hills, it’s a mecca for skateboarders. A disused hangar has been converted into one of Europe’s best indoor halls for skateboarding and inline skate enthusiasts and the city hosts the International Roller Contest in August.

swissinfo

Out & About in Switzerland is updated regularly to keep you informed of upcoming events, which may provide a different insight into the country and its people.