Back after 4 years, and it's still a neat little race. Breathtaking scenery (even though the skies were heavy this year), and really well supplied refreshments: Copious gels, PowerBars, fruit and glucose tablets every 5K. I must say that I really do not think this is as hilly as others have commented. What is wonderful is the small field, the efficient organization and the traffic-free lakeside course.

You will not be disappointed.

I only do a couple of marathons a year and this turned out to be a great choice for an autumn marathon. The course is hilly, so this wasn't a fast one for me; but it was very scenic. The crowds and bands in the towns along the way were great. The organization at the expo and along the course was efficient. The finish line video was a nice addition afterward. Running along the lake edge a few days prior to the race was very pleasant as well. There were plenty of other distances offered in addition to the marathon, which worked out well for my wife (who did the 10 KM walk). A few things were a little disappointing: no runner-specific race photos afterward, a very misleading course profile on the race website, so-so shirts, and almost no race-related merchandise for sale at the expo. These points were minor, and I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking for an international marathon in an interesting town on a well organized and scenic course.

I was on vacation with my family. My son could also take part in the 4.2K race for children. The course is scenic but slightly hilly. The inclines are gradual but long. There are adequate aid stations and the turn-around point (it's an out-and-back route) has a really lively atmosphere. There are superb bands playing along the route and it helps to hear some good music. The finish area has a lot of food and drink carts, and the family can really enjoy themselves whilst they wait for you to finish. Lausanne itself is a beautiful place. My recommendation? Go for it!!

I was traveling to the Lausanne area with my family to visit friends and decided to run the Lausanne Marathon. I found everything about this race to be first-class. The packet pickup was well organized and the race start was like a festival, with music, dancers on a stage trying to "pump you up" and plenty of washroom facilities. The course was as scenic as advertised, with Lake Geneva and the Alps on the right and terraced hillside vineyards on the left. The road was fully closed to allow you to fully enjoy the sights. Crowd support was strong in the numerous villages we ran through and at the turnaround in Vevey. Their were bands and local cheering groups to give support. The aid stations were further apart than in North American races (5 KM's), but were well stocked with drinks, fruit and gels. The course was flat for Switzerland, but the rolling hills did eventually drain my legs. I would recommend extra hill work. The finish was also like a festival with solid crowds to encourage a strong finish. There was adequate food and drink. This race provided an amazing running experience and I felt privileged to have had the opportunity to participate. I would recommend this race both to runners looking for a marathon vacation or those living in the vicinity. Special thanks to my Swiss friends who drove my family to various spots to provide me support.

I ran the 2008 edition (full marathon). I thought that the organization was superb, from the pasta party, to the start area, to the numerous refreshment points. The course follows a truly scenic route alongside Lake Leman. Downside for me was the lack of crowd support at the end, probably due to the low number of entrants for the full distance (approximately 1,300). Half-marathon started later in the day and was much better represented. The course is quite difficult, with long inclines, so not ideal for running a PB. Water and energy drinks were provided in paper cups.

Living in Lausanne, I had assumed that the marathon would have been a lot better organized. The biggest problem I had was with the water stations (I ended up getting dehydrated later on in the race). Their website states that "The official refreshment posts take place at KM 5 - 10 - 15 - 20 - 25 - 30 - 35 and 40." What they don't say is that half of these were merely buckets of water for you to dip your hands, hat, etc. into.

If you do this marathon next year, I would advise you to bring your own water belt. I will definitely not be joining you there, though.

Beautiful out-and-back course with rolling hills throughout. The is one of the most scenic races I have ever run. Great views of Lake Léman and vineyards terraced on the mountain side. Not many spectators except in the few small villages. Well supported aid stations. Course was completely closed to traffic. Pasta party was a little lame because they were skimpy with the pasta. I am sure that saved a lot of francs. Post-race support was excellent. Expo was very good too. If coming from the States, buy a Swiss Rail Pass before your trip so you can see the country without any hassle. Take the opportunity to hike in the Alps after the race and before it snows.

Great setting along Lac Leman makes this one of the most beautiful and scenic marathons I have run. The previous comment by Mike says it is fairly flat, but I thought it really undulated to sap you, especially as it was warm this year and there is little shade. Totally traffic-free, and well-marshaled, but having cups instead of bottles was a drag. Nice tented expo near the lakeside finish. The out-and-back course is okay, as you see things from a different perspective on the return (better than loops!). Excellent transport links on Swiss rail help you to get to the city with ease. A great, mid-sized, European marathon.

Lausanne was my first marathon abroad and I enjoyed every kilometer of the race. Beautiful course and decent fan support. Best parts were running along the huge lake, running through narrow, winding streets, and the halfway turnaround point in Vevey with lots of fans. Bands playing music every 3-4 miles, good aid stations, fairly flat... you really couldn't ask for better. The only minor drawback may be the course being an out-and-back one, but it does vary a bit on the way back, and the whole thing is along the lake... can't go wrong there. Try this one if you are in Suisse in October!

What scenery to compliment this well organised well run marathon. Fairly flat traffic free superbly marshalled route along Lake Geneva to Vevy and back. Excellent start and finish and apart from water in cups lots of power drink fruit etc. Fab finish on shores of lake right by the espo tent and all the hotel . Good air links cheap accommoddation make this a little gem. Support could be better