This was my first half marathon, unfortunately this year 'blessed' by a torrential rain from the beginning to the end. The track is not really exciting, especially the first half is set in an anonymous countryside environment and then on a periferic road heading UP to Locarno. At the end all we got was a t-shirt.. no medal, no gadgets, NO SOLID FOOD whatsoever (not even a biscuit, sigh!). Because of the weather spectators were very few.

Very nice track (2 half marathon round) and perfect organization. Unfortunately marathon runners are few and at the second round the supporters disappear. A party at the end of the marathon race can help to have more people present until the end. The race date is one week after NY and at same day of Turin Marathon. No medal souvenir at the end.

Great event, as long as you aren't looking for spectators. Flat and fast course. Spectacular scenery, with farmland, snow-capped peaks, castles, and a beautiful lake. Downsides: no course maps at registration, and shirts in my size (L/XL) were gone when I finished (in 3:34). Very disappointing, especially considering that there were under 300 starters! But it was my first marathon, and I loved it nonetheless!

It is a two-loop course, with the second part of the loop beside a beautiful lake and throughout Locarno City. The first part is a bit annoying since it is in the countryside with no spectators and not-so-nice scenery. By the way, it is completely flat and fast.

This race is not popular among marathon runners; for every one of us, there were four running the 1/2 marathon. Landscape is beautiful and varied - you run a loop (twice) that takes you on the shore of the lake, through downtown Locarno City and into the countryside. Organization should consider reversing the starting order: 1/2 marathon race follows the full distance and creates some crowding. There are only few distance markers, so monitoring your pace is difficult.

Double loop of a figure of eight course around the lakeside town of Locarno in Italian-speaking Switzerland. Beautiful scenery with the lake and mountains always in view mean this isn't a boring run. Also good for seious runners, as almost two thirds of 300 people in the full marathon finished in under 3:30. Downsides were a howling wind at one point (but it's not too cold in Ticino in November), few distance markers, and a general lack of interest in the streets of Locarno toward the race.