New Year’s Marathon Zurich (Neujahrsmarathon Zurich)
Schlieren, Switzerland
- Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon, Kids Run
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
The New Year’s Marathon Zurich course is laps of 10.55 km. Meters uphill: 19 m per lap. All tracks are officially measured by IAAF. 90% natural surface, 10% asphalt. The course is marked by signposts, barrier tape and flags. The course is not illuminated. Headlamps are recommended.
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Very Special Race
New Year´s Marathon in Zurich is a very well known marathon event that takes place new years day at midnight which means that the starts while the sky over Zurich … MORE
New Year´s Marathon in Zurich is a very well known marathon event that takes place new years day at midnight which means that the starts while the sky over Zurich is lightened by fireworks. The event is very well organized (of course – we are in Switzerland…) and as the start and finish is in a gymnasium runners can keep warm while waiting for the start. Runners have the choice between a full marathon (4 laps), half marathon (2 laps) or a 10,5km (1 lap). The course is flat and very well prepared. All stones are marked with neon colors so that runners do not fall while running. With the registration you can order a medal – it´s not for free, but at least you have the option to get one!
Runtastic start into a New year
My choice of starting a New Year. Was my fourth time participating. Race and the organisation hasn’t changed since my review from last year. Your chance to be listed up … MORE
My choice of starting a New Year. Was my fourth time participating. Race and the organisation hasn’t changed since my review from last year.
Your chance to be listed up on high in the official IAMS list of the fastest (half) marathoners of the year since it is the first official measured course of the year.
New Years Party? NY Running!
Third time I particiapted in the Neujahrsmarathon (New Years Marathon) of Zurich, that starts with the first fireworks for the new year at 00:00:01. Your option are a quarter, a … MORE
Third time I particiapted in the Neujahrsmarathon (New Years Marathon) of Zurich, that starts with the first fireworks for the new year at 00:00:01. Your option are a quarter, a half or full marathon (I have done the quarter once and the half twice)
Where to start? The race doesnt start and finish in Zurich but in the suburb of Schlieren which is not hard to get to by train or car (limited parking though). The race is getting more and more popular and this time with >1000 participants from more than 40 countries the organisers were thinking of a cap because the gym that is the venue and the course have limited capacities. Some runners were complaining about to little facilities to get changed and the queue to the loo was longish. I was prepared and pre-dressed. The course is a paved natural path along the river Limmat- usually used by bicyclers and walkers at day time, meaning there are some rocks and roots- the bigger ones are spray marked in neon colors for safety but the lightening along the course is not always sufficient so headlights are highly recommended. Temperatures are usually around freezing or below (this year was the first time that I ran the race without ice and snow on the ground). You run circles and each circle is 10.5km (about 6.5 miles). Depenmding on your chosen distance you have to run 1, 2 or 4 rounds. It is not the race for your PB but for a high ranking in the official best times of halfmarathons and a great (healthy) way to start the year… How many of you can say that they were ranked in the top 100 fastest halfmarathoners of the year- I have been able to say that twice so far 😉
some remarks:
– not a cheap race, if you register without early booking it is about 65 dollars, race medal, t-shirt or a bottle of sparkly wine in the marathons design can be purchased on top
– scenery is limited in the night and around the river but there are some nice spots like a photo stop near a monastry or the fantastic start experience with all the fireworks