The 20 km de Lausanne begins at Lake Geneva in Vidy, ascends through Lausanne's streets, and concludes by the water within the Pierre-de-Coubertin stadium. This Swiss road race, held annually in late April since 1982, offers 5 km, 10 km, and 20 km distances, and is the third most popular running event in Switzerland.
The 20 km course is not flat. It starts at 377 meters elevation, reaches 536 meters near the 12 km point, and then descends toward the lake. The race originated from Juan Antonio Samaranch's concept for Lausanne to host a major public run linked to its Olympic heritage, with organizers drawing inspiration from the 20 km de Paris. It remains inclusive, accommodating amateurs, professionals, companies, school groups, children's races, accessible entries, volunteers, and childcare.