Marathon du lac d'Annecy

The Marathon du lac d'Annecy begins and ends in Annecy, a lakeside city in Haute-Savoie known as the Venice of the Alps. Held annually in spring since 1980, it is a road-running event centered on the marathon, featuring a half marathon, 10 km, 5 km, Nordic walking, and youth races. Approximately 12,000 runners participate in the various events, including beginners, club runners, and professionals, with participants from about 70 countries. Annecy Haute Savoie Athlétisme organizes the race, which holds a French Athletics Federation national label and World Athletics classification. The marathon route traces the western bank of Lake Annecy, with nearby mountains defining the run's atmosphere. The course starts in Annecy, goes past locations like Charles Bosson park and the Marais de l'Enfer, and concludes at Le Pâquier, the large seven-hectare lakeside esplanade. It ranks among France's older marathons, frequently compared to Paris for its extensive history. The race weekend also offers an event village, aid stations, numerous volunteers, and the opportunity for a guided tour of Annecy post-race.